Deb started out about a 7 on the Woozy Meter but by nightfall when we left clinic was riding in a wheel chair with about an 8.5 going for her. That's the point where unassisted walking results in bumping into things and slipping. It's unsafe! So, naturally most every step was on my arm.
We were supposed to be in clinic at 07:30 but had a hard time getting out the door. When we went back to our designated treatment room and got hooked up to all the meds promptly, it had all the makings of a short day for Deb. After meds and labs , we left right after lunch.
As I've said in the past, discussing lunch options and planning a meal is about as exciting a thing as we can handle in our current condition. While on the way home Deb wrote down needed supplies while I drove and discussed what we already had. Deb was so hungry she was salivating. Just as we were about back at the condo, my phone rang and it was APN Peggy telling us that Dr van Rhee had returned from Holland and wanted to examine Deb in spite of his jet lag. So with protests from a starving lady, I did a turn and headed back to clinic. We went back to the same room and APNs, nurses, Dr van Rhee and his shadowing doc from Formosa walked in. That made for a cozy room! Dr van Rhee did a short physical check, then looked Deb over and checked heart and lungs and pulse. He reviewed her labs and made some adjustments in meds. He said she was doing great!
As you see from the numbers below, Deb's CRP has been rising, indicating something is making her sick. It could be the meds and infused cells, or it could be an infection in one of the 4 ports she has, or something unknown. It could be days of receiving blood products without steroids. Blood samples were drawn from each port to eliminate that. Other tests including another PET scan are upcoming. There will be a painful bone marrow test in the morning.
One thing is certain: No one could ever be more carefully monitored! They are watching this gal! For that we are so grateful!
So, a new very strong anti-fungal was added along with a new anti-biotic. Since it was a new drug in the IV, it was set to infuse the 1/2 coffee cup quantity over 2 hours. Deb was comfy when it started but soon she developed chills, high fever, and miseries. I kept covering her up trying to get her warm. After watching this for a while, I went to get the nurse. She slowed down the infusion and Deb got some relief. But for most of the afternoon Deb was a pitiful pup!
While in the room, we over heard an old patient visiting who had been treated several years back going nurse to nurse praising them for their care in his treatment. He was so thankful for their help! It really is like being with your closest friends who are so gifted in mercy and compassion as well as their tremendous medical skills.
On another note, since UAMS is such a wonderful cancer research campus, there is another Doc here who is researching Ovarian Cancers. According to his article, there is no test for ovarian cancer. It is easily treated if caught early, but is usually diagnosed very late in its cycle. Dr Alexander Burnett has trained five dogs of various breeds to sniff out ovarian cancer by training them to recognize the smells from tumors and urine from ovarian cancer patients. If this works out, many lives could be saved! Cool huh! Go pet a dog, get sniffed, get diag-nosed {pun intended}.
Today in clinic we found out that one of our favorite nurses had taken a few flying lessons, as had Deb. We also had a note yesterday from a lady classmate who actually finished her private pilot license and participated in the Powder Puff derby, an air race for women pilots that Amelia Earhart had also participated in. Deb does not have a pilot's license but she is an FAA ground school instructor and has the license to prove it!
After we got home and I fed the starving lady, we checked the mailbox and found a dozen or so cards which we much appreciate! As Deb lay in bed, I handed her each one which she read out loud. She was really touched by your kind remarks and prayers.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I do not have the expertise to evaluate these resources. They are offered to increase knowledge about the NK Cells. Vern
There is a scientific article of unknown quality at :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_killer_cell
There is a graphic explanation on You Tube that helps get an idea of the process NK Cells use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNP1EAYLhOs
Medical Article at : http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/content/112/3/461.long
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
White Count-below 2 is neutrapenic and indicates Deb's vulnerability for infection.
Platelets -a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day White Count Platelets CRP
0 0.04 29 12.8
1 0.07 15 77.0
2 0.03 42 140.3
3 0.07 27 144.1
4 0.23 52 206.0
No comments:
Post a Comment