Day +21

Day +21 marks 3 weeks since the SCT. Day started off ok with temperature going up a bit. It is not considered a fever as it was not at least 100.4, which is a fever by medical standards. Platelets: 3 Hemo: 7.2 WBC: .87 ANC: 722; counts are definitely increasing with the exception of the platelets. Did get platelets around 4:00 am and still got a good night’s sleep. Goal for today was OOB (out of bed); take a shower, sit in the chair for a little while and try to move around the room a bit. Around 9:00am a fever crept up to 100.9, because of this they did a blood culture which results are still outstanding as it needs time to “grow” in the lab if there is anything there. Was given Tylenol to combat the fever and docs requested a chest X-ray to help rule out infection in the lungs. Additional tests were run to test the kidneys as it looks like the lasix may have caused some kidney issues. No lasix for today, instead they will be administering 4 hours of IV fluids to help the kidneys. They are keeping a close eye on the kidneys and the medications they are giving to be sure they don’t affect the kidneys any further. One goal was accomplished; sat up in the chair for an hour. Very, very exhausted and couldn’t wait to get back to bed. Fever spiked to 102.8 oral/102.6 under the arm, about 6 hours after the am Tylenol. Chills and shivers caused by the fever made it very uncomfortable, unfortunately they had to bring in ice packs to reduce the fever about 30 min after the Tylenol was given. Couldn’t use a warm blanket, because the fever was so high. They have already drawn blood to culture and all other tests are coming back normal so this is likely just part of waiting for the white blood cells to kick in more to help fight infection. Doctors did mention earlier today that it could take 7-10 days before the platelets begin to normalize. Missed the shower goal today, so had to have a CHG bath……..

View from the hospital room. Beautiful fall colors.