Well, first let me apologize for the very long hiatus in my writings -- but I must admit, I think I forewarned you. In my prior posts I usually set the expectations that my next post would occur following an event worth commenting upon. Well, fortunately, there has been and is still nothing really newsworthy after 10+ months.
I did however want to take a moment just to check in. I still get notes and letters from friends and family wishing me well and making sure I'm OK. Well thank you! I am doing just fine.
Sitting at dinner tonight, we were reflecting upon the past year (well almost a year) since my last chemo treatment. It's hard to believe that the year has passed so quickly. During my treatment, it seemed that every day lingered and each sunrise was met with the reluctant anticipation of yet another series of tests, treatment, nausea or fatigue. Now, 11 months later I jump out of bed and meet each day with unrestrained exuberance (not really, but it made for a good visual).
Since my last blog entry in November, I have had three more PET scans. All the results have been favorable and have confirmed that I am still in remission. My PET Scans and doctor visits will continue every 3-6 months for the next 5 years, at which time if still "clean" I will be considered cured.
In June, I had surgery to remove my port-a-catheter from my chest. I faced this procedure with mixed emotions. While I was happy to have the hardware removed from my body, I also recognized this meant that future blood draws would be targeted at my tired and worn out veins, rather than siphoned from the spongy center of the port. I made it through surgery without any issues and my last venous puncture went off without a hitch --- and no fainting either.
Life is pretty much back to normal -- as normal as life gets with three kids -- juggling high school, middle school, elementary school, homework, projects and soccer. It's hectic, but it sure beats sitting in a chair waiting for your next dose of meds!
Carolyn and the kids have emerged from this whole ordeal seemingly unscathed. It's amazing to me to see how strong everyone remained throughout the duration of my treatments. I know there were many challenging days, but everyone maintained a positive outlook and kept on keeping on.
As many of you know, in May, Carolyn, Julia and Paige participated in a 5 mile run for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LSS). Brett, my dad and I also participated, but we opted to walk. Carolyn spearheaded the fund raising campaign and was successful in raising over $4,300 for LSS --- thank you all for your generous donations!
Over the past months, a few friends have asked if this experience has changed me. Honestly, I'm not quite sure. I think I appreciate the "moments" more, but I also seem to have less tolerance for bullshit -- (can I say that on a public blog? -- anyone know the FCC's jurisdiction?) I've never been one for confrontation, but now, I really can't be bothered -- life's too short to be bitter and try to pick a fight or debate every topic -- Carolyn has always said that I tend to be overly optimistic and prefer to see the glass as half-full, but at this point, I think I have good reason to!
Before I sign off, I want to ask a favor. There are two people in my life that need your good wishes and prayers right now, my friend Beth and my nephew Travis. Both are currently battling cancer. Although they are both receiving the best attention that today's medical technology can provide, I believe your thoughts, prayers and good wishes can only help.
Thank you for reading. I promise to check in from time to time -- even though hopefully, I will have nothing eventful to report. In the meantime, please go out and do something postive today, hug a loved one and count your blessings.
Glenn
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, November 9, 2009
Officially in Remission
It’s been about a month since my last chemotherapy treatment. The nausea and peripheral neuropathy (numbness in my hands and feet) are still lingering, but less severe with each passing day. My liver must be working overtime in an effort to purge the chemo’s toxicity from my system.
Last week was a good week.
On Tuesday, I had another PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography). This is the test where they have me drink a nasty-tasting canola oil concoction, inject me with radioactive sugar and an iodinated contrast material, and then place me on a table that slides back and forth while a donut-shaped tube takes digital images to determine changes in cellular activity (it’s not nearly as enjoyable as it sounds). This is the fourth PET scan that I’ve had in the past 6 months, so at this point I’ve learned to tolerate the procedure.
