Mon, 30 Jun 2003

Bone Pain

Hey guys. It's Monday night and yes, we've been to the oncologist. Actually today was our last visit at the Utah Cancer Specialist office since Weds we are officially transferred to the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Team at LDS Hospital. (We in fact have a five hour meeting with discussions, tests, etc on Weds with the BMT.)

Jade's counts are about as could be predicted: red count, white count, hermatocrit, platelettes and hemaglobin are all low and will continue to botttom out this week. He should hit his low point immune-wise by Thurs to Fri. Starting Sat we are doing once a day neupogen shots and will probably go to two a day. Since they are helping to make his stem cells go into "hyper drive" basically all the places where bone marrow is made is really, really sore for Jade. He is experiencing quite a bit of "bone pain." The oncologist gave him some drugs which should help but he hasn't been sleeping well and just severely aches all the time. He and I are quite tired coming off the chemo week and not getting much rest yet. (I keep telling myself it'll happen one of these days.)

The tenative plan is to harvest Jade's stem cells next week sometime as soon as his blood counts are at the necessary levels. Starting Weds we'll be doing blood draws here (the lab van will come pick them up from me) and the hospital will let us know when so we'll be playing it by ear as far as the exact date of harvesting. Harvesting itself may take a day or two depending on the volume of what they're able to get from Jade.

I'll give some stories soon about the garage sale and Great Clips (hair cutting) from this wknd. We are so grateful for all the help. So much energy, effort and work in our behalf. Wow. Thank you.

I think I have officially had it for the day. I'm going to be done and get folding laundry and then sleep. (It's is sad when my first thought of the morning is "How much longer before I can come back to bed tonight?") Our oncologist was very kind and asked me today how I was coping as the caregiver. I responded, "I'm exhausted. Isn't that what I'm supposed to feeling?" It was thoughtful of him to ask.

Have a good week and we'll let you know what happens at the BMT mtg on Weds. Thanks for your faith and prayers and encouragement. Take care and sweet dreams.................

Love......................Tanya and co.