January 19, 2009: Today was not a very good day. Jill struggled so much with the terrible side effects of the chemotherapy. She was miserable and nauseous, with a temperature of almost 101 degrees.
At one point, the nurse and Vinny had to help her up off the bathroom floor because she is so weak from her very low blood pressure - it got as low as 50/40! She is also retaining fluids from the chemo and is on Solu-Medrol, another medication that makes her retain even more. She is not eating enough either.
It was very heartbreaking to see her cry from the pain and the suffering that she's going through with the chemo - her ears and throat hurt again and because of the fever, she went into a cold sweat. Dr. Burt tried giving her a pep talk about keeping a positive attitude and reassured her that she will be so much better after all this is over.
Although this was expected, until it happens, you forget how bad it can be. Prayers are needed at this time to help Jill get through this very rough period.
Love,
Doreen
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Chemotherapy and Low White Blood Count
January 18, 2009: Last night, Jill didn't get much sleep at all. She had to make several trips to the bathroom because she is on a diuretic to flush out the chemotherapy. The IV machine kept beeping and the nurses kept coming in the room either to fix the machine or change the medication bags. They also monitor her temperature and blood pressure during the night.
She was exhausted this afternoon and slept three hours straight. She was completely worn out. This is normal as we are watching her counts start to fall. The chemotherapy will eventually bring her white blood count down to zero. The doctor explained that she will probably need about 2 liters of blood at that time. Almost all the transplant patients need transfusions. She may also need platelets. When the chemotherapy is administered she is also given a blood thinner. When she was admitted, her White Blood Count was 5.3. Last count was 4.4
After her nap, she felt much better.
Love
Doreen
She was exhausted this afternoon and slept three hours straight. She was completely worn out. This is normal as we are watching her counts start to fall. The chemotherapy will eventually bring her white blood count down to zero. The doctor explained that she will probably need about 2 liters of blood at that time. Almost all the transplant patients need transfusions. She may also need platelets. When the chemotherapy is administered she is also given a blood thinner. When she was admitted, her White Blood Count was 5.3. Last count was 4.4
After her nap, she felt much better.
Love
Doreen
Chemotherapy Begins
January 17, 2009: Jill is doing well.
She was hooked up to 5 different IV bags that went into her PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter).
The lab technicians take blood twice a day to monitor her potassium, calcium and sodium and confirm they are still in the normal range.
She is hydrated continually and gets medicine to coat her bladder to prevent infection from the chemotherapy. Sometimes the irritation from the chemo causes the bladder to bleed and you will notice it in the urine.
She is also on Solu-Medrol (Prednisone) IV. They give her a daily water pill to make sure the chemo passes out of the bladder as soon as possible.
Jill is very tired and wanted to write the blog herself, but didn't feel up to it.
She sends everyone her love
Love
Doreen
She was hooked up to 5 different IV bags that went into her PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter).
The lab technicians take blood twice a day to monitor her potassium, calcium and sodium and confirm they are still in the normal range.
She is hydrated continually and gets medicine to coat her bladder to prevent infection from the chemotherapy. Sometimes the irritation from the chemo causes the bladder to bleed and you will notice it in the urine.
She is also on Solu-Medrol (Prednisone) IV. They give her a daily water pill to make sure the chemo passes out of the bladder as soon as possible.
Jill is very tired and wanted to write the blog herself, but didn't feel up to it.
She sends everyone her love
Love
Doreen
Friday, January 16, 2009
Prentice Women's Hospital @ Northwestern - Admission @ 7:00 A.M.
(January 16, 2009) Jill had the PICC line placed at 7 am this morning. The procedure went smoothly. It was a lot easier than the line she had placed in the jugular vein for the collection of the stem cells early in December.
She was admitted to the Prentice Hospital at Northwestern where several large vials of blood were drawn. All of her blood work is given to her on a print out so she can monitor her counts from the day of admission through the 3 weeks of hospitalization.
She was given medication for the prevention of future lung infections that could occur during this time. It was administered through a machine like a nebulizer that made her cough. This took about one hour.
All her blood results so far are normal and the MRI of her heart showed no signs of Cardiomyopathy.
Jill will be hydrated through the IV and the chemotherapy will start tomorrow.
Love
Doreen
She was admitted to the Prentice Hospital at Northwestern where several large vials of blood were drawn. All of her blood work is given to her on a print out so she can monitor her counts from the day of admission through the 3 weeks of hospitalization.
She was given medication for the prevention of future lung infections that could occur during this time. It was administered through a machine like a nebulizer that made her cough. This took about one hour.
All her blood results so far are normal and the MRI of her heart showed no signs of Cardiomyopathy.
Jill will be hydrated through the IV and the chemotherapy will start tomorrow.
Love
Doreen
Thursday, January 15, 2009
January 13, 2009
As scheduled I met with the cardiologist at 9 a.m. He did an EKG which was normal and heard my heart murmer. He felt addition tests should be done because of my family history. An appointment scheduled in the afternoon for an ECHO DURING STRESS/ REST WITH DOPPLER. The first half of the test was simple and went well. The second half was a disaster. While I was on the treadmill, the technition accidentally pushed the wrong button which made the speed of the treadmill increase. I have problems walking, let alone running. I started to stumble and tightened my grip. The other technition yelled get her off, and they syopped it. I fell into a gurney alongside the treadmill and tears streamed down my face. Once the pace rapidly inreased I knew I wouldnt last very long. I have trouble walking unasisted, never mind at a fast pace. It was decided that an MRI should be scheduled for tommorow. When I returned to the waiting area and by the expression on my face Vinny knew something was wrong. I explained the traumatic ordeal and he was furious. He couldn't understand why someone would expose me to that danger knowing my situation. I then had to calm him down because he was ready to go back there and wreak havok.
