February 13, 2007

Well it’s 4:30AM and I was just told that my white cell count is at 500 (0.5 on the CBC report). This is great news because 500 is the point when my engraftment should be really taking off. From here my blood counts should rise so that my white cell counts almost double on good days and at least go up significantly every day.

It is possible that I could be going home in 5 days, but more likely that I will be going home in 8-11 days. There are five hurdles to jump through to be able to go home.

1. My ANC (absolute neutraphil count) must be at or above 1500 (1.5 on the CBC report) for two consecutive days.
2. I cannot have an elevated temperature (fever)
3. I must be eating and drinking sufficients amount for good nutrition.
4. Any diarrhea must be controllable.
5. Any GvHD (graft verses host disease) must be under control.

My mucositis is almost totally gone. I can touch anywhere in my mouth without pain, swallow without pain and I haven’t had to get and morphine shots for pain or ativan shots for nausea since yesterday morning. This is a huge blessing. It is also a sign that my counts are on the verge of coming up quickly. YAHOO!!

Several of you have requested that you be able to help me when I need it. I do have one thing I would like to do and you could help me accomplish this so much better. If you have a spare Thank You card or Valentines Day card, please send it to the staff of this unit. They do such a great job day after day. I know that some extra at-a-boys would really make their days special. If you want to send candy or flowers, they would be welcome too.

Please feel no pressure to do this. It is strictly if you want to do it. You will be writing to the medical staff in unit 7CAO. Address your envelope to:

OHSU
Nurses Station in 7CAO
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, Oregon 97239-3098