Last Day of Chemo!

January 20, 2009: Jill was completely worn out today. She is retaining about 10 lbs. of fluid. The doctor has her on diuretics twice a day and the dosage was increased today. She has to make about four trips an hour to the bathroom, so as soon as she starts to rest she has to get up again. This schedule is taking a toll on her. She doesn't have the energy to eat because it takes energy just for her to chew. Taking a shower is also a chore. The good news is that today is her last day of chemo!
Her face is flushed from the steroids. No fever today, but her blood pressure is still very low. Last night she had a tremor in her leg and was told not to stand or even attempt to walk without assistance.
Her platelet count has gone from 259 to 176 Her hemoglobin was 10.3 and is now 9.5. Her white count is still in the normal range because she is on steroids. Once they are stopped that is when they will bottom out to 0.
With all this going on her spirits are good and she is fighting to get through this phase.
The nurses were telling us that patients come from all around the world to have Dr. Burt care for them. He is considered a king here. His associate, Dr. Alessandro Testori is the prince.
All test results go on the Northwestern Physicians web site so the doctors can access the information at any time. They can order tests and view the results immediately. There is also a computer in each patient’s room that the doctor uses instead of charts. All of the patient’s medical care and history is logged on to the computer. It is really amazing to see.
Love,
Doreen