After an exhilarating day yesterday, where I was elated to have my isolation restrictions modified and finally able to walk around the ward a bit, I was in a very good head space. I have always maintained through this entire process it requires the person to be 'in the moment' at all times and don't go overboard, as recovery is on a time line. It was a day of a milestone victory, and I celebrated by walking a bit more, listening to my body and resting appropriately. Everything as usual according to plan....
Until about 11pm last night. I had finished watching a movie, some emails, etc, when I noticed a bit of an ache emanating from my right scapula. At first, I figured, bad posture, muscles are aching a bit, nothing to worry about, so we'll just monitor it. Over the course of the next hour, however this dull ache became increasingly sharp, then radiated to the front of my right shoulder and right chest region. The pain was now increasing regardless of my body position, now up around a 5-6/10. Was I really concerned? No. However, being what HSCT is with immunosuppression and chemo, I thought for once in my life I would be prudent and ring the nurses bell and hang my head in shame.
I had already taken my own vitals, blood pressure was good, no fever, only mild pain with deep breath but the nurse called Dr. Nakita at midnight to ponder a few more questions with me. To his credit and the staff here at Pirigov, he did not hesitate and showed up to examine me.
They ran an ECG, to make sure the heart was good...no surprises all fine there. Many vials of blood work ruled out a thrombosis (blood clot) and that there were no underlying infections in my body (which was my primary concern.) He administered a nice bolus of analgesic into my Subclavian line, and sure enough, after an hour, the pain subsided and I was able to get comfortable enough to get some sleep at about 2 am. Again, I was never really all that concerned that there was anything ominous happening as all of my other body signs were, and have been good, but it was very reassuring that this staff know what procedures to do and make sure that patient health is never compromised.
So, enter Dr. Fedorenko this Sunday morning after travelling 18 hours to Estonia to present research to bone marrow specialists regarding the extensive studies they are performing here, and with his usual smile and warm approach, he comments to me about the engraftment pain I had experienced last night. He had already reviewed my file from the previous evening and knew everything looked great. He then asked if I'd like to see my blood work from this morning?
Today's Blood Values Yesterday's Blood Values
Hemoglobin: 100 101
Leukocytes: 23.7 8.43
Platelets: 267 185
My Leukocytes shot through the roof last night with the engraftment! Normally there is some overcorrection early on, but considering the normal range for Leuks is 4-10...23.7 is a bit high. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR CONCERN WITH THIS. Just another reason why doing this type of procedure where they perform them by the hundreds is helpful. Experience, experience, experience. Some patients overshoot up to 30, before dropping back down. He says it may take a few days to a week for the big correction to happen, but it sure does explain the sharp aches I had. Leave to a Moore to do nothing half way!
Today, I awoke with no pain, eager to get outside...and yes, sorry to all of those in Ottawa who have a grey day, but for the first time in weeks....it's sunny in Moscow!
Did several very slow trips around the grounds, taking breaks and just soaking in the sun. Not only have the skies been grey, but I haven't been able to be outside to enjoy them. At one point, I just stood for 20 minutes gazing up feeling it reflect off my albino scalp (may need sunscreen tomorrow:) How great is that!
Anyway, it was just a refresher for myself to stay in the present and deal with things as they show up. It has been my mantra since I've been here, and will be for the next few months too. Listen to the body and learn. Feeling great again, looking forward to a good rest tonight!
Everyday is another step forward!
Health and healing from Moscow!
Until about 11pm last night. I had finished watching a movie, some emails, etc, when I noticed a bit of an ache emanating from my right scapula. At first, I figured, bad posture, muscles are aching a bit, nothing to worry about, so we'll just monitor it. Over the course of the next hour, however this dull ache became increasingly sharp, then radiated to the front of my right shoulder and right chest region. The pain was now increasing regardless of my body position, now up around a 5-6/10. Was I really concerned? No. However, being what HSCT is with immunosuppression and chemo, I thought for once in my life I would be prudent and ring the nurses bell and hang my head in shame.
I had already taken my own vitals, blood pressure was good, no fever, only mild pain with deep breath but the nurse called Dr. Nakita at midnight to ponder a few more questions with me. To his credit and the staff here at Pirigov, he did not hesitate and showed up to examine me.
They ran an ECG, to make sure the heart was good...no surprises all fine there. Many vials of blood work ruled out a thrombosis (blood clot) and that there were no underlying infections in my body (which was my primary concern.) He administered a nice bolus of analgesic into my Subclavian line, and sure enough, after an hour, the pain subsided and I was able to get comfortable enough to get some sleep at about 2 am. Again, I was never really all that concerned that there was anything ominous happening as all of my other body signs were, and have been good, but it was very reassuring that this staff know what procedures to do and make sure that patient health is never compromised.
So, enter Dr. Fedorenko this Sunday morning after travelling 18 hours to Estonia to present research to bone marrow specialists regarding the extensive studies they are performing here, and with his usual smile and warm approach, he comments to me about the engraftment pain I had experienced last night. He had already reviewed my file from the previous evening and knew everything looked great. He then asked if I'd like to see my blood work from this morning?
Today's Blood Values Yesterday's Blood Values
Hemoglobin: 100 101
Leukocytes: 23.7 8.43
Platelets: 267 185
My Leukocytes shot through the roof last night with the engraftment! Normally there is some overcorrection early on, but considering the normal range for Leuks is 4-10...23.7 is a bit high. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR CONCERN WITH THIS. Just another reason why doing this type of procedure where they perform them by the hundreds is helpful. Experience, experience, experience. Some patients overshoot up to 30, before dropping back down. He says it may take a few days to a week for the big correction to happen, but it sure does explain the sharp aches I had. Leave to a Moore to do nothing half way!
Today, I awoke with no pain, eager to get outside...and yes, sorry to all of those in Ottawa who have a grey day, but for the first time in weeks....it's sunny in Moscow!
Did several very slow trips around the grounds, taking breaks and just soaking in the sun. Not only have the skies been grey, but I haven't been able to be outside to enjoy them. At one point, I just stood for 20 minutes gazing up feeling it reflect off my albino scalp (may need sunscreen tomorrow:) How great is that!
Anyway, it was just a refresher for myself to stay in the present and deal with things as they show up. It has been my mantra since I've been here, and will be for the next few months too. Listen to the body and learn. Feeling great again, looking forward to a good rest tonight!
Everyday is another step forward!
Health and healing from Moscow!
