December is Here: Rest Weeks
Since leaving the hospital 3 weeks ago, I haven't had any more chemo, as I'm still recovering from the side-effects of the cytarabine almost a month ago. The cytarabine isn't selective in what cells it kills and it really inflamed my GI tract. Five days after getting out of the hospital, I went back in the middle of night because of an esophageal bleeding. It scared the bejesus out of me as I had low platelets (also from the cytarabine), so once the bleeding started, it took a while to stop, my stomach filled with blood, and then that caused a load of nausea until I vommed up a bunch of fresh blood. Bree drove me to the ER and we stayed in the ER for 15 hours until a room opened up on in Heme/Onc. Twenty-three people visited us during the ER stint--6 doctors, 7 nurses, one PA, 4 radiology, PT, OT, and 3 hospital staff to sign forms. I was glad for the attention, but it did make it difficult to sleep. After some tests and a scope into the stomach, I was free to go on Saturday and got out just in time to make it to Briana's 30th birthday pub crawl. Well, it wasn't just for Briana, four of our friends who had birthdays in the same week were co-celebrating with her--it was a big event that I didn't want to miss. I was pressing my nurse to get out of the hosp. early and used the "I have my fiances 30th birthday to get to this afternoon" excuse for a 2nd hospital stay in a row. They were both honest (last week was celebrating with her family), but still, luckily I stayed on different floors. Nothing gets you further away from the hospital than a pub crawl; it was a good activity to get my mind off healthcare. Because of the GI inflammation, I was prescribed a liquid diet for a week, so places full of drinks worked out great. No beer for me, but all the hot chocolate, soda, and juice I could want.
With a week off last week, I was able to catch-up on school work and make it to all of my classes. It was really nice only having to go in to the clinic once. This week I'm in everyday for the Ommaya taps, but these are short visits at least.
With a week off last week, I was able to catch-up on school work and make it to all of my classes. It was really nice only having to go in to the clinic once. This week I'm in everyday for the Ommaya taps, but these are short visits at least.
Birthday celebrations and recovery, and November gnocci night
Thanks for the update, D. Glad you've had some rest and a chance to do some non-healthcare related stuff. Here's hoping for a good December! See you soon.
ReplyDeleteMan! That esophageal bleed sounds like pretty serious business. Glad you made it through all that and can get back to crushing it on the academic front. Thanks for the post- it's nice to know what's goin' on over there.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear an update from you, Derek. I'm sorry to hear about all the hospital time recently - hopefully that fiance's 30th birthday excuse can work a couple more times as needed :) I hope school is going well! Miss you <3
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you got to get back to the routine of school and all. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWhew what a crazy past couple of weeks! I'm so glad you are back to your routine and as always I'm amazed by your positive spirit. Thanks to you and Bree for the updates. It sounds like you are in great hands both in the hospital and out. Sending lots of love to you and Bree. -Lily
ReplyDeleteHi D, glad to hear the esophageal bleeding was resolved in time to celebrate a quad-birthday bonanza and take full advantage of the silver lining to a liquid diet. It's definitely a good time of year for a diet of hot chocolate. I hope your visits are smooth this week and that the schoolwork is going well. We'll be thinking of you here in Oregon!
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Liz and Dustin
Derek, it's at once really hard to read about the bullsh*t you're going through, but also makes me smile to hear your sense of humor shine through it all. Agree with Liz above that a hot chocolate cleanse should definitely be a thing. You're in my thoughts often and I wish I could see you over New Years. Much love to you and Bree, and continue to keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jules
Thank you so much for the update Derek.... we are so glad to hear that you are feeling better but damn, what a journey. Like everyone, and most of all you and Bree, we are so hoping this will eventually be a distant memory but until then, thanks for keeping us in the loop. Sending love and big hugs, Mary and Mark
ReplyDeleteDerek, I'm totally with Julezilla--it's hard to know you're going through so much, but also love seeing your strength shine through. Your ability to somehow manage to crack jokes and maintain a positive attitude blows me away. Thanks for the update, and I really hope that the New Year brings you good health and lots more fun times with Bree. Sending you lots of love from New York!
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Kait
Hi D-Money! God, this does sound scary! Thanks for your posts, it is so good to know how you are doing. Thinking about you lots and sending love.
ReplyDeleteGeeze....that sounds like a lot of roller coaster activity right there. Hopefully your liquid Thanksgiving dinner will never need to be repeated!! May the weight gain continue along with improved general health. As always, thinking of you and sending love to you and your fiancé Ms. Briana.
ReplyDelete