4 days post transplant

Today is five days post-transplant and Don's counts are starting to drop. He began to feel the effects of the melphalan yesterday morning, with some bone pain and nausea. He got progressively more fatigued during the day and stayed in bed most of the afternoon and evening. This morning he got a liter of fluids at the transplant center, since his orthostatic BP was 84/50! It requires a lot a pump force to get blood to up 6'4"!! Anyway, he felt a bit better after that, but still has some nausea and extreme fatigue. His white count was 1.17 kg/uL this morning, platelets were 110. He is still anemic, but with a stable H&H. Electrolytes were all normal! So we continue to wait and watch. When his WBC nadirs (near zero), they will start growth factor shots again. I imagine he will continue to get a liter of fluids each day. We spend 2-4 hrs a day in the transplant center.

Don's spirits have been good, considering all he is going through. He appreciates the emails and cards and knows that people care. The dogs and I have a bit of cabin fever, since the weather remains cold, but sunny and beautiful. I am amazed at the number of people who are still out on the driving range! The biggest issue for us is boredom and loneliness. The dogs are restricted from getting in Don's face, which frustrates our bichon! I have been knitting and playing computer games and, of course, a great deal of time in prayer. I have a group of friends on a "caregiver emergency list" in case I start to lose it here! So don't be surprised if you get a call.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. It means a great deal to both of us. In spite of the circumstances, God continues to bless us in so many ways.