-3 and Last Day of Chemo Conditioning

Although last night’s chemo conditioning came a bit late, it went pretty well. I took a small sleeping pill and that seemed to help me sleep better. I never collapsed but I did sleep through some visits because you really do get interrupted all the time. This morning I deduced that chemo came late yesterday because the doctor I saw today said that my dose of medication had been altered. The “B” drug was high in my blood from the tests done my first night in. I call it the “B” drug because it starts with a “B” – all the drugs have long names and at times, it all just blurs together. What’s interesting is that I was presented with a research test trial before starting my journey here at Moffitt. The current trial is working under the theory that if a patient does well with the normal high dose of chemo then more chemo is better. I decided to not participate in the trial; although I was told there should be little difference, I really didn’t want to take the chance. The reason I said this was interesting before is that it was the “B” drug they planned to increase from 5400 to 9000. Wow, if I would have done the trial then the “B” drug would be REALLY high in my blood stream – then who knows? The doctor this morning told me that the “B” drug will be lower in tonight’s treatment and was lower in last night’s (probably why it was late), so, in my opinion, the trial definately would have been a bad idea. I did, however, agree to give some blood for research purposes, but I’m not sure when that’s being taken. The blood’s supposed to be used to check genes, and it was a good, painless cause.

The one major difference I’m dealing with today is my new little “purse”. For the next 2-3 weeks, I have to wear a 24 hour drip of a drug used to help with graft vs. host disease (fancy phrase for rejection). It’s called Tacplumes (if I’m spelling that right). So I have this purse with a decent size strap to swing across my shoulder. Inside the purse is a programmed device that attaches to an IV bag and then my blue Hickman lumen. The lumen then receives the drug on a 24 hour stretch and the bag gets periodically changed. So far, I feel okay; the nurse checked on me a few minutes ago.

Joel went to Heather and Ryan’s wedding this afternoon and I wish I could have gone. He said it was very nice and sent me a quick pic. I already texted Heather my congrats so hopefully they’re all having a good time. They’re a great couple and we wish them many happy years together.

This is my last night of chemo conditioning; it will make 4 nights total. My counts have slightly dropped; I’ve been told it takes time, which is why I’m scheduled to have two days of rest. I don’t know if I’d call it rest completely. I still have to wear the 24 hour pump and my calendar says that I start antibiotics tomorrow. Plus, I’m supposed to have 4 doses of Metatraxate (spelling?) post transplant to help fight graft vs. host disease. I had “Meta” in my last big chemo that pushed me into remission. It’s a pretty aggressive chemo drug that likes to cause hair loss and mouth sores. My hair’s growing back just in time to probably fall out again and mouth sores suck, but hopefully they won’t be too bad.

Overall, the most difficult thing right now is waiting. The transplant is scheduled for the 15th — this Tuesday, and then we wait. I’ve been told I’ll be taking A LOT of medication and I’m not looking forward to how I might feel. I’ll deal with it all, of course, but less happening to me is the best thing day by day. So far, I look the best out of most of the people I’ve seen. Most are female and older, but mom’s seen an older teenage boy and we did see one guy when we were out walking yesterday and today. We appear to walk the most and one nurse said we should get gold stars; mom, of course, challenged her to make us some. She’s encouragable, but I know she’s just being herself and trying to be entertaining. That’s mom.

Related posts:

1. Chemo Burns
2. Day 2 – Post Transplant Chemo
3. -5 So It’s 5 Days Until the Transplant
4. -4 Pre-Transplant
5. This Week in Review

Tags: Jamie, Leukemia