Day 28: Cautiously optimistic

Tuesday

WCC: 0.6

Neut: 0.3

Hb: 98

Platelets: 30

Weight: 66.5kg

Just look at those numbers! SO HAPPY to see the neutrophil count jump to 0.3 today - that is about level with where is has averaged for the last 2.5 years (although should be over 1).

Expecting Hb & Platelets to be OK as I had bags yesterday.

Number I am not happy with is weight - as what it reflects is an enormous amount of fluid I am still carrying. Yesterday they gave me the lasix (finally found correct spelling) which means I should be losing fluid - but put on more weight from yesterday - so as much as it is going out of me, it is being pumped in more rapidly. Last night I had a solid, distened abdomen which was getting very unformfortable. I had a Dr see me about 9.30pm last night to do a fluid assessment but didn't seem to have much issue with it, but did recognise I had some fluid at the base of my lungs.

I did go off to sleep, but woke around 1.30am gasping for breath, feeling like a weight was pushing down on my chest. This then involved Dr review, checks of fluid, an ECG, blood test and then told to get some sleep!! Well, I was wide awake at that stage, so used the time to call friend in UK who as I spoke to her, started dry retching over the call! As she has lived through this experience with her husband, she was quite OK as I coughed and heaved my way through the conversation, until I had to end it suddenly with the need to get to the toilet fast!!

Returning to bed, it was now 3.30am and I called for Imodium (for diarrhea), something for nausea and some ice chips please as on top of all the fluid, I can't seem to drink enough. Then I settled down to listed to my audio book and finally get back to sleep.

6.30am started the day with regular bloods, weight (weight gain) and a lasix tablet to start removing fluid early - so no chance to get back to sleep. So then normal routine, breakfast, shower but today this was followed by another ECG and blood test.

Soon after that the Dr's came in, to discuss progress, and everyone happy with my neutrophil count. I don't want to get too hopeful, as they need to see an upward trend before looking at going home, so tomorrow will be a bit of a test. So fingers crossed.

From there, I was collected to go down for MRI scan as they are looking for possible infection in my spine. Unlikely as I have been complaining of sore spine since I arrived and it hasn't gotten any worse (so unlikely to be infection) but erring on the side of caution and I can't complain about that. I actually fell asleep in the machine (and it is very noisy, even with earplugs, headphones and music playing) as I was just so tired.

Returned to the room, another lasix tablet and shortly after D1 and friend turned up for visit and took me walking around the hospital (trying to help this fluid go).

After all that, nap/rest time before my sister turned up for her after work visit.

It has been a busy day! Best thing, is a glimmer of light of getting out of here.....