Day +14
A day we’ve all been waiting for….They say stem cells usually begin to make their way into the bone marrow around Day +14. This can vary based on individual, give or take a day or 2. The beauty of this is that once the stem cells start making their way into the bone marrow, this is when they begin to start working and mature from stem cells and make their way into the bloodstream as either white cells, red cells or platelets. The cells we are most excited about seeing show up are the white cells which are neutrophils that help fight infection. The other blood cells; red and the platelets are the ones that can be transfused while awaiting this process to take place. Today marked a small victory as Jasmine’s stem cells (again, thank you Mimi) have begun to make their way into the bone marrow and as of this am, a small blip of white cells showed up in the blood counts. Now, it is a small amount, however, the doctors were hoping it was at least a .10 and it was! Getting filgrastim injections to increase the production of the cells so that the counts increase.
Doctors are still trying to get to the bottom of the bacterial infection and have been culturing the blood in the lab to see what type of bacteria it is so they can treat with different antibiotics if necessary. For now, they have changed the 2 original antibiotics for stronger coverage. There is a likelihood that these antibiotics will be necessary for the next 2 weeks to clear the infection in the bloodstream. Awaiting further results to see if the picc line needs to be removed, but for now they are allowing it to stay given the high fevers and low blood counts and the necessity to have immediate access to it. Platelets: 2 Hemo: 6.8 so both were needed this am.
Missed the cut-off for breakfast today and finally had a craving for a marionberry danish. A little disappointed but then 1/2 hour later was surprised with one (warmed up with butter) from our wonderful room service attendant, Marjorie and our nurse, Kati. Another win for today!!
Inflammation has increased so much causing approximately 15 pounds of water weight. Whole body is swollen; almost don’t recognize legs, hands and belly. Now being given albumin and lasix to pee out the excess fluid.
