DAY 19 APRIL 12

Lynnette Grocery Shopping

Isolation Tomorrow

The difference a day makes! Today was a rest day and it was a great thing for me. Very relaxing!

It was nice because I was able to catch up with some of the people that went into isolation right before me. Sanna (Sweden) and Rebecca (Australia) have both been released already. Once their immune level rises above a 3 they are allowed to come out of their rooms. Katja (Norway) was also there and she went into isolation this afternoon.

Interesting to compare notes and really just fascinating people!

Was able to visit with Johan too. Raul (Romania) Johan (Netherlands) and I start will start isolation together. Now it is just time to cook...

In isolation they give you supporting infusions everyday of steroids and electrolytes. They then watch your immune system. I mentioned in an earlier post but the key factor they are watching is your leukocytes which is a subset of your white blood cells I believe. Typically they bottom out around day five or six.

They are trying to get that number as close to zero as they can. Below .05 is considered successful. Most patients seem to be getting in the .02-.03 range. Pretty close to zero I think!

They conduct blood draws everyday through the catheter and watch hemoglobin and platelet levels too. There are a few patients in the group ahead of me that have had to have transfusions because their numbers were low.

Katja, Dr. Fedorenko and Me Today

Katja an Hour Before Entering Isolation


The New Normal...Boiled Apples and Roast Beef

I had trouble posting pictures tonight. We had our stem cell transfusion party and I know Lynnette posted pictures on Instagram. The pouring of liquid nitrogen onto the floor is symbolic of bringing out your new stem cells and new life! They then pin an Iris on you.


Breakfast

Dinner


Comments

  1. Gregg R FryApril 12, 2019 at 6:34 PM

    Hi Paul, I just discovered your blog and it has made for a fascinating read. What am amazing process. I'm pulling for you and wishing you all the best. I will be looking forward to tomorrow's post! 😁 Take care and "Happy New Immune Birthday!"

    ReplyDelete
  2. Granny carenApril 12, 2019 at 6:51 PM

    All the RS sisters our fasting for you this Sunday..we love you and r very very proud of you..praying for low count for you..you still look great. I would say 10 years younger..Have a quite moment this Sunday to feel the spirit and our prayers..much love Caren and John🍀🎶🎻💖

    ReplyDelete
  3. KellyApril 13, 2019 at 6:12 PM

    It is amazing how much Carson looks like you. You look so good. I am giving you a big hug right now in my mind and reminding myself how much I cherish you. Keep up the great work. Can you sent me your doctor's address because I want to thank him for giving me back my little brother. Love you polly wag.

    ReplyDelete

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