day 5 - Post BMT

[Nina van Nunen]

Well, this is day 5 and I am feeling very good. Unfortunatley the Subclavia Cathether had to be removed yesterday afteroon, due to some underlying threat of infection. A great pity, as everything else is going so well. It is amazing how quickly I grew attached to my "life line" and how vulnerable I felt when it had to be removed. After a shot of concentrated radiated platelets to raise my count from 23 000 to 68 000, the line was removed.
The down side of course is that all blood or platelet transfusions will have to be administered through the veins in my arms of which I do not have too many good ones. The other downside is the fact that the daily blood tests are not a mere quick procedure through the line anymore, but a new needle every time.
I am now starting to feel the side effects of the chemo i.e. serious mouth ulcers and upset tummy. But again. nothing that a nice glass of cold ice water cannot soothe...

For the rest my BP, Heart rate, weight, and everything else is normal. thank goodness.

I am feeling strong and positive and hope that this is a good sign of what is to come...
It is so good to be able to share my experiences with people in the same boat.
Thank you.
nina

[Neil Cuadra]

Feeling good on Day 5 is great news, Nina. Getting a little better and a little stronger each day is the key. From my experience, it may not always be steady progress, but the good days should outnumber any bad days as you recover from your transplant. Optimism is one of the best medicines, and it's free!

Mucositis is certainly a lousy side effect and Day 5 is pretty typical for when it starts. It is likely to get worse for a few days but then it typically subsides. Soft bland food will probably be easiest on your mouth and, as you noticed, ice can help. My wife used to send me to find popsicles for her so she'd get the moisture and cold plus a little bit of flavor.

On to Day 6!