March 17th, 2018
This week has been crazy. Sunday's numbers were low so I had to go to urgent care and get an infusion of platelets. I thought I would start feeling better after the infusion but that did not happen. I was really run down and did not feel like doing much. It makes sense since all my numbers are in the tank. Thursday morning I went in for my normal blood draw. I got a call from oncology about three hours later freaking out that my platelets were critically low and I needed to get to the ER right away.
Thursday was shot, spent 4 hours at the ER getting an infusion and got home about six. I decided that Friday morning I was going to go in and do another blood draw so I know my numbers going into the weekend. If my numbers were on the edge I would make a Saturday appt for more blood infusions. I did not want to go 4 days without knowing my numbers.
So Friday I got my new blood draw and went home to wait the 3 or 4 hours it takes to get the results. While at home I could not get warm sitting by the fire with my coat on. I knew this was a bad sign, further proven by waking up to Karen with a thermometer. So I took my temp, it was 100.5. With no immune system, I knew this was going to put me in the hospital for a while.
I went back to the ER, spent six hours getting poked, prodded and tested for everything. Once they felt comfortable that I did not need to go to the ICU (thank God), they moved me up to oncology. Side note: they put back in the exact same room I spent my first 30 days in. Of all the rooms up there I had to get the same room.....karma?
It is Saturday now and I have received a lot of antibiotics. They give me blood and then they come back and take it for more tests. They try hard to figure out what bug you have so they can kill it. I feel better but the fever still comes and goes, but it has not even been 24 hours. It is likely I will be here for 3 to 4 days.....I will be watching lots of college basketball.
I met with my oncology doctor today and he confirmed once again this is normal for 99% of the patients getting this treatment. When your immune system goes to zero, almost all patients get a fever and end up right where I am at. The good news is that my immune system should be kicking back in any day now. That would be helpful. If this is what it takes to come out the other side cancer free I am ready to do it.
Sorry this post was not too uplifting, but that is the way it is. I still read ever post I get and appreciate all the encouragement. Hope you are all doing well.
Comments (11)
Kevin we've been amazed by how you have been able to maintain your sense of humor and your positive attitude. But studies prove that's what makes a huge difference. So hang in there and know we want to hear both the good and the less than wonderful. Thanks for keeping us up to date. We're thinking of you.
Kevin, you are our inspiration. We all appreciate every update even when they aren't super exciting. We are with you and think of you all the time. Be well friend
Thanks for the update Kevin. Hope your numbers improve quickly and you find some energy again.
Kevin, I enjoy reading your posts and hearing exactly what is going on with you. Hearing the details gives me comfort cause I know you are going to be ok. This is all part of the process to get to the other side, that I also believe. Stay strong 💪🏻 and keep up the fight.
As bad as this sounds I’m comforted that the doctors think this is "normal". Hang in there. You are strong.
Sorry for the setback Kevin but as long as this is normal for what you are going through you can make it. Just stay strong and positive and hopefully soon you will be able to be back home continuing on the road to beat this thing. Sending you love, hugs and kisses from K. C.
Kevin...I am just catching up after stepping away from technology for a few days. Thank you for keeping us all updated and be so honest and open about your experience. I think it is helping us all grow and have more compassion for what you and many others are going through. You are a fighter and I love that. We are all cheering you on and sending you positive healing vibes and prayers. Hang in there and hoping there are some good b-ball games to entertain you. Otherwise, I'll have to put a livecam on Manuel and me and you can watch us bicker on the Bend project. It's coming along...
Kevin, so many up and downs treating cancer. Even though it may not seem good, it is comforting that you are in the hospital when your counts are so low to be monitored. Just think, this will be a "down" and you will rise "up" again soon. Positive attitude is the key, I am amazed at your strength. Praying and thinking of you often. Thank you for the update.
Hang in there Kev! Sorry that you're having to go through this, but the fact that this is 99% normal (even though it's not fun) is good and like you stated before...boring. Well, the trips to the ER probably aren't boring...but you're staying strong and keeping the course! Here for you man! Brian
I am glad you are a fighter! Hang in there and always believe you are pushing through to the other side. I am so sorry you are going through this and let me know if there is anything we (R&H) can bring you or do for you. We are all thinking about you every day!
If you had to be in the hospital I'm glad the NCAA basketball was there for you. We killed some time this weekend doing the same thing. Go Zags! It is good to hear your update even if it isn't the most uplifting. We will take the good and the not so good news. It sounds like Karen is keeping an eye on you as well as the staff. Hang in there!!