Tuesday 10 June 2008

Day -2: Last day of conditioning chemo!


I'm just waiting for my last dose of Melphalan, chewing on ice to try to limit the bloodflow to my mouth to minimize mouth sores. The ice therapy goes for another six hours so I should be freezing cold by end of day! My blood counts plummeted today (as expected) - I have only 1.1 white count (normal is 4.0 - 10.0) so infections begin to be the big risk, and the bacteria in my mouth will no longer be fought by the white count. It's all the normal course of the transplant process. My sleep has still been sporadic with all the hydration I am receiving, but at least the showering is done, so fatigue is my m All in all, everything is better than I expected. My brother's last shot of GCSF was this morning, and so his collection begins tomorrow. He just stopped by as my Melphalan got started. I'm off again to the washroom and freezing my mouth.

13 comments:

barb said...

Tricia,

Thank you for the picture and the posting! It is so good to be able to "see" you and to keep updated on your progress. You are doing an absolutely amazing job and we're holding up our end of the deal with those prayers, positive thoughts and vibes. Day -2.. wohooo!!

Love you!

Barbara

Louise and David said...

Wow, Tricia
Somehow you are managing to take us right along with you in the final countdown. Thank you!

That popsicle seems like tasty therapy for warding off mouth sores. You yourself look remarkably perky and bright on Day-2.

It is great the way that you are able to make every step of the pre-transplant process sound typical and expected. You end up boosting our confidence as much as we support you along your way.

Today in Aberdeen, David and I stopped in at the Cathedral Church of St. Mary's, said a Memorare and lit 3 votive candles - one for you, one for Brandon and one for Tasha. We prayed that Brandon's bone-marrow collection will go smoothly tomorrow, that you will hold to your planned course of treatment without obstacles and that the "blips" on Tasha's radar will even out for good.

Keep up the cool and cleansing work, Tricia. We trust that the only infectious thing in your personal space is your beautiful smile.

Lots of love, Louise and David

BJ said...

Dear Tricia,
Way to go, girl! You are absolutely amazing. We are buoyed up by the remarkable way you have handled everything so far. We continue sending all good thoughts and hopes your way.
Love, BJ

Sonia said...

Hey Tricia,

Way to go!! You look awesome by the way....

Keep up the good work...you, your family and your team are doing an excellent job there.... we are all right along with you doing our part by sending positive vibes and lots of prayers your way!!

Love Sonia

Bob Barker said...

Fantastic, Tricia! Or it could just as easily be, "Fantastic Tricia". In any case, the vibes are still strong out of Ottawa!

Love,

Bob

Dana said...

Hi Auntie Tricia! We saw your picture on your blog yesterday and were very excited as we called out "Tricia, Tricia, Tricia!!"

We can't wait for you to come out of the hospital for more guitar playing and dancing.

Love you lots, Jack & Davis

P.S. Our mom thinks you are absolutely amazing, keep up the good work.

Mary Ellen said...

Hi Tricia,
I'll echo Bob Barker's "Fantastic Tricia". You sure are!
Thanks once again for your picture and post. We love you lots.

Love, prayers and Qi,
Mary Ellen & Bob xoxoxoxo

kelsey said...

All I can think about is the Sex and the City eps. when they are in the chemo lounge with Samantha! I'll keep my comment rated G! but you know what I'm talkin' about!

Great to see you looking so good!

Holly Gustafson said...

We are so blessed to read your posts and see your picture; it is almost as good as a visit to your hospital room, and far less infectious. We are storming heaven with our little prayers here.

Carol and Tony said...

Tricia:

Thank you for the continuous update. I know it must be difficult for you to maintain the pace. We are all thinking of you and praying for you and Brandon as things progress.

Carol and Tony

martin said...

Incredible Tricia!

Keep up your positive attitude and open to all the of healing energy coming your way.

Thanks for sharing so candidly.

Love you!

Martin

ed said...

Thank you for the posting Tricia. You are simply FANTASTIC!

My platelet donation today went great.

My love, prayers and Qi are with you always.

Uncle Ed

Unknown said...

Tricia,

Thanks for the updates... it's good to know how you are doing and the progress your making.

You are truly amazing and we couldn't be more proud of you. Keep up the great work!

Sending love and prayers

Jenalee