4-26-03 Journal Entry

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Yesterday was a beautiful spring day in the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, I didn’t get out for a bike ride because I was awoken in the middle of the night with chills and a fever of 103. I didn’t sleep well the rest of the night and in the morning we were off to the doctor. They started me on IV antibiotics and gave me several prescription antibiotics. They also did a chest x-ray and a CT scan of my sinuses, since I have been having headaches for a couple weeks now. I went into the hospital again this morning to receive another dose of IV antibiotics. I feel better today than yesterday, but the fever is still hanging around. Not the way I wanted to wrap up my spring break, but I am hoping to feel better soon so I can return to work at the beginning of the week. This recent episode is reminding me of the importance of germ awareness. I need to wash my hands more often throughout the day and carry the hand sanitizer with me all the time. During this current treatment I am immunosuppressed and increased diligence in regards to hand washing could probably help reduce the risk of these infections. I’m even thinking about asking my students to wash their hands when they come in the classroom. Little prevention can go a long way.

On the brighter side, my blood counts are holding strong. Yesterday’s tests indicated a hematocrit of 39 (highest it has been in almost a year…this is good!), platelets at 105, and WBC at 5.9. I start my fifth round of treatments on Monday. Hopefully my fever will be gone by then so I don’t have to delay starting this next cycle.

Last Wednesday Michelle and I went up to the Seattle Cancer Care Center (part of U of W Medical Center) to see Dr. Petersdorf. Dr. Petersdorf did my bone marrow transplant back in 2001. The reason for the visit was to talk about the option of doing a mini-transplant after I am done with my current treatments in June. We discussed risks, length of remission I might get, and amount of time I would be out of commission. After the appointment Michelle and I decided that this isn’t a treatment option we want to pursue right now. I think we are going to see what kind of remission I have after my current regimen and maybe we can revisit the mini transplant option down the road. Right now I am just not ready.

Thank you to all of you who continually pray for my family and me and help us out when we need it. I wanted to add a couple more names to your prayer list. There is a little boy named Logan who is currently undergoing a bone marrow transplant for a rare immune system disease. I work with Logan’s mom. I also request prayers for our friend Karen who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and will need a transplant soon. Everyone’s prayers have been such a blessing to me and I want to extend the power of your prayers to Logan and Karen. Thanks.