It's Saturday February 13th, 4:43 pm
Sausage Egg McMuffin with Cheese x2 and a Hashbrown. It doesn't get more processed than McDonald's breakfast, but by God did I enjoy it! There's something about congesting arteries in a hospital bed that feels so deviously fun. Thanks to my Uncle Fred for the food; he's been a huge help and a great source of conversation since coming to Pittsburgh.
Last night the doctors took a window of 28,000 platelets (gnarly) to insert a PICC line, which is a slightly more central port for my chemo and blood draws. Though not an unpleasant procedure, it involves running a tube through a vein in my arm to my neck. The process was weird, but nothing I can't live with. The advantage of having the PICC line allows them to draw blood from it rather than from my left arm. Looks like I'm going to lose my clout in the New York Underground heroine scene. You know what they say, "No tracks, no cred." So, here's to the left arm's slow, but exciting recovery! It should look less like a Civil War captain's gangrene leg and more like my dominant arm in no time! Huzzah!
The platelet battle still rages on, but we're collecting more ground as we can. Yesterday morning it was 12,000. Yesterday night: 28,000. This morning: 16,000. This evening (circa 4:00pm): 30,000. Awesome news to me. Each morning is a dip, only to find a bounce in the evening. It's like loosing the cusp of a balloon, only to breathe deeper for a greater charge. I can take that.
Some of the side effects of chemo (or the steroids, really) are beginning to show. My hair might be thinning, but also, it's pretty greasy right now. We'll see on that one. I've never had the courage shave my head, but we might find out! Patrick Stewart, anyone? The steroids have blurred my distant vision, but the prescribed glasses from over Christmas correct this (for the most part). That worked out well. There are also small issues with my blood-sugar levels, because of the 'roids. I'm practically a diabetic now. They are monitoring my blood-sugar and giving insulin shots. This will subside as my body molds to the treatment, though. None of these are permanent effects, but a nice walk through the world of people living with these afflictions. Trying on other's shoes, I suppose.
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Get out there, get cold, get snowy, get drunk, get into trouble, but be safe for me. I need everyone around for when I get back. I have hugs and conversations, high fives and mental picking that I intend to do. So, keep well!
All my love,
Chris
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteWell, I know the IV thing from my September hospital stay. I wish I would have had a PICC line. Would have saved all the IV starts and blood draws. Glad that you are gaining some ground. Please continue on your journey and watch out for any naughty monkeys!! LOL. Take care kiddo, Love Kim
We already know that the Pirschel men look good with a lil shine on top! LOL. If I can survive shaving mine...so can you! Just keep those hats nearby to keep your head warm. I'm so glad they got the PICC line in. It will make things so much easier. I'm keeping you and the family in my prayers. Tight hugs for all of you.... Sandy
ReplyDeleteChris - Glad to hear things are looking better. Take a chance and shave your head, believe me - you will look way better than my mom! (LOVE YOU MOM!)
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, I'm not sure if you remember me. I am Mike (Brine's) mom. Michael told me about what your going through. I just wanted to send you a note letting you know that I'm thinking of you and I'm here if you need any moral support. I too am going through chemo treatments right now for breast cancer. I just had my 4th one with 2 more treatments to go. There are so many stages of emotions that I find, go with this experience. Going bald was one of them, but I just pulled together some of my closest family & friends and made an event of it.Cuz like I say: Cancer does not make you go bald, the path of healing does! I have just been blessed with all the people who have been there for me through all of this. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and my prayers. Sherry Brine
ReplyDeleteHey!! now that my comments will be posted..wanted to let you know what my "dream job" would be once I hit the lottery...you should know this but i would really love to be a...wait for it...(aka Barney from How I Met Your Mother)..Ice Cream Taste Tester!!! there you have it!! what do ya think??? Glad the platelets are moving upward..they can take a dip once in a while but they best keep growing, building and multiplying. Chris, I feel like you are on a Flexible Flyer sled and we are ALL (your family, friends, family's friends, staff, doctors, etc.) are pulling you up this hill but rest assured, we will reach the top then it will be clean sailing down that hill....take care and feel the hugs from all of us. P.S. I really liked Mrs. Martin's comment about "little shine of top", way too cute. Love the Gulicks
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