Needles and Pins-a, and so it Begins-a

Just had a consult with the hematologist. He explained the diagnosis: Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Which risk category we are in is yet to be determined, but he says we mustn't wait any longer to start chemo. 

So, this afternoon, they will start me on a 7 and 3 chemotherapy regimen. The seven refers to one medication that I will take by IV drip continuously for seven days. Along the way, they will add a second medication that I will receive via IV drip on three of those seven days. Then the medication ends. 

After that, my bone marrow will gradually be destroyed and resorbed. At that point somewhere round about 14 days into the process, I will have no bone marrow and no immunity. Consequently, I will be on anti-biotics, anti-fungal and anti-viral medications. At about 14 days, my body will begin to make new bone marrow. The hope is that it will not have lost its mind, the way my sick bone marrow has. 

When my blood counts are back to normal, I can go home. Kari, the Nurse Practitioner who works with Dr. Mansoor, said the shortest she has kept a patient is 24 days, and the longest is 35. So, I will expect to be here around 30 days before I get to go home. That's 30 days from today. So, don't look for me before July 29th. (Although, I might be one of the early releasees, so don't get too complacent. Bwaahaahaahaa!)

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 3, 2021 at 2:36 PM

    Hi Tom,
    Lets hope and pray for a 24 day "get out of jail free" card comes your way. We presume no visitors during your stay without an immune system. Maybe we can send you something for entertainment during your time away. Anyway, we are here for you and Jill and your family and praying for a complete recovery.

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