On Thursday I went to the Oncologist for lab work (medical lingo for blood tests) and the results of the PET Scan. The news was all good. My white blood counts were significantly improved, a by-product of a recovering immune system. More importantly, the PET Scan confirmed that the chemotherapy has done its job and there are no further signs of the disease.
Going into this whole ordeal, I was assured that this specific regimen of chemotherapy boasts a 90% success rate in treating Stage II Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. But even with the odds that good, all along the way, one can only hope they do not fall into the statistical minority. Fortunately, I am among the majority and my cancer is now officially in remission.
So, now that I’m on the road to recovery, what’s next? Well, in the short term, a much anticipated family cruise to Mexico. Medically speaking, I will be under the watchful eyes of my oncologist for quite a while. My next visit will be in 6 weeks. This will be for more lab work to make sure that my immune system hasn’t stalled and that my white blood counts continue to rally. I will also have the pleasure of enduring a series of PET scans, one every 3 months for the next 2 years, then one every 6 months, for the following 3 years. In reality, this will just present a truly minor inconvenience over the next 5 years.
My initial intention was to use this blog as an efficient method of communicating my progress through chemotherapy. I think it has achieved the initial objective. So, now that treatment is complete and I am beginning to regain my strength, I look forward to catching up with friends and family in person.
I anticipate that my blog entries will continue, but on a far less frequent basis. The blog can still prove an efficient means of providing updates, especially for those who I don’t get the opportunity to see on a regular basis.
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading. I’ll write again when there is more to tell…for now, please go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessing!
Glenn
Last week was a good week.
On Tuesday, I had another PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography). This is the test where they have me drink a nasty-tasting canola oil concoction, inject me with radioactive sugar and an iodinated contrast material, and then place me on a table that slides back and forth while a donut-shaped tube takes digital images to determine changes in cellular activity (it’s not nearly as enjoyable as it sounds). This is the fourth PET scan that I’ve had in the past 6 months, so at this point I’ve learned to tolerate the procedure.
On Thursday I went to the Oncologist for lab work (medical lingo for blood tests) and the results of the PET Scan. The news was all good. My white blood counts were significantly improved, a by-product of a recovering immune system. More importantly, the PET Scan confirmed that the chemotherapy has done its job and there are no further signs of the disease.
Going into this whole ordeal, I was assured that this specific regimen of chemotherapy boasts a 90% success rate in treating Stage II Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. But even with the odds that good, all along the way, one can only hope they do not fall into the statistical minority. Fortunately, I am among the majority and my cancer is now officially in remission.
So, now that I’m on the road to recovery, what’s next? Well, in the short term, a much anticipated family cruise to Mexico. Medically speaking, I will be under the watchful eyes of my oncologist for quite a while. My next visit will be in 6 weeks. This will be for more lab work to make sure that my immune system hasn’t stalled and that my white blood counts continue to rally. I will also have the pleasure of enduring a series of PET scans, one every 3 months for the next 2 years, then one every 6 months, for the following 3 years. In reality, this will just present a truly minor inconvenience over the next 5 years.
My initial intention was to use this blog as an efficient method of communicating my progress through chemotherapy. I think it has achieved the initial objective. So, now that treatment is complete and I am beginning to regain my strength, I look forward to catching up with friends and family in person.
I anticipate that my blog entries will continue, but on a far less frequent basis. The blog can still prove an efficient means of providing updates, especially for those who I don’t get the opportunity to see on a regular basis.
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading. I’ll write again when there is more to tell…for now, please go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessing!
Glenn
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Chemo Completed!
I am very pleased to report that I received my 12th and final chemotherapy infusion on Thursday, October 8th. It's been a very long six months or so and I am relieved to have this part of my journey behind me.
On Thursday, my white blood count (Absolute Neutrophil Count -- ANC) was pretty low, at 500. This is borderline between moderate and severe Netropenia, so I think I just squeaked it out! But since the doctor and nurse practitioner knew how determined I was to get this regimen completed and move on, treatment went on...I also think the fact that my Monocyte count (another type of white blood cell) was on the upswing, this helped to alleviate much of their concern about treating at such a low ANC level.
