Mark and Dianna met with Dr. Zangari today. Mark is doing okay but has contracted a virus called Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and his body can't fight it off. This has caused his white blood cell count to drop. Also, Mark has thrush from throwing up so much. Mark will be taking a strong antibiotic for both of these infections.
In addition, because he is still not eating or drinking like he should, Mark is in need of more fluids. His blood pressure is very low (around 84/72 and they measured it three times). Because of this, Mark will need to go to the Huntsman over the weekend and then will follow up with Andrea, the PA, next week.
On top of all that, Dianna ended up with an unscheduled root canal on their only day off this week and felt really bad on Wednesday. The nurses they met with on Wednesday at Mark's appointment thought they were going to have to find a bed for both of them!
Mark continues to be very weak -- just getting dressed is exhausting for him. Even the trip to the hospital and back home is very draining on him.
Mark and Dianna are a bit discouraged. They had hoped to attend the AutoRama tomorrow night ... had even arranged for wheel chair for when Mark got tired. With Mark's white blood cell count down, they have decided it's probably not a good idea. Also, Dianna had planned on going back to work for awhile but she'll need to see what happens first.
There is a bit of great news however ... they did not see any free air in Mark's abdomen. Hallelujah! Also, Dianna has been giving Mark potassium in IV and pill form for the last 6 days and his level is about to where it needs to be.
Bottom line -- more meds, more fluids, a few more appointments, and then maybe a 6-week break.
Have a good weekend.
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- Strapper
- NOTE: "Strapper's Journey" is maintained by Mark's sister, Stephanie.
Multiple Myeloma Info
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2009
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March
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- Good Day!
- White Blood Cell Count = Up!
- Minor Set Back
- Another Day
- Happy Birthday, Shane!!
- Engraftment Finally!
- Still No Engraftment
- Support and Encouragement
- White Blood Cell Count on the Rise
- More of the Same
- One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
- On the Right Track
- Better Than Yesterday
- A Tiny Bit Better
- Lingering Sickness
- The Side Effects of Chemo
- Successful Transplant
- Chemo Day
- Ready for the Transplant!
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March
(19)
3 comments:
Darn it! I'm so sorry for this latest dissapointment. Hopefully this weekend trip to the Huntsman Center and the antibiotics given, will help you to get back on your feet. I wish I could do something to speed up your recovery Son. Honey, please try to keep your chin up. We know it's has got to be harder than heck, with all that you have been trough. But, as my brother says, "Life is an attitude" a positive attitude will get you further than a negative attitude. Keep fighting hon, don't give up. Luv mom
Two steps forward, one step back will still get you to your destination, right? Dianna, I'm so sorry you had a bad week, too. I hope you can get some rest this weekend while Mark is resting at the Huntsman. Bummer about the car show:( We love you guys. Take care..
Mark and Dianna
Seems like there is always something doesn't it? Every day you wake up Mark, YOU ARE A SURVIVOR!! You have an unbelievable nurse caring for you. You are the only Myeloma patient we know who hasn't had to go in to the hospital for a week, so at lest you have that honor.
denese & Kim
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