My week started with going to Dr. B's office for labs and my neupogen injection. Well, you know you're in big trouble with Dr. B sticks her head around the corner and wiggles her finger for you to come follow her. Turns out my platelet level only rose from a 5000 to 7000 after the platelets on Friday. "Crapolla" I say. "Crapolla." She gave me the worst case scenario of my body starting to reject platelets and the need for specially treated platelets most likely available at UIHC at the closest. "Razzle-Frazzle" I say. Well, given my count was below 10000 I hadto go over the St. Luke's for more platelets on Monday afternoon.
First I get my neopagen and then they send me over to the hospital and let me know that they are going to put the PPIC line in when I get over there. I was a bit taken aback by that little ditty of info., but they kind of explained that, as often as I was needing labs and blood product, it would just be easier on my veins and probably provide less chance of infection if they just put it in now rather than waiting until I start chemo again on 8/1. Actually, it was probably a good thing because I really didn't have time to think about it. It went in really well - cuz I had a "nice fat vein" to work with. Here's a real shocker for all of you, One injection of Lidocaine wasn't enuf. Who'd-a-thunk! It's amazing me how they can thread this long catheter from my inner right arm about three inches above my elbow all the way to about mid-point in my upper chest & I didn't feel a thing.
It is tender today and I ended up having two dressing changes. One this AM at PCI when I went in for my injection and the orders for the two units of blood I needed. Even though the site didn't bleed at all when the team was done with the procedure (not normal) it started bleeding about 10 minutes into the infusion of the platelets. This morning the PPIC line site looked like it might be a petri dish and I wasn't in the mood for growing bacteria. Nurses at PIC agreed and put on a new dressing. When I got over to St.L, I mentioned to the nurses there that the PPIC line hurt like heck when I was trying to do my hair or do anything else that involved raising my right arm and bending my elbow. They looked at it and figured out what might be wrong and since the team was going to be on the unit in the afternoon, they'd just add me to the list. It just needed to moved to a different angle because what was happening - since I now have extra skin - was the skin was folding over on the insertion site and shoving that down farther on the catheter hence causing pain. See, I'm not just a light-weight; there was a reason for it.
Tomorrow afternoon when I go in for my injection, Candace said Dr. B would have the letter dictated and signed indicating that working comp. time on Saturday's was far more healthy than going back to the office after chemo or other procedures. I haven't heard anything back from the powers that be yet relating to my request for special circumstances but I expect to hear something by Friday - especially since I will turn in the letter first thing Thursday morning. I know this particular instance doesn't fall within the specific spreadsheet I prepared; however, there are things that need to be done ASAP and I can't get them done if I can't go in Saturday. Right now, it's more about completing the work than anything.
A special request for prayers for Paul's friend Rick. He is deteriorating fast. They did a PET scan I think the end of last week and what was at one point two lesions on his brain is now 22. He is having difficulty recognizing some of his family members at this point. Please pray for God's will in Rick's life and for comfort for his family as he take what appears to be his final journey. If it is God's will, may He grant him a peaceful and painless journey home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayers of thanksgiving for some special people in my life who have helped me beyond belief since Dr. B pulled my driving privileges: Maggie, Rick, Rita, Brian, Matt and Paulette. Don't know what I'd do without you guys. I can't get along without friends and family and I want you all to know how much I appreciate you and your help. Some of you know my life's story and know that it is hard for to me realize that people really care about me enough to want to help me. God is teaching me all kinds of things during this little jaunt.
Right now please pray that during the next round of chemo, which as I said, starts August 1, the bad cells go away and my body - through the power of God (cuz my body sure isn't cooperating) starts to grow healthy cells so that I can undergo the stem cell transplant in somewhat better physical condition.
Peace, love, hope and joy,
Carol
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