Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Morphine is becoming my friend.

The mucositis has been causing quite a bit of pain. But I am learning how to manage it with morphine. I have still been eating and getting up and walking several times per day. Have to push myself sometimes, but generally I am doing good. The doctor said everything is going smooth and all of my counts for organ functions look very good. It's tough, but I am on the road (a long road) to recovery. Endurance and persistance are important so I am keeping up on all the things they suggest I do. I'll be out skiing before I know it!

Eric

Sunday, September 26, 2010

The new cells are in me now.

Yesterday, the transplant of the new bone marrow cells finally completed at about 10:00 am. A total of about 9 hours. I was completely exhausted by the time it was finished. It was a tough feeling because I was so tired I couldn't sleep. I have been up all day and night with trips to the bathroom every hour for the past 2 days. However, I have been able to get some sleep in between. They tell me the mucositis should set in in the next couple of days. It is suppose to be rather painful and they will give me morophine. I have had lots of family and friends visit so that is helpful. Just taking one day at a time.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Transplant day.

Today is the big day. Actually, the schedule is that the donor cells will be here about 1:00 am, so technically, tomorrow will be the date of transplant. The cells arrive to the airport at 9:00 pm, then go through processing at SCCA before arriving to my room at the hospital at 1:00 am. I am still feeling pretty good. Looking forward to this evening.

Eric

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Last day of Chemo is now done.

Today I finished my last day of Chemo. Still no major side effects. I will have break tomorrow, then the new cells from my donor will be infused on Friday. Everything is moving along smoothy.

Eric

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

First day of chemo done today.

Today I was admitted to the hospital and finished the first day of chemo. I am starting to feel some side effects, but still no nausea or vomiting, which is good. I received red blood cells today also since by counts are dropping. Tomorrow is the last day of chemo.

Eric

Monday, September 20, 2010

Last day of Radiation done.

Today I finished the final day of radiation. I am fortunate again to not have any side effects today. Just tired and walking a bit slower. Tomorrow I will be admitted to the hospital at 8:00 am. Tues & Wed will be chemo, rest on Thurs, then received the transplant on Fri. I'll keep taking one day at a time.

Eric

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Day 2 of radiation.

Today I finished the 2nd day of TBI (Total Body Irradiation) today. I feel better today than yesterday. No side effects (just tired) - which is uncommon. My blood counts are dropping though. Tomorrow is the last day of radiation.

Eric

Saturday, September 18, 2010

First day of radiation done.

Today I finished the first day of radiation. I didn't get the most common symptoms of nausea and vomiting. However I've had a bad headache earlier that seems to be getting better this evening. It also made me tired - I slept several hours after coming home. Will go in at 8:00 am again tomorrow to do it again.

Eric

Friday, September 17, 2010

Radiation starts tomorrow.

Tomorrow I go in for the first day of Total Body Radiation (TBI). 2 sessions - one at 8:00 am, then the other at 2:00 pm. Same schedule on Sunday and Monday. Then admission to the hospital on Tuesday for 2 days Chemo before the actual transplant which will be next Friday. They trained me today on using the infusion pump that I will carry in a backpack so I can give myself IV fluids for hydration at home during these 3 days. They also gave me 4 different kinds of nausea meds since radiation often causes nausea. I'll try to post again after radition and let everyone know how it goes.

Eric

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Transpant day is fast approaching.

After all the tests and procedures last week, we are still on track to start the transplant this Saturday, the 18th. I guess they haven't found anything wrong with me (except the residual Leukemia in my bone marrow, of course). Last week, Toshiko and I also had a lot of teaching at the clinic for food safety and home care since there will be several months after the transplant of being careful not to get infections or bacteria while my new immune system is developing. This week there will be some procedures, training, and doctor meetings. I'll have dental cleaning, another spinal tap, a simulation of TBI (Total body irradiation), and sign final consent forms with the Doctors. Most of the tests are now done. My parents are coming over on the 18th also. They will be also be going to the home care classes next week as I will be staying with them in the condo near the hospital when I get out.

We had an early birthday party for Tyler this evening (he'll be 3 on Sept 26th). Just the 3 of us went to a nice Japanese restaurant where they all sang happy birthday to Tyler and brought him some nice ice cream with a candle. He really enjoyed it. We also bought him a little Guitar - he seems to really like guitars.

Eric

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Enjoying the weekend.

This past week was quite busy at the Clinic. I was there just about all day, every day. Lot's of tests, procedures, and appointments with doctors. It will be the same thing this week. However, after a morning blood transfusion yesterday, I have the rest of this 3-day weekend off. I have been sleeping a lot though (I think as a result of the spinal tap with chemo on Friday). This morning I went over to Bremerton and had a nice time visiting with everyone there. My sister, brother, their families, and friends over there are having a huge garage sale to raise money to contribute to my fund (www.ntafund.org). They have been a great help and the garage sale is quite a success! Thanks everyone!

The current schedule still has me on track to start Radiation on Sept 18th. I'll then be admitted to the hospital on Sept 21st for 2 days of Chemo. Then, the actual transplant will be on Sept 24th.