I'll be heading back next Thursday, October 15th for more blood work and to see how far my white blood counts have indeed recovered.
Then, on to the next phase of recovery ---more testing. In my near future, I will have another Pulmonary Function Test to measure the impact chemo has had on my respiratory functions, as well as a PET Scan to ensure all of the disease has been eradicated. I feel very positive about the PET scan since the last 2 scans have shown no further sign of cancer.
For now, I am eagerly awaiting for the toxicity of the chemo to dissipate, the nausea to relinquish its pervasive presence and the peripheral neuropathy to eventually fade away. In time, I will regain my strength, my ability to sleep for more than 2 hours stretches, eyebrows, and hopefully even the need for the use of a hair brush again.
Until then, I remain extremely grateful for all of the support that I have received from my family, friends and countless medical professionals who have all contributed to my care and well-being, be it medical, spiritual or emotional --- Thank you all.
I will keep you posted as I move through the next phases of tests --- But I don't expect any surprises and am quite confident the news to come should all be good!
That's all for today. Thank you for reading. And as always, go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessing!
Glenn
On Thursday, my white blood count (Absolute Neutrophil Count -- ANC) was pretty low, at 500. This is borderline between moderate and severe Netropenia, so I think I just squeaked it out! But since the doctor and nurse practitioner knew how determined I was to get this regimen completed and move on, treatment went on...I also think the fact that my Monocyte count (another type of white blood cell) was on the upswing, this helped to alleviate much of their concern about treating at such a low ANC level.
I'll be heading back next Thursday, October 15th for more blood work and to see how far my white blood counts have indeed recovered.
Then, on to the next phase of recovery ---more testing. In my near future, I will have another Pulmonary Function Test to measure the impact chemo has had on my respiratory functions, as well as a PET Scan to ensure all of the disease has been eradicated. I feel very positive about the PET scan since the last 2 scans have shown no further sign of cancer.
For now, I am eagerly awaiting for the toxicity of the chemo to dissipate, the nausea to relinquish its pervasive presence and the peripheral neuropathy to eventually fade away. In time, I will regain my strength, my ability to sleep for more than 2 hours stretches, eyebrows, and hopefully even the need for the use of a hair brush again.
Until then, I remain extremely grateful for all of the support that I have received from my family, friends and countless medical professionals who have all contributed to my care and well-being, be it medical, spiritual or emotional --- Thank you all.
I will keep you posted as I move through the next phases of tests --- But I don't expect any surprises and am quite confident the news to come should all be good!
That's all for today. Thank you for reading. And as always, go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessing!
Glenn
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Eleven Down, One To Go!
So today I started round 6 of my chemotherapy -- finally. Each round is a month and is comprised of a chemo treatment, followed by a week off, follow by another chemo treatment and then another week off. In total, each round has 2 treatments and 2 off weeks. So in short, what that means is that I had my 11th treatment today. Doing some quick math (and with out a calculator), if my total treatment protocol was 12 treatments, and I've completed 11, then I only have 1 remaining. (oh boy, it looks like I've been reviewing too much elementary school math homework lately).
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive today, prior to my blood test results. My fear was that my white blood counts had tanked to a level where it wouldn't be safe to administer the next chemotherapy infusion. It's been a very long ride so far, so I dread the possibility of any further delays.
Fortunately, even though my neutrophil count dipped a staggering 1600 points in the past week, to 760, it was just high enough to allow for chemotherapy today. So the good news is that I had chemo today and we're getting closer to the finish line. The bad news is that I had chemo today and FEEL like I had chemo today, a bit toxic and nauseous. But this is old hat by now and will eventually dissipate.
I will still have to be extra careful as we enter flu season to keep my distance from anyone with the sniffles or otherwise and be sure to continue with my dietary restrictions to limit any possible exposure to food-borne bacteria.
