Sunday, May 21, 2023

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

 

Kristina’s Neutrophils are at 0.13 (or 130).  This is the 4th day of steady increase. Her Ox level is 95, which is about as close to normal as she can get.  So all metrics are pointing north.

Kristina is feeling much better at the moment.  The chemo really knocks you down, but then the body slowly recovers.  She’d like to express her sincere ‘thank you’ to all the well wishes she’s gotten but while there’s a momentary lull between the Chemo and the Transplant, she knows that however bad the Chemo was, the Transplant will be worse.

While this round of Chemo had some complications, all and all it was (when viewed through blurred eyes) normal.  And she’s out of that phase and feeling pretty good.

She’s planning on making the rounds in the next few days and live the next couple of weeks as normally as possible.  She’ll be wearing a mask and hope that others do as well – K95’s preferred.  The risk isn’t zero, but are fairly low.  Did I mention she feels pretty good at the moment?

The next big thing is Wednesday when Shannon will take Kristina for the BMA (Bone Marrow Aspiration) test.   This will determine if she has achieved full remission and confirm that the Chemo did what it was supposed to.  This is the gateway to Transplant.

Then the tests begin and likely more transfusions.  For many of the tests, she can drive herself but if there are blood draws or platelet transfusions, she’ll be needing someone with her and in several cases someone to drive her to and from the appointment.  We’ll use the Calendar to manage that activity.

Believe it or not, the acute need right now is the signup for care giving in August and September.  After transplant, she needs to have 24 / 7 care and she’ll need to prove that she has 24 / 7 care covered on JUNE 6th to qualify for the Transplant.  If that box isn’t checked, then she can’t go forward with the transplant.  In other words, action is required by June 6th.  (or NOW.  Just do it).  Weekdays are covered by professional caregivers (great to mitigate that if you can work from home at her place) but the key needs are the weekends.  If you do sign up, click ‘all day’.   So if you have days  to spare especially a weekend, use the calendar to sign up.

Right now Kristina is dead set on getting out of the hospital and enjoying herself.

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