Rough Times Begin

Here We Go

Mt Hood
from the Penthouse

The side effects of chemo, radiation, and drug therapy hit Pam pretty hard today, right on schedule.  Everyone has told us to expect these side effects a couple of days after the transplant.  Today is +2 and she is nauseated and fatigued with lots of "bathroom issues". She didn't get much sleep last night and so far today has only been able to eat a small bowl of cream of wheat.

She received 2 units of red cells yesterday, and I am guessing she will be getting her first unit of platelets since we started the transplant process very soon.

She has been getting some thick mucus in her mouth and throat, which is probably the first sign that she may be developing mucositis.  This is caused by the sloughing of the lining of the digestive system: mouth, gums, throat esophagus, and gut. She has started gargling with saline.  She had terrible mucositis during the induction chemo, and other than nacotic meds, plain old saline seemed to be the most effective thing available for pain relief.



Pam and Jason

 Right now, there is an incredible view of Mt. Hood from Pam's Penthouse, but she is taking a nap and trying to get her stomach composed with the help of Atavan and Compazine.

Jason and Alyssa visted last night, and Pam got to see grandson Austin from our window. It was great... really lifted her spirits.

Maple Bar Irony

Yesterday morning, I bought a variety of 2 dozen delicious greasy doughnuts (which included maple bars) and a valentine's day card for the staff here.  (I have learned from experience that this sort of contraband is worth it's weight in cholesterol.)  I was going to take a maple bar from one of the boxes for myself, but thought it would seem sort of chintzy to give them one box with only 11 doughnuts, so I didn't.  Then late yesterday morning, I checked the coffee shop on the 9th floor, and they had sold out of their maple bars. 

Things are not always fair in love and maple bars.  You can quote me.