March 2011 - Induction - Cycle 1 - Day 11

The last couple of days have been uneventful; which is a good thing. Actually slept pretty well the last couple nights. Been a little more tired the last couple days. Back at the clinic today for my fourth and last injection for cycle 1. I had my doubts that my counts would recover and I would actually be able to receive the injection. To my surprise my WBC was up to 1.7, but the platelets are still dropping, down to 46; though that is still to be expected. Now my body will have 2 weeks to recover before the injections start for cycle 2, hopefully by that time most of my counts will be greatly improved.

March 2011 - Induction - Cycle 1 - Day 8

Back to the clinic today for another injection. Before the injection they check my blood counts, not so good today. White blood cells are very low (1.0) and platelets are very low (63). The nurse states even though the counts are low it is to be expected since the medications destroy the good and bad cells. I can no longer eat fresh fruits or vegetables until my counts recover. I am also officially quarantined to my house. My nurse is already preparing me for Thursday stating I might not get an injection if my counts are too low. I am not sure what too low is, since I think my current counts are to low for my standards.

Had my INR blood test today to check my blood thickness, I have been on a blood thiner for two weeks and now my blood is too thin. So now I have to skip taking the blood thinner meds for two days, then I start a crazy dose of 7.5mg on Tue and Thur and 5mg on all other days. Sometimes I think the doctors are just testing my memory.

Back on my Monday dose of the steroid, the culprit of no sleep last Monday and Tuesday night. I am told my body will adjust to the steroid and will handle it better the more doses I take. I sure hope they are right.

March 2011 - Induction - Cycle 1 - Day 6

Slept pretty good last night and had good energy today. The last three nights had night sweats, not sure if this is from the medications. Not looking forward to the steroids on Monday and the crash on Wednesday, my nurse states my body will adjust and the crash will be easier as time progresses.

March 2011 - Induction - Cycle 1 - Day 5

Today was a pretty good day, slept great last night and was hungry for breakfast. Yesterday when I was at the clinic the nurse had told me that my "baby" white blood cells are increasing, which is good. Though the medications and the disease have really taken a toll on my white blood cells and platelets. Due to this Jane has pretty much quarantined me to the house. I am hoping for some warmer weather so I could at least go for a walk; I am really not a homebody; I like to get out and do things.

March 2011 - Induction - Cycle 1 - Day 4

Much better day than yesterday. Fever seems to be under control and I was able to stay awake most of day, though I did take a ten minute power nap over lunch. Back to the clinic today to get my second injection. Was able to eat breakfast and lunch so far and looking forward to dinner. Jane tries her best to accommodate my ever changing appetite. Everything is starting to taste different, even something as simple as water has a different taste.

March 2011 - Induction - Cycle 1 - Day 3

Rough night and day. Did not sleep Tuesday night and started a fever sometime in the night. Spent the whole day in bed and slept. Did not eat much, though i was hungry nothing sounded good. Jane called the doctor and they prescribed a antibiotic.

March 2011 - Induction - Cycle 1 - Day 2

Not much sleep last night, I was warned the steroids could cause insomnia. I have been up since 2:30 this morning and feeling pretty tired at this point. Other than the tiredness still feeling pretty good.