Post Transplant Day 7

It looks like the melphalan did what it was supposed to do. Karl is now officially neutropenic. In other words, his neutrophils were measured to be 0.0. His hemoglobin is 88, platelets are 73, and potassium is up slightly to 3.8 because they have been adding it to his fluids. The neutrophils will likely stay at 0.0 for several days, but when they rise even to a mere 0.1 it will mean that the transplanted stem cells are growing. We know the Neupogen is in his body cheering them on, but we wish there was something else we could do to speed this process. But of course there isn’t. We just have to wait, hope, and pray.

Karl is still being treated for C Diff, which means Flagyl and fluids but no anti diarrhea meds. The pain and discomfort from diarrhea is Karl’s main symptom now, and morphine is back in the mix to take the edge off the pain. His mouth is tender but he says “not bad”, and while he has had some nausea it is no longer constant and he hasn’t thrown up.

Dr. Tompkins is the haematologist on call this week. Her examination today confirmed no skin infection around his bum, but he does have a  hemorrhoid. Karl said “always something” as we were searching to learn how to spell hemorrhoid. There is nothing different that they can do for that other than the ointment, morphine and antibiotic that he is already getting.

At least we have reached bottom with the blood counts. Now the waiting is for improvement rather than further decline. All uphill from here. Hopefully with no backward slips.