For now, my immediate goal is to stay healthy enough for next couple of weeks, so we can wrap up with the last treatment on October 8th. Then I can focus on the more important issues at hand, like what I'm going to be for Halloween this year!
That's it for today. Thank you for reading. I'll write again when I have some new information to share. As always, please go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessings.
Glenn
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive today, prior to my blood test results. My fear was that my white blood counts had tanked to a level where it wouldn't be safe to administer the next chemotherapy infusion. It's been a very long ride so far, so I dread the possibility of any further delays.
Fortunately, even though my neutrophil count dipped a staggering 1600 points in the past week, to 760, it was just high enough to allow for chemotherapy today. So the good news is that I had chemo today and we're getting closer to the finish line. The bad news is that I had chemo today and FEEL like I had chemo today, a bit toxic and nauseous. But this is old hat by now and will eventually dissipate.
I will still have to be extra careful as we enter flu season to keep my distance from anyone with the sniffles or otherwise and be sure to continue with my dietary restrictions to limit any possible exposure to food-borne bacteria.
For now, my immediate goal is to stay healthy enough for next couple of weeks, so we can wrap up with the last treatment on October 8th. Then I can focus on the more important issues at hand, like what I'm going to be for Halloween this year!
That's it for today. Thank you for reading. I'll write again when I have some new information to share. As always, please go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessings.
Glenn
Saturday, September 12, 2009
It's All in the Numbers
From the time we are very young, we are focused on numbers. During our early years it's about school grades and test results, MCAS scores and SAT results. As we get older it's about college entrance exams, GPA's and starting salaries. Once we begin to settle into our adult lives, the most interesting numbers become, tracking Tiger's strokes upon the leader board during the latest tournament, how the Red Sox are doing in the standings and whether the Patriots will have enough wins this season to take it all and regain the Super Bowl title. For the most part, these are all fun numbers to track.
Well, for cancer patients, the focus can be slightly slanted on a new set of number...blood counts. For me personally, my weekly focus is on my White Blood Counts. The chemo therapy I've been receiving has done a good job of killing off the cancer cells, however it's also done an equally good job of killing off the healthy white blood cells, especially the nuetrophils, the unique white cells that protect me from infections.
Over the last several weeks, I've experienced some depleted "numbers" due to chemo's unrelenting assault on my white blood cells. A healthy person will have a total white blood count in the range of 4,000 - 10,000 with the all important neutrophil count (the cells that fight infection) in the range of 2,500 - 5,000.
Throughout chemo therapy my counts have been a bit lower, with my neutrophil count commonly dipping below the dreaded 1,000 range, triggering "Neutropenia" and requiring special precautions including a restrictive diet and every effort to avoid exposure to bacteria and potential infection.
A few weeks ago I hit a new low. It started on my normal weekly visit for blood labs on Thursday, August 27th. My neutrophil counts had dropped to below 700, so I was officially neutropenic. The problem with taking a static blood count is that the doctors don't know in which direction my counts were going...was I recovering and my counts going up, or was I continuing to crash and becoming more vulnerable to every sneeze, cough and germy hand shake in the outside word?
So the doctors asked that I return on Monday for another set of blood tests. The results were staggering, my neutrophil counts had plunged to 30 -- "boy in the bubble status". I was instructed that if I were to go anywhere other than home then to wear a mask and wash my hands constantly.
For treatment, they injected me with a drug called Neupogen. As I mentioned in an earlier posting, this medication stimulates the blood system (bone marrow) to make white blood cells, helping you fight infections. I was then given the option to either learn how to inject myself with another dose of neupogen the following day, or come back for another visit Tuesday and have a nurse administer the drug. Well, my aversion to needles, coupled with the sheer thought of gearing up mentally to induce pain upon myself, made it an easy decision. I opted for the 90 minute round trip to engage the services of a trained professional.
