We were on a much needed holiday when we got our first clue that all was not well. Bert had had Bronchitis all through our holiday and against his better judgement he went to see the Dr the day we were due to fly home. The Dr in Turkey was amazing done loads of tests and told us after only 45 mins we were told that his white cell count was really low at 1.2 and that we were to see a Dr on our arrival home. He was admitted on the 15th of September and we were given the diagnosis on the 18th the day after his 56th birthday. His count dropped rapidly to 0.1 in a couple of days but then stopped at that. The Dr had told us that his chemo would start the following week. However she changed her mind, and sent him home after 2 weeks of antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals, which was just as well as I developed Laryngitis and a chest infection. I was amazed that he never got any infection. We went to the out patient clinic 2 weeks later and were told he was stable to come back in 2 weeks. on our return we were told he had to be admitted on Mon 2nd Nov despite the fact that his blood was still stable and he was to be starten on Chemo on Tue 3rd. The 1st lot of chemo mad him look dreadful I was not expecting that. However, he did look a little better the next day although he was very breathless and had tracking up his arm where the chemo had been put in. But all of that turned out to be ok. Here we are on day 4 gutted to find out that his brothers are not match for Bone Marrow, that left him feeling very upset and down in the dumps. So we will see what tomorrow brings
Goodnight
FormerMember
How you doing today? I presume you have been to see Bert, like you said, you always do.
Wish I could see my mum, I spoke to dad today and he said I could have visited afterall last week but I suppose he was just being extra careful as last time wasn't brilliant.
Mum is a lot better today even though her feet and hands have puffed up and they are sore. The nurses have been giving her fluids into her Hickman Line I think as she isn't drinking enough. She struggles drinking like me if she isn't thirsty.
They have given her water tablets to get rid of excess fluid, so hopefully she will get her hands and feet back to normal asap.
Dad says they have had little walks down the corridor to keep mum mobile as she was in bed for 6 weeks on the first round of chemo and couldn't walk for a while.
She is a lot stronger this time and her bloods are spot on and so is her temperature. Her blood pressure is low but it always is, and she has had to come off the blood pressure tablets for now.
Not sure when she will be allowed back on them as she will need them.
Oh well, now we will have to wait for her Immune System to go low, and then she will probably have blood transfusions etc.
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed that all will be well.
Hi everyone, Yesterday I had very weepy day but had a talk to the ward Sister got some stuff sorted and felt much better. However, today it was Bert's turn to be weepy he was very down today and I could not do anything to help, he is scared and it must have taken a lot of courage for him to admit that to me as he always keeps things to himself. He had a couple of Diazepam for anxiety and he has not been having them much this cycle. He said that he just has this feeling of dread and its really hard to hear that and not be able to help him. We went for a sleep in the afternoon and when he woke up he was worse. He had some platelets today and has been keeping quite well this time. his mood has been much improved from last time. I phoned him when i got home and he was just going to go back to bed which is not a good sign but we will see how he is tomorrow
Hi Teri, sorry to hear that you have both had a couple of weepy days, this is a very emotional time for you and Bert and it is difficult some days not to feel sad,especially when you are tired with all the running round and Bert will still feel tired from the chemo. Keep your chin up hun and I hope tommorrrow is a better day for you both.
Bert has an infection so is not doing too well tonight but the powers that be have decided that at 56 he is too old for a Bone Marrow Transplant, the same transplant that they told him he needed 4 months ago when he turned 56 and was diagnosed.
I need to make an appointment to discuss this he was told and I also need to make an appointment to discuss it with The Anthony Nolan Trust as they are the people who dicide if you can have the transplant
Hi Teri, I was also sorry to hear you had both had weepy days! I thought you might having released much of your 'pent up' emotion ealrier on in the weekend. so that is not too surprising, and may well do you the world of good! Equally it is a flat time of the year for many people, not just those under additional stress - and of course remember that you too have been poorly, and have not really had a chance to recover. Bert is probably feeling fed up, tired, as Lynn says after the cheno and side effects, and yes he is human so he will also be thinking about the future! He knows he has more chemo to get through and as you will have seen from the site it is a daunting prospect for anyone to contend with. These guys must also feel low when their counts are down, I hope he feel feel better now he has had a top up.
I really wish you and Bert well, your mum as well Lynn and I will be in touch tomorrow!
With love, Debbie xx
PS Trust your d-in-law is on the road to recovery as well.
