I'm home today waiting on my nadir, which comes about 10 days after a chemo treatment, and if we catch it and keep me healthy enough, hopefully I can avoid being hospitalized (as I was on the corresponding Nadir Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday last time).
Two things can happen at the Nadir:
1) Having no platelets--being a hemopheliac, basically--in danger of spontaneous hemorrhage (knocks, cuts or bruises would bleed uncontrolled internally or externally). For this the easy solution is (a) don't risk falls, bumps, or cuts (b) keep my Monday appointment for a complete blood count (c) infuse me with platelets if I'm low (platelets are inert little things and anyone can donate to me, regardless of blood type). Last time it was nosebleeding and sore gums.
2) Having no white blood cells (being immune compromised). For this the plan is (a) stay away from non-family members (eg went to church Saturday and wore a "stay away" face mask (b) don't go out much and (c) monitor my symptoms.
They have to hospitalize me if I show any signs of sickness at all (fever of 100.4 or more, or any combination of symptoms that look any worse than "really tired")
The idea is they have to give me a chemical immune system while we wait for my personal one to bounce back.
- antibiotics if they suspect any kind of infection (no time to test)
- antivirals (but this is on reason why I'm continuously on acyclovir) if they suspect a viral infection
- antifungals (if they suspect a fungus)
2 comments:
Hang in there rhyming patient. You're really teaching so much with your posts. It is one time, though, we all wish it was a class in theory.
Yes, echo the first commentator. You really are helping others with your sharing; because of knowledge you shared here, I was able to urge a friend to press on getting a PET scan. Just wish it wasn't needed, in both your and her case.
Hoping this nadir is not as bad as the last.
Big hugs, no kisses this time due to the germs!
Post a Comment