Saturday, Nov. 2nd, was not a good day. Dave was as listless and weak as I've seen him. He felt terrible and could (or would) hardly talk. He slept most of the day. We were both so glad the high dosage part of this year-long treatment plan was over!
A turning point came between Tuesday and Wednesday, when we went back to the hospital for more blood work. Dave was up in the morning, making his breakfast, saying a few cheerful things! He looked better, he acted better and as we then suspected, his lab report was better.
In an average healthy adult, the total number of white blood cells (WBC) ranges from 4,000 to 11,000 per cubic millimeter - a pretty wide range. Last Friday, Dave's WBC was 1,600. On Wednesday it was 3,500. Almost on the low side of normal! I'll have to ask what his normal count was before he started treatment.
Dave has now lost 17 pounds. That's an additional 8 pounds in 10 days. Rosemary, the NP, was concerned about his weight loss, in terms of him getting enough nutrients. Dave is not unhappy with the loss. He is eating healthy meals, just small ones, no alcohol, and no snacking. She suggested he try to eat some snacks such as nuts, apples with peanut butter, granola bars and even Boosts. Dave has started with nuts, and I'm sorry to say, some ice cream. That's my fault. I bought some Pumpkin Pecan Spice ice cream and darn it is good.
His rash has almost completely cleared up. He still has some "crackle" as Rosemary says, in his lungs and she gave him exercises to try to get rid of it. We don't want no stinkin' pneumonia.
Dave has been wearing a fleece jacket in the house for weeks, even though the house temperature has been above 72º and it is usually higher. He has an extra blanket on his side of the bed. He's always cold which is so unusual. Today he graduated to just a fleece vest instead of the jacket. The weight loss probably contributed to his chilliness.
Dave took a walk yesterday - without me suggesting it - but not today. I just asked him and he said he'd go with me in a little while. He's not anywhere near his old self, but there is definitely a change for the better.
We see Dr. S. on Monday and we'll be deciding when Dave will start the injections. He is not looking forward to it. I'm hoping this physical improvement will continue and he'll be a little more ready to start Phase II.
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