Well last Wed was much of the same, fevers, cultures, meds, I was even tested for a parasite. Still vomiting, still diarrhea, still lethargic and no appetite, I wouldn't even drink the shakes from the nutritionist. It was even mentioned that I might have to get IV nutrients if I didn't start eating, they weren't going to risk me losing any more weight!
Each visit from the doctors assured my mom that it was just a waiting game and eventually my counts would come up, I had been on a hormone to help that happen for several days with no results thus far.
Thursday I had my chest x-rayed again because of my cough and once again, pneumonia was ruled out. Friday I had a CT scan with contrast to check for a fungal infection in my abdomen, chest, head and it rendered negative results....no flipping answers.
My regular doctor did come by Thursday night after reviewing all the tests and said that I just had a real nasty sinus infection that wouldn't go away because I had no immune system. He said they would adjust me to a more effective antibiotic and hope for good results. The vomiting and diarrhea is just a result of the constant mucus my body is producing because of this infection, my mom never has a barf bag out of arms reach.
By Friday, my ANC finally jumped to 190, hallelujah, I still ran a low grade fever that night but my mom just KNEW it was a sign that I was going to get better. By Saturday, my ANC jumped to 600! Although it's a great sign, it does cause me lots of pain in my bones from the marrow reproducing, my nurses were great about keeping the pain meds in my system...when I wouldn't throw them up. They also finally changed my anti-nausea medicine to one that was stronger so my vomiting did become less frequent.
Saturday night, no fever! We knew that if I went 48 hours without one and my ANC was up, I would be able to go home, fingers crossed.
ANC report Sunday morning - 1520! I was on my way :) When the doctors visited that morning they told my mom that since it had been since Friday night that I ran a fever, they would do a conditional discharge for THAT DAY if I ran no fever by 3pm, HALLELUJAH!
Well my daddy jumped up so fast and ran out the door to go get the house ready (mommy thought this was funny) and he would be back at 3 to pick us up....all afternoon my mom was on pins and needles...guess what...no fever :)
3:00pm on Dec 18......after 19 days in the hospital, I was discharged. My mom was giddy with excitement as was my dad and sisters, home had never looked better.
So now today me and mom are just chillin, we both are still really tired from that long stay but we'll use today to catch up on some rest before mom crams all her Christmas errands into one week (glad it's her and not me!) :)
I can say that my appetite is back, I will be starting antibiotics this afternoon and hoping to continue to get better. I have a clinic appt next with with a sedation and chemos that will have me starting long term maintenance including steroids by the first of the year, God is good.
Thank you everyone that has helped us out, we are truly blessed with great friends and families. We appreciate the visits, prayers, meals and all other generous acts everyone has helped with, thank you thank you, thank you.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Ketren