"You know what?" said Mariacristina. "It's been a great year." She's right, of course...
Day +30: The little big three-zero
It's Day +30 today, which may not carry much particular weight medically, except perhaps prompting another chimerism test, but feels good to have reached – albeit in hospital! Sadly the '3' and '0' balloons we used previously are at home, and I'm not, but it still feels like an achievement to have got through the first thirty days … Continue reading Day +30: The little big three-zero
Day +11: Show and tell (but mostly show)
1. I said last night we'd celebrate the last few hours of Day +10 ("engraftment day"). And we did. 2. Oh yes, my hair started falling out to a serious degree yesterday; rather than let it get patchy, we thought it time to take to the clippers. 3. Today (Day +11), Fred came up to Tooting... … Continue reading Day +11: Show and tell (but mostly show)
We are Family
The last time my (original Norton) family was all together was at my and Mariacristina's wedding in July 2011. Until yesterday, that is, when we had a delightful afternoon all together in my room on the Ruth Myles Unit. Sadly my nephew and godson Peter is at an age where they recommend he doesn't come … Continue reading We are Family
Wipeout
Well, that was quick. A mere three days ago, I wasn't even neutropaenic. Now I have 0.0 neutrophils (neutropaenic is below 1.0), and a lack of white blood cells to match (0.1, compared to a normal range of 4-11). Platelets are way down, too, at 12 (normal is 150-450). All to be expected if you … Continue reading Wipeout
Days 2/3… / Giorni 2/3…
So! Allora! Last night was a late one after all, as the Cytarabine couldn't start until four hours after the Fludarabine had finished, and then was dripped in over another four hours, finishing somewhere near 2am. But Day 2 was then complete, and at least the Fludarabine only took 30min! I've been feeling sleepy today, … Continue reading Days 2/3… / Giorni 2/3…
Visitors: some sort of a guide
QUICK NOTE: my hospital address is in the column on the right I'm touched when people ask when is a good time to visit, and I would love to be able to reply individually to each request (as to all messages and comments) with a specific answer. But that sounds like too much effort, so … Continue reading Visitors: some sort of a guide