I may have lost track of how many blood transfusions I've received here, but I did have another round of red blood cells and another round of platelets today.
Harken back, if you will, to the days of yore... the days of mobilization. Yes, it was only a few weeks ago. :) During the mobilization process, I was given a cocktail of chemotherapy and bone marrow stimulation which urged my body to release the adult, blood-producing stem cells from the bone marrow. I proudly collected 5.2 million of these beauties during harvest.
When I was admitted this time for the transplant, my cocktail was a little different. I was given chemotherapy meant to both obliterate the bone marrow and another one to surgically excise all circulating white blood cells. It was important to try to completely remove any lingering immune system (white blood cell) messages which wrongly identify normal tissue as the enemy. After that 5 day vomit fest, I mean treatment, I received my 5.2 million beauties back in a simple blood transfusion-like procedure.
For a few days, I still had enough circulating red blood cells and platelets to get by. But, as my bone marrow remains fallow while the little stemmies find nice homes, my counts drop and drop. I have become dependent on blood transfusions until the bone marrow begins to function again.
When the stem cells find a comfortable spot, they will begin to produce all three cell lines: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. In the meantime, I give a sincere thank you to the donor every time I watch their blood save my life.
In other news, I am officially septic. My blood cultures are positive for bacteria, which I guess explains my continued daily fevers and so forth. I now have a team of infectious diseases specialists on board who are further caressing my antibiotic regime. I do feel a bit better, ate a little today, did a little walking, and continue to improve.
My stem cells could take hold any day now, so I look forward to sharing the good news soon!
Dear Holly - It is so great to hear you sounding positive and to find your quirky sense of humor back in your posts. We too thank your blood donors and all your doctors and specialists and all those who are caring for you so tenaciously. What a grand team!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, your family and friends really missed you, Steve and the boys at Yosemite, especially because it was such a gorgeous weekend that we all went to the valley to see the prodigiously flowing Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls for the first time in years. I'm sure you'll be getting photos soon.
Please keep up your high spirits in spite of all your travails. You have a lot of people praying harder than ever and sending our love.
Take care,
Elaine and Curtis
Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over…it became a butterfly! Hoping you get your wings soon ~ XOX Kym & Chris
ReplyDeleteSooo happy you're feeling a little better. Step by step, inch by inch...
ReplyDeleteXO, Jolie
Watched Zenyatta race at Del Mar and thought of you...
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs,
Suzie, Jenna and Zach
Thanks, Holly, for making it a little easier to sleep at night. It is downright thrilling to know that so many lousy days are behind you and some good news is coming up. Take care of those gosh darn bacteria. They are most definitely not invited to your party! :)
ReplyDeleteDr. H:
ReplyDeleteStay strong, kiddo. Things will continue to improve!
Love,
Glenn B.
ps.... thank you for the reminder. Julie and I are on our way to the blood bank. It has been too long for both of us. thank you.
ReplyDelete