Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wednesday August 26

It was a long day at MDA. Left at 6 am and arrived back home 12 hours later. Luke had a nasty headache for past couple of days and "ralphed" this morning. The good news is the headache, at least for the time being, took the focus off the aching hips and knee joints. Last weeks chemo is having its effect. White cells are essentially non-existent, red cells are down to 7.7 and platelets dropped from the 130 range to around 80.

The headache was likely due to low hemoglobin. Luke's red cell count was not at the all time low, but it is expected to continue to drop due to last weeks cyclophosphamide. Dropping counts combined with the headaches, Doc Wells gave him two units of red cells to go along with the intrathecal dose of chemo and the start of another four days of cytarabine injections. The blood came with a hefty dose of benadryl, so after the spinal injection, Luke slept through 5 hours of transfusion.

Blood counts will continue to drop, and with all the chemo he's had, Luke was told to expect his system recovery to be slow. He may need blood and/or platelets next week. The bigger issue over the next few weeks is the lack of white cells and the inability to handle any infection. Luke needs to avoid public places and please don't visit if you are not feeling well. When visiting the proper protocol is pictured above. (Steve I've been tying to figure out how best to get the picture in the blog. As part of a quasi public service announcement seemed appropriate). Luke will not be playing at Berryhill or Rudy's this week.

Last Thursday Lila and Eric dropped by for a few hours on their way from Colorado to Miami for the fall semester. Visit was short but Luke got in some guitar time with Eric and fajitas were served for lunch.








And a note about one of the lessor know affects of chemo. Chemo can influence personal taste preferences. One of the more peculiar changes in Luke's taste buds is an affinity for the State beer of Texas. Haven't run that by the MDA staff yet to find out if this is a long term change or if there is a know statistical correlation to the specific chemo Luke has received and an overwhelming desire for a Lone Star.

We were asked by MDA about doing another blood drive in the fall. Looking at November 7 as the date. Was planning on following the blood drive with an appearance of Luke along with the Motley Rockers that evening but without a big fund raising effort. The response by those interested in donating so far has been limited. Would need a lot more to schedule a blood drive. If you are interested in donating please give me an email at dmnovick@earthlink.net. Will give it a few more days before deciding whether to go forward with the blood drive or not.

1 comment:

  1. Honey, I think it's entirely appropriate for you to realize (what took you so long, by the way?) that you are THE LONE STAR in the State of Texas. Seriously, duh! You are THE bright shining star in Texas and now those who were previously unaware are becoming educated quite quickly! I could have told them at any point, really.

    Keep kicking the asshat, Luke. You and your Momma look good enjoying a brewski!

    Love you, my little punkin' head.

    Aunt Jacquita

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