PTD 238 4/24/08 April 30, 2008
Posted by peanut in Regular News.add a comment
Sorry it has taken so long to update my last visit. Blood work was good. Hemoglobin and IGG levels have come up. The doctor decreased my prednisone again by 5mg. Starting a new pill for the GVHD dryness in my mouth. I take it 3 times a day. It has side effects like everything else, but can cause blurry vision and problems with driving at night. I just got my new eyeglasses. Vision improved some, but still having trouble with computer/reading vision being blurry.
I have started back in the no sleeping zone again. I also have pretty bad back(between shoulder blades) and chest pain, mid to left side. I am scheduled for a bone density scan 5/8/08. They said being on prednisone so long could cause osteoporosis, which may be why I have the pain.
I guess that is all the news for now.
PTD 224 4/10/08 April 12, 2008
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I had my appointment at the BMTC with blood work and chest xray on Thursday. The chest xray was okay, but my hgb had dropped 0.7gms since last visit. They are just going to see what it is in 2 weeks. That’s good, because I really don’t want to get any blood, if I can help it. It also explains why I have been so tired and my energy level has dropped.
They will test for the IMG level in 2 weeks. Sometimes it takes several weeks for the level to increase after the IVIG infusion.
We talked about the narrowed veins in the upper chest area, and they basically are in the early stages of performing this type of treatment. I feel there are just way too many risks involved during and after to seriously consider this at this time. I will just have to cope and pace myself with my physical activities. When I get tired, out of breath or chest pain lifting, mowing the lawn, bending over to pick sticks….I just stop and rest for 20-30 minutes.
I had the roof and gutters replace this week. It looks nice and now I don’t have to worry when it rains. I had 2 leaks and the gutters were all rotten.
Next projects are some electrical upgrades, dead tree removal, some vinyl siding/shutters and painting.
I’m still waiting for my new glasses. Apparently there was a delay with getting the frames I ordered. Vision is so blurry trying to read anything, but I can see okay to drive.
My head is pretty well covered with hair now. Finger/toe nails are still not really growing out, except for pinkie/ring fingers. My fingers continue to crack open on the tips.
I guess that’s all my news for now. I will update after my next appointment.
PT Day 218 TGIF April 4, 2008
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Hi,
Rainy and nasty here. We had half an inch of rain overnight. Supposed to get in the low 70’s today, possible thunderstorms.
Have felt okay this week since the infusion, no fevers or major aches. Just tired. I had a couple nights of insomnia, but hope to get some extra cat naps in the weekend.
I got my other dog Abby back last night. She is a corgi mix. She was so glad to see me. She has put on weight. Brandy and Sheba weren’t as thrilled as I was to have her back, but no fighting.
Waiting for my new eyeglasses to come in. Should be in next week. The reading part was way off, but no glucoma, cataracts and veins in back of retina look good. I was getting very concerned as my vision for close work has been so blurry.
Guess that’s all the major news for now. I have a clinic appointment next Thursday, so will update again after that.
Have a good weekend.
3/31/08 PTD 214 Infusion of IVIG April 1, 2008
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Hi,
I went to Duke ABMTC today and had an infusion of IVIG. They pre-medicated me with benadryl and hydrocortisone to help prevent any allergic reactions. This protein is supposed to raise my immunoglobulin levels, which are very important to my immunity. After the chemotherapy and PBSCT I was left basically with no immune system, no protection against infections…bacterial, fungal or viral. So, this IG infusion is very important to hopefully help stimulate my new forming immunity.
The infusion took about 3 hours. The drive back was horrible. Heavy rain, tractor trailers, fog, crazy drivers. flooding on the road. I was never so glad to get home.
Tomorrow I have my eye appointment. I hope my prescription can be changed so I may see better reading and using the computer. The nurse I had today said blurry vision after transplant was not that uncommon.
Hope you all have a good week.