It was actually a good thing that I went back to the hospital on Tuesday. Prior to the injection, they ran another set of blood labs. My neutrophil count has risen from 30 to 200, so the neupogen was doing it's job. But we were still very far away from the moderate safety of the much cherished 1000 count. So it was decided, I would return once again the next day, on Wednesday, for a third daily injection of neupogen. Hopefully, this would do the trick and boost my counts to 1000.
Another delay I was encountering, due to the low neutrophil counts, was that my Oncologist could not proceed with my next round of chemo. With my white cells so low, the chemo would just further depress my immune system and then who knows what...so yet another obstacle prolonging my journey...
The plan was to skip my scheduled chemo for Thursday September 3rd, because based upon drug protocol, there has to be at least 72 hours from the last neupogen injection until chemo is administered. So the plans were to resume treatment right after Labor Day on Tuesday, September 8th.
So, I arrived on Tuesday for my blood labs to check my white counts and then anticipated receiving chemo treatment #10. Alas, very much to my surprise and dismay, there would be no chemo on Tuesday. My total white counts had done a drastic turnaround and now were at a whopping 22,000. For me, I thought this was great news. If the average total white counts in a healthy adult can range from 4,000 to 10,000, then the neupogen must have done a spectacular job in making my white counts super healthy. Unfortunately, the doctors, who are trained to be far more analytical in their evaluation of cause and effect, didn't quickly agree with my diagnosis.
They explained that the effects of neupogen usually only lasts 3 or 4 days and it had been 6 days since the last injection, so they were looking for other causes of a high white count, like infection, more specifically another pneumonia.
Although, clearly not a doctor, I refuted their hypothesis. Without the presence of any symptoms, no fever, no coughing, no pain (other than the one in my ass for the past six months -- but that's just how I characterized my cancer in general from the beginning), I found it hard to believe that I had an infection. But nonetheless, my doctors, who are extremely cautious and proactive in their care, ordered some more tests, urine samples, more blood cultures and another chest CT scan.
On Wednesday, I was invited back for the results and yet more blood labs. This time my total white counts were down to 15,000 from 22,000 the day before. All the tests from Tuesday were negative, no signs of any infection. It looks like I was correct, the neupogen just had a delayed yet profound effect on my white blood count. I was cleared for Chemo and received infusion #10 on Thursday, September 10th, (by the way, had I not hit the bumps in the road earlier along the way, that was the date I was expecting to finish up).
But now my important numbers, include "1000", the neutrophil count needed to stay out of "trouble"; " 2", the total number of chemo infusions left; and "10/08/09" , the date, provided all else goes smoothly, that I will be receiving my 12th and final chemo infusion.
Funny how your perspective can change. so quickly. I just hope that soon enough my focus can go back to the more fun numbers like those of the Red Sox, Patriots and Tiger.
Until then, I will just keep my attention were it needs to be for the moment.
Thanks for reading, I will write again when there is more excitement to share. In the meantime, please go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessings!
Glenn
Well, for cancer patients, the focus can be slightly slanted on a new set of number...blood counts. For me personally, my weekly focus is on my White Blood Counts. The chemo therapy I've been receiving has done a good job of killing off the cancer cells, however it's also done an equally good job of killing off the healthy white blood cells, especially the nuetrophils, the unique white cells that protect me from infections.
Over the last several weeks, I've experienced some depleted "numbers" due to chemo's unrelenting assault on my white blood cells. A healthy person will have a total white blood count in the range of 4,000 - 10,000 with the all important neutrophil count (the cells that fight infection) in the range of 2,500 - 5,000.
Throughout chemo therapy my counts have been a bit lower, with my neutrophil count commonly dipping below the dreaded 1,000 range, triggering "Neutropenia" and requiring special precautions including a restrictive diet and every effort to avoid exposure to bacteria and potential infection.