That temporarily put that bad experience behind me.
love,
Jill
That temporarily put that bad experience behind me.
love,
Jill
The Prentice Hospital at Northwestern
Monday, January 5,2009
Before Jill was told by Dr Burt to wait until Friday this is what I wrote in the morning.
It is information that I am sure you will find interesting.
Jill will be admitted to the Prentice Building. It is a brand new Pavilion that has been added to the many different ones here. It is actually a Woman's Hospital for all their needs. Gynecology, Breast Cancer, a special birthing facility etc.
The 15 th floor is for transplant patients. The sixteenth floor was for pre transplant therapy. That is where Jill was the last time. This building is only one year old.
The fifteenth floor has it's own heating and cooling system. The air on this floor does not interact with any other floor. It is a sterile environment for the patients because their immune system is compromised and they are susceptible to infection. Anyone that has a cold or infection is not permitted on this floor. If you are healthy, you still have to wear a mask and disinfect your hands upon entering the room.
Patients are not permitted more than 3 visitors at a time. Each room has a couch that converts to a bed for one family member to stay with the patient.
All meals are prepared individually at the time you order. They are delivered to the room immediately so that the food does not stand around and sit in hallways on trays. When you finish you call for your tray to be picked up.
All rooms are private. You cannot use the patients bathroom. It is for them only. Bacteria can be transmitted there and can lead to infection.
The Hospital is one block from Lake Michigan. The view is magnificent. All rooms have a flat screen TV that also can be used as a computer. A keyboard is provided. Your stay is long, so they try to make it as comfortable as possible.
This is the most BEAUTIFUL hospital I have ever seen. They even have a library open to the public on the first floor. Computers are provided there for use by the public. There is also one in the waiting room for you to use.
All the pillows and bedding are hypoallergenic. Only pull down filtered shades are on the windows.. No blinds,draperies, or valances because they collect dust.
Jill is in the best place and in the best hands. That is comforting for us
Love
Doreen
Before Jill was told by Dr Burt to wait until Friday this is what I wrote in the morning.
It is information that I am sure you will find interesting.
Jill will be admitted to the Prentice Building. It is a brand new Pavilion that has been added to the many different ones here. It is actually a Woman's Hospital for all their needs. Gynecology, Breast Cancer, a special birthing facility etc.
The 15 th floor is for transplant patients. The sixteenth floor was for pre transplant therapy. That is where Jill was the last time. This building is only one year old.
The fifteenth floor has it's own heating and cooling system. The air on this floor does not interact with any other floor. It is a sterile environment for the patients because their immune system is compromised and they are susceptible to infection. Anyone that has a cold or infection is not permitted on this floor. If you are healthy, you still have to wear a mask and disinfect your hands upon entering the room.
Patients are not permitted more than 3 visitors at a time. Each room has a couch that converts to a bed for one family member to stay with the patient.
All meals are prepared individually at the time you order. They are delivered to the room immediately so that the food does not stand around and sit in hallways on trays. When you finish you call for your tray to be picked up.
All rooms are private. You cannot use the patients bathroom. It is for them only. Bacteria can be transmitted there and can lead to infection.
The Hospital is one block from Lake Michigan. The view is magnificent. All rooms have a flat screen TV that also can be used as a computer. A keyboard is provided. Your stay is long, so they try to make it as comfortable as possible.
This is the most BEAUTIFUL hospital I have ever seen. They even have a library open to the public on the first floor. Computers are provided there for use by the public. There is also one in the waiting room for you to use.
All the pillows and bedding are hypoallergenic. Only pull down filtered shades are on the windows.. No blinds,draperies, or valances because they collect dust.
Jill is in the best place and in the best hands. That is comforting for us
Love
Doreen
Transplant postponed until Friday
Today, at about 11:30 am, Dr Burt's office called to make sure everything was set for tomorrow. Kate, Dr Burt's nurse spoke to Jill and asked how she felt. She was feeling stuffy and her ears hurt. Her throat was also bothering her. Kate phoned Dr Burt to report on her condition. He wanted to see Jill to check her ears and throat. He was not in the clinic at the hospital today, so we had to coordinate a time to meet..
After examining Jill, Dr Burt decided to postpone the transplant until Friday. He explained that it is not advisable to go ahead if there is any type of infection, cold, or virus. It is simply too dangerous.
He prescribed Z pack for Jill and wants to make sure she feels okay on Friday. He told her that she is the best indicator of how she feels. If she doesn't feel well,she will just have to wait.
It's better to be safe instead of sorry.
Jill will keep you posted on how she feels
Love
Doreen
After examining Jill, Dr Burt decided to postpone the transplant until Friday. He explained that it is not advisable to go ahead if there is any type of infection, cold, or virus. It is simply too dangerous.
He prescribed Z pack for Jill and wants to make sure she feels okay on Friday. He told her that she is the best indicator of how she feels. If she doesn't feel well,she will just have to wait.
It's better to be safe instead of sorry.
Jill will keep you posted on how she feels
Love
Doreen
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