Day 6

We're 6 days past Transplant Day and Joe is holding his own.  While he felt his worst yesterday, today was only slightly improved. Side effects continue to drain him and he feels fatigued.  This is all normal as his counts continue to drop.  White Blood Count is at 0.1 (no ability to fight infections) and his HCT (red blood) is at 23.8 (transfusion time) and Platelets continue to hold at 21.  They won't give him additional platelets until he's below 10 - likely this weekend.  While his WBC won't get much lower, we do anticipate his HCT and Platelets will continue to drop.  Matt, Dad's primary RN today, tells us that he'll continue to feel this same way through Monday but he is exactly on track in his recovery process.  By Monday, he should start feeling better.  He did get two units of blood tonight which should have an immediate positive impact.   Mom did get him to talk a walk around the floor this morning, but he wasn't up to the task tonight. At least we got one good walk in.  

I think he's getting tired of the hospital food and requested a Lions Choice sandwich tonight which he did scarf down (and stayed down).  He said he felt pregnant and had a craving for Lions Choice.  I'm taking this as a very good sign!!  And he said it tasted good so hopefully his taste buds are starting to recover.  

Blood pressure tonight was good at 120/67 and blood sugars continue to remain steady.  Only two units of insulin today.  

He did have the best medicine today - visit from #1 eldest granddaughter, Courtney, and #1 great grandson, John.  They both put a big smile on his face.   

Matt also informed us that while Joe's hair is hanging on, it likely won't be into next week.  But, so far so good!