A few weeks ago I hit a new low. It started on my normal weekly visit for blood labs on Thursday, August 27th. My neutrophil counts had dropped to below 700, so I was officially neutropenic. The problem with taking a static blood count is that the doctors don't know in which direction my counts were going...was I recovering and my counts going up, or was I continuing to crash and becoming more vulnerable to every sneeze, cough and germy hand shake in the outside word?
So the doctors asked that I return on Monday for another set of blood tests. The results were staggering, my neutrophil counts had plunged to 30 -- "boy in the bubble status". I was instructed that if I were to go anywhere other than home then to wear a mask and wash my hands constantly.
For treatment, they injected me with a drug called Neupogen. As I mentioned in an earlier posting, this medication stimulates the blood system (bone marrow) to make white blood cells, helping you fight infections. I was then given the option to either learn how to inject myself with another dose of neupogen the following day, or come back for another visit Tuesday and have a nurse administer the drug. Well, my aversion to needles, coupled with the sheer thought of gearing up mentally to induce pain upon myself, made it an easy decision. I opted for the 90 minute round trip to engage the services of a trained professional.
It was actually a good thing that I went back to the hospital on Tuesday. Prior to the injection, they ran another set of blood labs. My neutrophil count has risen from 30 to 200, so the neupogen was doing it's job. But we were still very far away from the moderate safety of the much cherished 1000 count. So it was decided, I would return once again the next day, on Wednesday, for a third daily injection of neupogen. Hopefully, this would do the trick and boost my counts to 1000.
Another delay I was encountering, due to the low neutrophil counts, was that my Oncologist could not proceed with my next round of chemo. With my white cells so low, the chemo would just further depress my immune system and then who knows what...so yet another obstacle prolonging my journey...
The plan was to skip my scheduled chemo for Thursday September 3rd, because based upon drug protocol, there has to be at least 72 hours from the last neupogen injection until chemo is administered. So the plans were to resume treatment right after Labor Day on Tuesday, September 8th.
So, I arrived on Tuesday for my blood labs to check my white counts and then anticipated receiving chemo treatment #10. Alas, very much to my surprise and dismay, there would be no chemo on Tuesday. My total white counts had done a drastic turnaround and now were at a whopping 22,000. For me, I thought this was great news. If the average total white counts in a healthy adult can range from 4,000 to 10,000, then the neupogen must have done a spectacular job in making my white counts super healthy. Unfortunately, the doctors, who are trained to be far more analytical in their evaluation of cause and effect, didn't quickly agree with my diagnosis.
They explained that the effects of neupogen usually only lasts 3 or 4 days and it had been 6 days since the last injection, so they were looking for other causes of a high white count, like infection, more specifically another pneumonia.
Although, clearly not a doctor, I refuted their hypothesis. Without the presence of any symptoms, no fever, no coughing, no pain (other than the one in my ass for the past six months -- but that's just how I characterized my cancer in general from the beginning), I found it hard to believe that I had an infection. But nonetheless, my doctors, who are extremely cautious and proactive in their care, ordered some more tests, urine samples, more blood cultures and another chest CT scan.
On Wednesday, I was invited back for the results and yet more blood labs. This time my total white counts were down to 15,000 from 22,000 the day before. All the tests from Tuesday were negative, no signs of any infection. It looks like I was correct, the neupogen just had a delayed yet profound effect on my white blood count. I was cleared for Chemo and received infusion #10 on Thursday, September 10th, (by the way, had I not hit the bumps in the road earlier along the way, that was the date I was expecting to finish up).
But now my important numbers, include "1000", the neutrophil count needed to stay out of "trouble"; " 2", the total number of chemo infusions left; and "10/08/09" , the date, provided all else goes smoothly, that I will be receiving my 12th and final chemo infusion.
Funny how your perspective can change. so quickly. I just hope that soon enough my focus can go back to the more fun numbers like those of the Red Sox, Patriots and Tiger.
