As quickly as my counts were destroyed they started to recover. I hit rock bottom on Day +7 when my ANC count reached an negligible 4.3 (a healthy number is somewhere between 2,500 and 6,000). Since then, though, my stem cell have start the process of engrafting into my bone marrow causing my counts to return steadily by a factor of three. (4 to 12 to 36 to 140). In order to be released from the hospital I need to have three days of an ANC count of 500 with no fever, which means with my ANC count of 650 this morning and nice cool 36.6 temp. that I could potentially be discharged by Tuesday. While it is exciting to think about feeling the sun against my skin there is a bit of trepidation in leaving the controlled environment of the transplant ward. It's nice to get pretty much whatever you want at the touch of a button and to know that someone is always there looking out for your health, but much more persuasive, is the desire to begin living again. There is so much I miss and the sooner I am strong enough to return home, the sooner I can start to take the baby steps back to normalcy.
Remember, the sun also rises
4 comments:
Darrel, I cried tears of joy for you after reading this (no joke). L'chaim!, buddy, and godspeed -- it might be too soon quite yet to rename you "Orpheus," but your song can be heard ever further and further down your path out of the abyss. DR
I too am tearful as I read about your rebound and I am excited and fearful about your returning home. We only hope that we can get things here safe for your continued re-birthing! We love you and are so proud and happy for you! Love Mom
Hi Darrel - your Hodgkin's story is so similar to my husband's who is currently undergoing Stem cell collection with the plan to go to SCT in May or June. I just wanted to say thank-you for your fantastic writing on how you are finding your way through the Hodgkin's journey - you are really helping him through some low times, you have many, many fans out there and we are two of them....! All the best with re-entering the real world - we're with you all the way....
With thanks and much respect,
Veronica and Wullie('wullieswife' and 'timbhoy' on HL forum)
I continue to be impressed. I say: well thought out, well said, and well lived! I look forward to seeing your bold self back in the real world very soon, with the sun shining on your smiling face :-)
Love, Paul
Post a Comment