Today was my first of what will be at least 8 straight days of trips to Cedars Sinai. Today's trip and the next 6 will be to receive a shot of Neupogen and a blood test. The blood test is to see how my immunity levels are holding up. The Cytoxan I received last week is methodically destroying my white blood cells. The Neupogen increases them in the bone marrow. A normal white blood cell count is between 4 - 11. Mine, today, was 4. Bottom end of normal range. It will soon be below normal so I need to be vigilant to prevent exposure to bad germs. Likely side effects of the Neupogen are bone pain and flu-like symptoms. Haven't experienced them yet, but I'm told I probably will at some point. But, snapshot of where I am today is: feeling fine, both physically and emotionally. BTW: I did follow through on both the bike ride and the tennis match following last week's chemo. As evidenced by the attached photo, my backhand needs some work.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Neupogen
Today was my first of what will be at least 8 straight days of trips to Cedars Sinai. Today's trip and the next 6 will be to receive a shot of Neupogen and a blood test. The blood test is to see how my immunity levels are holding up. The Cytoxan I received last week is methodically destroying my white blood cells. The Neupogen increases them in the bone marrow. A normal white blood cell count is between 4 - 11. Mine, today, was 4. Bottom end of normal range. It will soon be below normal so I need to be vigilant to prevent exposure to bad germs. Likely side effects of the Neupogen are bone pain and flu-like symptoms. Haven't experienced them yet, but I'm told I probably will at some point. But, snapshot of where I am today is: feeling fine, both physically and emotionally. BTW: I did follow through on both the bike ride and the tennis match following last week's chemo. As evidenced by the attached photo, my backhand needs some work.
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I love the high follow-through on the backhand and the cyclists in MD this past weekend were dressed for ski jumping. Keep it (attitude and playfulness) UP.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I thought Iron Lady was an AMAZING film and it rose to Streep's portrayal(although I am far from a MT politico admirer).
:)
Kindda cousin Phyllis
Keep the progress reports coming. You're doing FANTASTIC!
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing little brother. I love the positive attitude - wish I had it! I'm so happy you're feeling good. Love you!
ReplyDeleteHey Ed-
ReplyDeleteGood news/bad news about what side-effects to expect. Nick forgets we aren't all the same... If he didn't get nauseous, then he expects you not to, too. Not sure I agree on this one. That's the bad news. Good news is I never had any fever or bone pain. Stings a bit as they pump lots of NP into your belly. But not too painful overall. I was also getting Heparin injections, too. So after a while, it looks like I was wearing a black and blue "bruise belt", since Heparin is a blood thinner and leaves hematoma wherever they stick you. But you aren't on blood thinners, correct? No worries... I like the way you embrace feeling good and don't waste time waiting for the next "I feel lousy" shoe to drop. Keep smiling good friend!
Ed, I'm new to your blog, but went back and read everything from the beginning. I have MM, stage IIIB, with kidney failure. I am now on PD dialysis at home. I will be starting the stem cell mobilization process on Jan. 31. So, I am really following your blog with interest. I am also jealous of how you keep working out and staying fit. (and your good weather!) Good luck with your upcoming treatments!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you, Sheri. Hope everything turns out well.
DeleteSame to you. Good to know you are still feeling good. And no hair loss! I think that part worries me almost as much as feeling nauseous does!
DeleteI know you will do MUCH better than the Packers did last weekend. Give a call anytime.
ReplyDeleteGreg Sessler