Until then, I will just keep my attention were it needs to be for the moment.
Thanks for reading, I will write again when there is more excitement to share. In the meantime, please go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessings!
Glenn
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Number Nine Went Fine
Today is Tuesday. It's been five days since my ninth chemo infusion. After a brief hiatus from treatment, (actually five weeks) I'm back on track. The pneumonia seems to be sufficiently beaten. As a precaution, the doctor is keeping me on a prophylactic dose of antibiotics, anti-fungal and ant-viral medicines, better safe than sorry, I guess.
All else is ok for now. I'm keeping my focus on the end (of treatments that is); only 3 more infusions / 6 weeks to go.
I won't ramble on, since I really don't have much more to share at this point.
Thanks for reading. I'll write again as we move forward. For now, please go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blesssings!
Glenn
All else is ok for now. I'm keeping my focus on the end (of treatments that is); only 3 more infusions / 6 weeks to go.
I won't ramble on, since I really don't have much more to share at this point.
Thanks for reading. I'll write again as we move forward. For now, please go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blesssings!
Glenn
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Like a Boomerang!
A lot has transpired since my last entry – I just haven’t had the energy to get it down on paper (or in cyberspace) until now.
My hospital stay was short lived, admitted on Tuesday, released for good behavior on Wednesday. Unfortunately, they pulled the trigger a little too soon, and like a boomerang, I was back in a hospital bed on Thursday. This time I was their welcomed guest until Sunday evening.
The purpose of the hospitalization was largely to find the cause of my fever, isolate the infection and then aggressively treat it with IV antibiotics. They felt the infection may be in my lungs, but the chest x-ray previously performed, was inconclusive. So, off to the CAT Scan table for a chest CT. This didn’t show much either.
In an effort to rule out a viral infection, or dare I say, Swine Flu, they sent a representative from their infectious disease center to administer a “nasal swab”. I must say, if you’ve never experienced a nasal swab, I would strongly recommend that you don’t…unequivocally, I would rate this as one of the most intrusive and uncomfortable procedures I’ve experienced in the past few months -- (without the benefit of anesthesia).
On the surface, it seems quite harmless. Some guy comes in with a long Q-Tip and wants to swab the inside of my nose…ok, big deal. In reality, I think he somehow transformed the Q-tip into a Louisville Slugger and was intent on getting brain tissue samples. Ouch!
To add insult to injury, until the results come back (about 24hrs), you are presumed to be infected and contagious, therefore quarantined to your room. They pasted a warning on my door that any visitors must take proper precautions and dress in full protective gear. It was pretty comical, the same nurses and doctors who were coming into see me 15 minutes before (dressed in normal garb), were now outfitted in attire reminiscent of Chernobyl. Fortunately, the results came back within 24hrs and I was declared virus-free, so off came the gowns and masks.
The fever still remained at about 101F. So the doctor ordered another test to get a closer look at my lungs. This time they would do a Bronchoscopy. I’ve had this test before, and it wasn’t one of my favorites… During this test, they insert a tube and camera down your throat and into your lungs to take a look around. The images are far more detailed than you can get on a CT scan, plus while they’re in there, they’re able to flush the lungs with saline, collect a sample and then culture it to see if anything is growing (the source of the infection).
Well indeed there was stuff growing, the bronchoscopy came back positive for PCP, Pneumocystis pneumonia. This is an opportunistic strain of pneumonia that lurks deep within and attacks when your immune system is sufficiently depleted and cannot defend itself.
So at last, we found the source of the infection and fever and could start to treat it with the proper antibiotics. I was placed on a heavy dose of Bactrim , first by IV, 3 times a day while in the hospital, and then sent home with a 21 day supply in pill form. The Bactrim, coupled with a daily regimen of Prednisone (a steroid to reduce the inflammation in my lungs), Fluconazole (an anti-fungal drug) and Acyclovir (an anti-viral drug) should pack enough punch to rid my body of the dreaded and quite often feared PCP!
