"HIGHLIGHTS" of the past few days

 

Kristina was updating her “Highlights” of the past few days.  The quotation marks are hers because, well, “highlights” just isn’t the right word.

First the course of G-CLAM Is over.  It’s a 5 day course of chemicals with long names designed to crush the number of cancer cells.  It also has a wide range of side effects including increased chance of infection and oral sores.  Already Kristina is reporting changes in her mouth – feeling / tasting like sandpaper and gunmetal (lovely). 

Hair loss is likely to begin, but she tugged on it this morning.  Firmly attached to the noggin (yay!).

The hospital routine, G-Clam treatment and sleep are not compatible bandmates.  The G-Clam treatment and incessant monitoring at all hours of the night make for long ass nights with little restorative deep sleep.  I keep thinking of trying to sleep on a pounding small boat sounding like it’s trying to tear itself apart and 3am watches during my 2 R2AK rides and by day 5 the cumulative sleep depravation makes for a zombie like existence.  The similarity breaks down pretty quickly, but sleep deprivation alone, without the compounding effects of Chemo and drugs is miserable and debilitating. 

Added to all this is the endless paperwork and phone calls trying to get through the personal admin stuff for an extended leave from work.  The list is slowly getting whittled down, but it’s tedious, much needed, and worrisome.

Then there’s the blood pressure thing.  Her diastolic pressure has dipped to 44, but today was around 54.   She’s battling to keep it above 60.  Hydration is one of the keys.

On the plus side, the donor situation is looking positive.  It sounds like  suitable donor has been found and her PRA (Panel Reactive Antibodies) panel came back negative – a good thing.  Kristina has had over 100 blood transfusions and the risk is she may have antibodies that would dim hopes for a transplant.   But she doesn’t.  And a likely donor has been found.  More on this tomorrow with a deeper dive on how transplant donors are matched with recipients.

All this combined – paperwork, blood pressure, sleep deprivation, chemo side effects, etc are a lot to battle.  Encouragement is much appreciated.  She says it’s been lovely see friendly faces.

Her mailing address is (remember, no flowers – but paper ones are ok)

Kristina Southard Rm 8448

UW Medicine, 8SA Medical Oncology

1959 NE Pacific Street

Box 356188

Seattle, Wa 98195-6188

 

Keep the positive energy flowing as she battles boldly

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