Day +7 & +8

The days just march on, don't they? I heard a few days ago of another Amyloidosis patient here who was discharged on Day+11. For me, that would be just a few more days. The criteria for discharge is based on blood counts; white blood cells (your basic immune system) need to be adequate for some level of protection. Mine are at rock bottom now but yesterday began a series of Neupogen (growth hormone) shots. As before, they'll jumpstart my bone marrow, what's been made so far, to put out extra white cells.

Yesterday, I became 'famous' here in the ward! I had finished my 30 minutes on the bike, racking up 10.3 miles. I got off the bike and realized I was a little light-headed. I stood against the wall and held onto the bike. Next thing I knew, I was looking up at a ring of about a dozen people, doctors, nurses, etc. They of course were looking down with real concern on their faces. Someone handed me a cup of juice which really tasted great. I waved everyone off me so I could stand under my own power. They offered a cart ride back to my room; I said I'd accept an escort but that I'd be walking under my own power...and that's what I did.

I found out afterward that someone saw me go down and hit my head on the floor. She called a 'code', which means everyone comes running. The big concern was that, with my platelet count so low at the moment, if I bled from the head, it could have gotten very messy.

I've been forced to promise no more 30 minute rides. I can do two 15 minute rides with a break between..which is what I'll do. As you can see from the list, I just walked today. Oh yeah, and we're now in 'flu season lockdown'. When out of my room, I need to be masked. That took a lot out of me when walking.

Beyond the walk, I did pretty much nothing for most of the day.

I've been having some stomach issues; I feel like I've overeaten all the time. They tell me it's still due to the chemo and have now doubled up on my Nexium (the purple pill). So far it hasn't helped. Hopefully, it'll kick in for tomorrow.

Enough for tonight.

TTYL,
Jerry