The only downside (and I’m not sure if it really is a true downside) is that the doctor has suspended my chemo while trying to fight off the PCP, since the chemo would only further deplete my immune system and allow the PCP more opportunity to run amok…
The medical team is closely monitoring my blood levels and so far all is good. Estimates are to resume chemo in a couple of weeks. From there, it’s just 4 more infusions – or 8 weeks to the finish line --- barring any more surprises.
Thanks for reading. I’ll post again when there is more to tell. In the meantime, go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessings!
Glenn
My hospital stay was short lived, admitted on Tuesday, released for good behavior on Wednesday. Unfortunately, they pulled the trigger a little too soon, and like a boomerang, I was back in a hospital bed on Thursday. This time I was their welcomed guest until Sunday evening.
The purpose of the hospitalization was largely to find the cause of my fever, isolate the infection and then aggressively treat it with IV antibiotics. They felt the infection may be in my lungs, but the chest x-ray previously performed, was inconclusive. So, off to the CAT Scan table for a chest CT. This didn’t show much either.
In an effort to rule out a viral infection, or dare I say, Swine Flu, they sent a representative from their infectious disease center to administer a “nasal swab”. I must say, if you’ve never experienced a nasal swab, I would strongly recommend that you don’t…unequivocally, I would rate this as one of the most intrusive and uncomfortable procedures I’ve experienced in the past few months -- (without the benefit of anesthesia).
On the surface, it seems quite harmless. Some guy comes in with a long Q-Tip and wants to swab the inside of my nose…ok, big deal. In reality, I think he somehow transformed the Q-tip into a Louisville Slugger and was intent on getting brain tissue samples. Ouch!
To add insult to injury, until the results come back (about 24hrs), you are presumed to be infected and contagious, therefore quarantined to your room. They pasted a warning on my door that any visitors must take proper precautions and dress in full protective gear. It was pretty comical, the same nurses and doctors who were coming into see me 15 minutes before (dressed in normal garb), were now outfitted in attire reminiscent of Chernobyl. Fortunately, the results came back within 24hrs and I was declared virus-free, so off came the gowns and masks.
The fever still remained at about 101F. So the doctor ordered another test to get a closer look at my lungs. This time they would do a Bronchoscopy. I’ve had this test before, and it wasn’t one of my favorites… During this test, they insert a tube and camera down your throat and into your lungs to take a look around. The images are far more detailed than you can get on a CT scan, plus while they’re in there, they’re able to flush the lungs with saline, collect a sample and then culture it to see if anything is growing (the source of the infection).
Well indeed there was stuff growing, the bronchoscopy came back positive for PCP, Pneumocystis pneumonia. This is an opportunistic strain of pneumonia that lurks deep within and attacks when your immune system is sufficiently depleted and cannot defend itself.
So at last, we found the source of the infection and fever and could start to treat it with the proper antibiotics. I was placed on a heavy dose of Bactrim , first by IV, 3 times a day while in the hospital, and then sent home with a 21 day supply in pill form. The Bactrim, coupled with a daily regimen of Prednisone (a steroid to reduce the inflammation in my lungs), Fluconazole (an anti-fungal drug) and Acyclovir (an anti-viral drug) should pack enough punch to rid my body of the dreaded and quite often feared PCP!
The only downside (and I’m not sure if it really is a true downside) is that the doctor has suspended my chemo while trying to fight off the PCP, since the chemo would only further deplete my immune system and allow the PCP more opportunity to run amok…
The medical team is closely monitoring my blood levels and so far all is good. Estimates are to resume chemo in a couple of weeks. From there, it’s just 4 more infusions – or 8 weeks to the finish line --- barring any more surprises.
Thanks for reading. I’ll post again when there is more to tell. In the meantime, go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessings!
Glenn
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