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Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Aberrant CD7
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Dec 22, 2021 | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
Dear Lori-
You are such a lovely, thoughtful person!
Yes, here we are and we're so exhausted already. But he's so strong, so I have no choice but to rise to the occasion. I am so terrified that some of the staff on the transplant floor not vaccinated, including nurses of course. I was fortunate in that I was able to get the third booster to protect us both. I am 73 and can't risk even getting a mild case because I could give it to him. Richard's oncologist strongly recommended I do so. I spoke with one of our nurses tonight who we like very much and when I brought up the subject, I could tell she was not vaccinated. She said not to worry because they all wear masks and gloves. Not much I can do but hope for the best. I can't wait until we are back home because I do a very good job of protecting him to the best of my ability.
I will be sleeping there full time, coming home maybe once a week for a few hours to do laundry, mow the lawn and pay bills. I really don't like to leave him because I was able to ensure he got good care as a result of my presence. If you miss the doctor's visits, you're clueless and that's not where I want to be.
Will keep you posted when I am able. Thank you for reaching out with so much love and support. You're a special person.
Love,
Lodi
Replies to "Dear Lori- You are such a lovely, thoughtful person! Yes, here we are and we're so..."
@lodi Good morning Lorraine, by my reckoning it’s Richard’s last day of conditioning. How’s he coping with the chemo? I hope he’s not having too much nausea but I’m sure he’s getting tired. It’s more powerful than the chemo he’s been on in his AML journey.
But it’s doing the job of cleaning everything out of his marrow, making room for those new stem cells arriving in 2 days! They’ll have a nice new home to nestle into and take up residency to protect him for the rest of his life!
I had 2 lines of thought when I had my infusion of cells. The first was like little Minions infiltrating my body. Did you see the movie Despicable Me? Anyway, they are fun little characters and I’d laugh when I thought of them taking over.
In reality, they’re more like a united force of Imperial storm troopers!! Glad they are on my side! My husband chose to go with a military analogy. Oh well, whatever, I do have a new army at guard in my body.
LOL. Anyway, maybe your husband can come up with his own analogy for his new defense team.
It helps to think about what’s going on inside the body as the cells infiltrate his bones and settle into their new surroundings. It will take about 10-14 days before they set up housekeeping and get down to business making white blood cells again. (Engraftment) Then Richard will start feeling better. It’s going to be a long 2 weeks in between. He’ll be tired. He needs to expect that and not to fight resting.
How are YOU holding up??
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All of the emotions, procedures, meds, physical recovery, etc., of my transplant are so fresh in my memory. As you already realize, this is all very exhausting and filled with unknowns. Being able to help you stay positive and informed is my pleasure.
I can appreciate your fear with having so many of the staff unvaccinated. But with or without Covid, the nurses and anyone remotely in close contact with your husband would be wearing masks and sanitizing their hands. If not, insist on it. Try to not live in fear. Knowledge is power and you have a firm grasp of the severity of Covid. Being there with your husband, you’ll have your radar set on high alert and he’ll be well protected. Good for you, getting the booster!! I got a notice today to schedule my appt.
Your consistent vigilance and concern will be draining over the next few weeks. Please find moments where you can rest and decompress so that you can remain strong and healthy too. I think once you’re able to trust the staff and see this working, you’ll be able to relax a little more.
We don’t know how strong we can be until it is the only option! Thinking of you both and sending love…Lori