They did warn us that day 7-14 post transplant would be the worst and like clock work it has arrived.
Mark’s immune system (neutrophils) are at .1 (normal range is 1.5 - 8), WBC is a 1.0 - this has been and will continue to be his toughest week. We are also hopeful the donor’s marrow starts to take over and work it’s magic.
Mark has had a really tough couple of days and has been unable to function. No energy due to low blood counts (chemo overload) and severe migraines due to high blood pressure, a side effect of CYCLOSPORINE which he is receiving twice a day to battle GVHD (Graft versus host disease) and he will continue to receive for several months.
It will take some time for us to know if the engraftment took. At the 30day marker, Mark will have a specialized blood test (Chimerism) to determine the % of donor vs. his own, to see if the donor is taking over.
He has not been able to keep much down and as you can imagine it is wearing him down.
On the positive side everything that is occurring is expected and there have not been any surprises. We are doing our best to just breath and take one day at a time, so when it is a good day we can enjoy each other’s company and be present with laughter, love and appreciation.
Take care,
NMMP
Written by
NMMP
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Wishing you both more good times than bad through this tough, arduous treatment. Sending massive best wishes for the very best of outcomes. Stay strong.
I hope that next week is a better one. New guys are duking (not ducking) it out with the old ones right now - not fun for the host, but once they start taking over things should improve.
Thank you for sharing. Yes, taking it each moment at a time and then one day at a time. I'm praying for the best and possible outcome. I feel grateful to hear that its going as expected. Praying...
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