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9/19 a quick summary

Sep 20, 2006
5 comments

Some have asked about the duration of my hospital stay. As a rule it was described to me as 4 weeks in the hospital, w/intense chemo. 2 weeks rest at home, I think to recover a bit. Then, 4 more weeks of more chemo in the hospital, I think concentrating on the spinal column, where the leukemia cells like to hide. 6-8 spinal taps to look forward to there. I can't wait!!. Then I'm home a week and back in for a week to complete the first 3 month round. Unfortunately, the whole cycle gets completed a second time (that kinda sucks) - But hopefully the hospital stays will end around March. I'll try to find out more about this second round of hospital stays and what happens there and write back. Hopefully, after the 6 months, I'll be in remmission and I'll receive an additional 2 years of outpatient care and if I'm still in remission, I'm considered relatively cured. hoorray! then, I'm running the San Fran marathon on general principle - I have been staring at the terrain so long from this window - I'll already know every step. I think I'll shoot for 3hrs 10 minutes - I can dream can't I? Hell, maybe I'll win the damn thing! :)

I believe most of the Leukemia is out of my blood, and on Friday we will probably sample bone marrow to see how we are doing in that area. I'm neutropenic and susceptable to infection. My blood levels are low. but I feel strangly fine. I wear a mask in the halls outside my room where I should be more, but I've been figuring out this blog the past 2 days. after we figure the "invitation' process out, I think we can speak freely, I hope. I'll be walking my laps first thing tomorrow.

I also got good news that it unlikely that the leukemia cells carry the "philedelphia chromosome" something which changes the direction of my treament. still, a small chance though. I'll have to wait a couple more days to find out.

I have a hearty appetite (a drug called marinol- helps that). my weight is up. good vitals, and few, if any, side effects.
I am feeling pretty good. I have a simple task: try to stay in shape while the drugs do their job. I can do that.

some drugs of the day...mostly antibacterials, antivirals, appetite enhancers, and stool softeners.

Pills

Pills2

This is my Nurtritionist, Amelie. She keeps me away from fresh foods and stuff that might have bacteria. All highly processed for me since I could get sick so easily. ahhhhh....to be nuetropenic.