Today is day +15, and what a journey it has been since the transplant!
Prior to transplant, we were given a book that outlined all possible risks and detailed a grocery list of likely side effects. We have managed to put a checkmark beside most of the side effects… yay us. Our last 15 days have consisted of (but definitely were not limited to) fun experiences such as: lightheadedness, nausea, fluid retention, mucositis (painful inflammation and ulceration of the oral and digestive lining), stomatitis (inflammation of the mucosal lining of any structure in the mouth- tongue, gums, etc), rash and pain.
The worst side effect by far is the mucositis/stomatisis. It was incredibly painful and caused a great deal of discomfort and an inability to eat. We have weathered the worst of that storm, and with the increase of WBC, he is beginning to recover from that week of hell. People say you should always find a positive to every life experience. Positive: I found a new hidden talent. I make AMAZING blizzards. I’m no expert in the kitchen. My cooking skills are limited to popcorn, pancakes and yam fries. I am now excited to add blizzards to my list of expertise.
The aggressive chemo and radiation prior to transplant has once again forced my Dad’s blood counts to bottom out causing us to receive multiple platelet and blood transfusions during his recovery. With the aid of a few days of GCSF shots, his counts have stabilized and begun to show some recovery!
I would like to address one issue that I am sure has been on the minds of many; possibly even keeping you up at night. The pain in the ass. Has it been an issue? Have you been down to ultrasound, x-ray or CT? Is there a drain? Well, let me tell you. Ever since my Dad received his ‘piercing’ back in May, the pain in the ass has not been an issue (don’t get my wrong, its still ‘not right’ down there, but its no where near the issue that it caused us in the previous rounds of chemo). The doctors have pumped him full of antibiotics in hopes of keeping fluid accumulation down, and it appears the ‘piercing’ device is doing something in my Dad’s favor!
One last thing. Uncle Don is doing great! He experienced some fatigue after donating, but there have been no complications or negative side effects on his end. He's a champ.
Hi Jerry, Kelly and Sam, We have been following your progress faithfully, and are very glad to hear that you are making your way through this. SAm, you are doing an awesome job on the blog, and Jerry, you are doing an awesome job getting better! And Kelly, you're just plain awesome! Keep up the great team work you guys. We pray for you all every day. Lots of love, Anne and Brian Oleary
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