Mark's white blood cell count is sitting at 6. He got sick while trying to eat on Thursday and hasn't been able to get over it yet. Andrea, the PA, thinks that maybe he over-did it the day that he was feeling better (over-doing it can just be from walking around too much). She told Mark that making a trip to the Dunes would not be a good idea if he's still wearing out easily.
The next appointment is on Monday with Dr. Zangari. Hopefully he'll give Mark and Dianna a prescription for six weeks off.
Have a good weekend.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Good Day!
The CMV test results are in. The test was negative (that's a good thing) and Mark's white blood cell count is on the rise (above 6)!!!
Mark is up and moving around the house a bit today, however he continues to be very weak and will break out in a sweat for no apparent reason.
Leave it to Mark to describe his journey in terms that only another auto enthusiast would love ... the stem cell transplant process is just like needing an oil change. Now apparently his thermostat has gone out!
Mark is up and moving around the house a bit today, however he continues to be very weak and will break out in a sweat for no apparent reason.
Leave it to Mark to describe his journey in terms that only another auto enthusiast would love ... the stem cell transplant process is just like needing an oil change. Now apparently his thermostat has gone out!
Monday, March 30, 2009
White Blood Cell Count = Up!
Mark is doing about the same. He is still very tired and wears out fast. He has lost 25 pounds in about the last month. The good news is his white blood cell count is up. The results of the CMV infection won't be back for two days so he is still on antibiotics.
His next appointment is on Friday.
His next appointment is on Friday.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Minor Set Back
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.
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.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Another Day
Mark continues to be very weak and he tires easily. His potassium level is still very low as his body is robbing his potassium to look for energy. Dianna will be giving him a potassium IV for the next 8 hours. He is still experiencing bone pain and most likely will for about another 48 hours.
Mark and Dianna will get a break tomorrow and then go back to the hospital on Wednesday for labs. Their appointment with Dr. Zangari is on Friday.
Thanks again for leaving comments for them on the blog. Please be sure to leave your name along with your comment. (Whoever wished Shane a "Happy Birthday," please let us know who you are so he can thank you properly.)
Mark and Dianna will get a break tomorrow and then go back to the hospital on Wednesday for labs. Their appointment with Dr. Zangari is on Friday.
Thanks again for leaving comments for them on the blog. Please be sure to leave your name along with your comment. (Whoever wished Shane a "Happy Birthday," please let us know who you are so he can thank you properly.)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
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