T-4 and Counting

I had my second treatment with the chemo last night -- identical to the first. It went just fine. I didn't feel anything. Luckily, I've got no nausea, just fatigue and I've had that for months, anyway. This drug, the Fludarabine has a very low incidence of hair loss as a side effect. The next one, the one I start tomorrow night, supposedly has a greater incidence. That's why I cut my hair. Either way, though, it's not a big deal to me. I've got a drawer full of newly washed bandanas just in case. I took another Ambien last night and so I did get some sleep, but not too much. They check your vitals at 1AM and then again at 5AM. I think I did pretty well between those hours. In addition, the newly learned information concerning my need to hydrate caused frequent trips to the bathroom.

There didn't seem to be much change in my blood counts after the first treatment. I'm waiting to see the results today. Then again, I had my first treatment late Tuesday night and the blood was drawn very early Wednesday morning so there was not much time for change to occur. The counts should start dropping. When they do, that's when I and those around me need to take added precaution against infections and viruses. The room I have is double doored. Those entering should not open the interior door until the one behind them has closed. In the anteroom, there are coat hooks, a sink, Purell and gloves. Visitors, including medical personnel, "gear up" before entering the inner door. The room has negative pressure which helps prevent cross contamination. But it is very dry in here and I'm going through my moisturizer like it's goin' out of style.

I am going to have to follow a Neutropenic Diet. They gave me a printout. There are an awful lot of "not alloweds" on the list. Some of my favorite foods, actually. For instance, no Feta cheese, Brie, undercooked eggs, lox, sliced raw onions, salsa, chocolate with nuts. As far as I can see, coffee and Dunkin Donuts are not yet disallowed, so it's ok.

On today's agenda....hmmm....I can't seem to think of anything interesting. There will be meals, naps, television, perhaps a visit by the family. Maybe I'll do some knitting today. Oh, and I do tend to spend some time in front of this here computer contraption. I know I haven't acknowledged every comment from every one of you. Please don't for a moment think that your comments go unnoticed or unappreciated. They make my day!