Relapsed High Risk Myeloma - 1 Unit Packed Red Blood Cells Transfusion - Update June 11 2013

Had a night of bilateral hip ACHES SUPREME. Finally took 1/4 of a pain pill and then followed by another 1/4. I wish I knew why my hips hurts so badly. The MRI I had on them 28 Feb 2013 was completely normal - but, they feel like they could come out of the socket if I were not careful.

At 7:30 AM, I drove Jonah (1999 Honda Passport) to Arco to have the air-conditioning looked at, while Jani drove Bart (2006 Honda Pilot) to pick me up and take me up to the lab at the Lost Rivers Medical Center for a CBC (complete blood count).

My white blood cell count has dropped to 2.7 from 5.4 (norms 4.5-11) since I had the Cycle 2 Bendamustine Day 1 and 2 on 4 and 5 June 2013. My ANC (absolute neutrophil count) has also dropped to 1.82 from 3.97 (norms 1.9-8.8, but close enough not to have to wear a mask. My hemoglobin dropped to 8.2 from 9.6 (norms 12-16) and since my threshold for packed red blood cell transfusion is set at 9.0, we drove to St. Luke's Hospital in Twin Falls for one unit of packed red blood cells; after 1 unit of packed red blood cells, I should not be as breathless as I have been with walking; my platelets also dropped to 28 from 45 (norms 140-440), but I won't have to worry about a platelet transfusion until my platelets go less than 10 or I begin to  bleed.

The MSTI cancer center infusion center was full today, so they sent me over to another outpatient Infusion Center at St. Luke's Hospital where they mostly give intravenous anti-arthritis and osteoporosis  drugs. 

Jani went to the cafeteria and got me a hamburger and her a chicken sandwich. We shared one ordered of french fries. Then, Jani went shopping and to get her hair cut again.

It is a long process to get the blood transfusion because they have to draw blood for a type and cross (takes an hour to complete in the lab here); order the correct blood (either Type O or A+ in my case); send the blood to radiology to irradiated because of my 2 failed autologous stem cell transplants); deliver it to the Infusion Center; hook it up to a pump and blood warmer device; and then let it run in over a 2-hour period (their protocol minimum time for 1 unit). They hung the blood right at 1 PM and ran it through my Bard Power Port located under the skin of my right chest wall.

 Lots of packed red blood cells being dripped and pumped in to my port.

I have Type A+ blood, but can have O+ blood safely. Again, thanks to all volunteer blood donors.

 Blood warming tubing from the IV pump - that's my laptop on the right.

History of All Blood Transfusions Since Diagnosis May 24 2011

1. Jun 11 2013 (1 unit)
2. May 14 2013 (2 units)
3. May 7 2013
4. Apr 19 2013
5. Apr 10 2013
6. May 16 2012 (2 units)
7. April 2 2012  (2 units)
8. Sept 22 2011 (2 units)
9. Sept 7 2011 (2 units)

We should be able to pick up Jonah with the fixed up air-conditioning on our way home today. Although, I am not all sure how late the place in Arco is open and we are 2 hours drive from Twin Falls to Arco.

With the new red blood cells on board, I should have more energy tomorrow for some sort of adventure with Jani and the dogs tomorrow.

2nd ASCT - Day 129 - September 24 2012

It RAINED during the night and air is much clearer this morning!

Sleep eludes me because of the neuropathy in my left foot and leg - will discuss with Dr. Padavanija tomorrow at my appointment in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Had good energy today. I mowed my lawn for the first time since 1 June 2011 (just after my multiple myeloma diagnoses). I wore a mask that people who need to clean up lead paint wear to protect themselves. My transplant rules indicate that I should NOT mow lawn or play in the dirt for a full 6 months post-transplant. I'm only 4 months post-transplant, so I thought the mask was in order. The mask was more comfortable than it looks.