Bad to the Bone

2nd round of treatment was Tuesday 9/13. The port was put in 9/07 so this treatment was easy with no vein hunting! To avoid another immune system crash, Dr. decided to prescribe Neulasta to help my bone marrow produce more white blood cells. This seemed like a great plan to me, I'd do anything to stay out of the hospital. Now I'm in a world of hurt! My bones hurt so bad it hurts to move. Even my face hurts. I have to take antihistamines and ibuprofen to keep on top of it, but it is pretty unbearable. I'm sad that I can't pick up my daughter or even go for a walk. I guess the bone marrow working overtime causes this, but I had no idea it would be this bad. This just plain sucks. 4 more treatments to go.....

Neutropenic Fever

Well, I haven't posted in a while because I've been busy being sick. I received a call early last week about getting the port put in and was told to do my routine labs first. Turns out my WBC (white blood cell count) was literally -0- and the port was out of the question. While I had her on the phone I told my oncologist that my funny little rash was developing blisters and still hurt like hell. She told me it was probably shingles and I should keep it wrapped up around my toddler or she might get chicken pocks. I was awake all night freaking out that it was too late, I know I touched her with it..... but she's ok so far.

I go in and get some antibiotics and antivirals for the rash from the pharmacy, (yay, MORE pills) and I'm on my way. I didn't mention anything to anyone about the grody little zit on my thigh, because it's embarrassing and gross and I didn't think it was pertinent information. Well, I was wrong. I had a low grade fever for two days and eventually ended up in the ER. My leg was swollen and gross and my arm rash was blistering out of control. I was pumped full of antibiotics and neupogen and heprin shots. They had me there for three days and could not find a happy vein for my IV having to move it three times. More motivation for the port!

When they finally let me free,  I was instructed to sanitize everything, keep away from fresh foods to avoid bacteria and give myself neupogen shots every day on top of more antibiotics. Thank god my BFF is familiar with injections and she did them all for me. I tried many times to do it myself, but the hospital experience has given me a new fear of needles. My leg is still gross, but my rash has definitely oozed and deflated itself into submission.

Port Procedure in the morning. Closing out the day with Hells Kitchen and ice cream :)