What a wonderful day here at the Pirigov National Medical Surgical Centre. Why you may ask??
Today is my official day of discharge from the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation program. Complete blood biochemistry was drawn early this morning to ensure that all parameters were functioning within normal limits.
TODAY'S FINAL BLOOD VALUES:
Hemoglobin: 108
Leukocytes: 11.62 (mildly high, but not unexpected over the first week of recovery)
Platelets: 300
All other biochemistry, coagulation tests, ALT, AST, creatinine, calcium, uric acic, blood sugars, electrolytes, all within normal limits. Upon examination, Dr. Fedorenko did question how much fatigue I am experiencing, which is quite high right now. He explained it was a two fold reason. One, chemotherapy and rituximab still working in my system, and two; that I am still pretty anemic after the therapy. One of the saving graces of this lymphoblative or non-myeloblative HSCT regimes, is that it is relatively sparing of the red blood cells and hemoglobin...but only to an extent. They are still reduced to about 60% of their normal resting values, but this should recover quite well over the next month. With that, comes energy and a bit more pep in the step. So what helps with fatugue? How about a huge slow acting steroid shot in the bottom...sold! Did the trick!
Since all testing came back normal today, I also got to say goodbye to my sublclavian line which has been hanging off my right collar bone for the last month! Check this out!
Today is my official day of discharge from the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation program. Complete blood biochemistry was drawn early this morning to ensure that all parameters were functioning within normal limits.
TODAY'S FINAL BLOOD VALUES:
Hemoglobin: 108
Leukocytes: 11.62 (mildly high, but not unexpected over the first week of recovery)
Platelets: 300
All other biochemistry, coagulation tests, ALT, AST, creatinine, calcium, uric acic, blood sugars, electrolytes, all within normal limits. Upon examination, Dr. Fedorenko did question how much fatigue I am experiencing, which is quite high right now. He explained it was a two fold reason. One, chemotherapy and rituximab still working in my system, and two; that I am still pretty anemic after the therapy. One of the saving graces of this lymphoblative or non-myeloblative HSCT regimes, is that it is relatively sparing of the red blood cells and hemoglobin...but only to an extent. They are still reduced to about 60% of their normal resting values, but this should recover quite well over the next month. With that, comes energy and a bit more pep in the step. So what helps with fatugue? How about a huge slow acting steroid shot in the bottom...sold! Did the trick!
Since all testing came back normal today, I also got to say goodbye to my sublclavian line which has been hanging off my right collar bone for the last month! Check this out!
Just to clarify what it is you are looking at. You can see the dark blue catheter being held by the nurses hand...that portion to the right was external, had three ports which were used to take blood, use IV's etc. The light blue portion to the left (about 8" long) was inserted into the Subclavian Vein. The reason, is that whenever a medication or fluid is injected, it is immediately perfused throughout the body due to it's proximity to the heart.
We were able to escape for a trip to a local store where I devoured two ice cream sandwiches and came back to the hospital to await Dr. Fedorenko and Dr. Julia's marching orders. I have been provided with strict instructions regarding medications, foods that can be eaten or avoided and general lifestyle guidelines. I can expect symptoms to temporarily get worse for the first few months after treatment. This is understandable, given all the physical stress that I have put my body through.
But the most important message you are left with is, exercise, eat well, do your physio regularly and live life! They all say that even if treatment is not 100% successful in the conventional way, if you live by these facets, you've already won....100%
I'll leave you with a few pics from today and on a very high note!
But the most important message you are left with is, exercise, eat well, do your physio regularly and live life! They all say that even if treatment is not 100% successful in the conventional way, if you live by these facets, you've already won....100%
I'll leave you with a few pics from today and on a very high note!
Some sunshine on a fresh bald head...feels kinda great!
Enjoying some fresh air!
All star head nurse Galeena
Dr. Julia, myself, and Dr. Fedorenko
Mom, Dr. Julia, myself and Dr. Fedorenko
Still one of my favorite pictures of this magnificent hospital!
We are gearing up for our return home early Monday to reunite with our loved ones. To all of you who offered your thoughts, prayers, support, emails, etc.....thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This experience has been difficult, but accomplishable with the love of others.
I will likely take a break from blogging for a bit. Most of what occurs from here on in is measured in months, not days or weeks. I will do my best to send regular updates, likely after a month or so, as my body takes time to heal and regain some of it's old strength and stamina!
One last time, on discharge.....Love from Moscow!
I will likely take a break from blogging for a bit. Most of what occurs from here on in is measured in months, not days or weeks. I will do my best to send regular updates, likely after a month or so, as my body takes time to heal and regain some of it's old strength and stamina!
One last time, on discharge.....Love from Moscow!
