MONDAY, JULY 1ST, 2019 (DAY +11)
It’s been 11 days since my Bone Marrow Transplant on Thursday, June 20th. My bloodwork results are at their lowest point (nadir) since coming to Hopkins, but I’m beginning to feel “bone pain” in my shoulders, hips, and femurs. I’m hoping this means my new bone marrow is being stimulated and I should see the numbers increase in the coming weeks.
Speaking with Dr. Bolanos-Meade and Dr. Swillen yesterday, the earliest a patient has been discharged has been Day +45. The average for Bone Marrow Transplants is around Day +65 (+/- 7 days). So far, they like my numbers and my progress, asking me to keep up our strict adherence to hand-washing, hygiene, and infection prevention.
Vicky bumped into the patient and her family across the hall this morning. She had her Bone Marrow Transplant 67 days ago, she’s going home tomorrow. I’m happy for her, but also a little saddened and jealous.
Mouth sores, rashes, and dry skin have been the biggest issues so far. I brush my teeth multiple times a day now and use Biotene to keep my sores and dryness in-check. My lips keep cracking, so I use Burt’s Bees (honey lip balm) to keep them moist and clean.
And so it goes… I yearn for that day when we get the good news ourselves, and when our homecoming is in sight.
Sound like you are progressing to the good but just have to hang in there. Dry mouth and Biotene use along with orajel for the denture abrasions and Burts Bees lip moisture are in my daily routine also. You have to be extra careful not to get an infection.