Thursday, February 11, 2010

Back in the Big House

I was readmitted to the hospital on Tuesday. It's not a ig deal, nothing major. As you know my immune system is around 0 right now because of the mylotarg that I had so I'm at a huge risk for infections. One of the ways the body responds to having no immune system is to run fevers to try to cook out any bugs that might try to enter the body. This fever without a cause is called a neutropenic fever, and lucky me, I just happened to be in clinic while I was running a neutropenic fever of 101.4 so they admitted me torun cultures to see if I had an infection and administer antibiotics to make sure any potential infections didn't get out of control.

Naturally my fever stopped two hours after I was admitted and I haven't had one since. Figures! So I've just been hanging out here catching up with the wonderful nurses. Provided I don't run a fever in the next twelve hours they'll release me tomorrow. Short and sweet, that's how I like it.

I was really upset to be readmitted to the hospital, obviously. It felt like another step backward. But luckily it was short and I didn't have an infection and I can put it behind me. Actually, it was nice to be in a social environment again. I know all the nurses, they all wanted to say hi and see how I'm doing, some of my favorite staffers came by to see me. It's kind of like the old Cheers theme song "you wanna go where everybody knows your name." That's what the hospital is like for me. How sad is that!!! But I do think it was good for my spirit to be around people. Gave me a recharge for the next approximately 40 days before I can go out again.

It was also really helpful because I got to work intensively with the dietician on my eating issues. We changed my insulin schedule so that I adjust it based on my blood glucose and what I'm planning to eat, so that should help me manage my glucose levels better. She kept emphasizing that I can eat whatever I want as long as I'm counting the carbs and taking the correct dose of insulin. Pasta and ice cream all day long for me!!!

My mom pointed out to me yesterday that it's been about two months since I've been able to eat normally. First I was sick from chemo, then I had the mouth sores, then I couldn't taste anything, then I had the gut GVHD, and then I had this glucose problem. Two months without normal eating is actually a huge deal. I'm really glad that I'll be able to get back to some semblance of normal now.

Otherwise things are good. My mood is pretty good these days. I'm thinking about the future and coming up with some plans and listening to good music and figuring out ways to occupy my time. So things are good, and I hope that the next post will be from home.

8 comments:

islandgirl4ever2 said...

Hi Mira...

Glad it's nothing serious and that they took care of it right away.... Yes, lucky you happened to already be at the hospital so they could just admit you with the snap of the fingers! You have many peeps at the hospital who love you!! It's true that you get a "recharge" from all that positive cheer and erergy-- it's their "chi." I'm sure you are a popular girl there-- your a great gal with great wit and humor!!
Glad to see that you are coming along nicely and that you worked out things with you dietician so that you can do the "ice cream" thing again! I bet you're really happy to hear that!!
Pasta AND ice cream! Gooooo girl!
Have you been watching any specific series on tv? A lot of the ones I watch are going back into filming soon... I can't wait!!
Take care and have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Leese

The Un-Ashtangi said...

Glad to hear that's everything is ok.

And 40 days may seem like a long time but that's just over a month. Which is right around spring!!!

Anonymous said...

Glad you didn't stay for long at the hospital!

Just curious, but how do you count carb? Sounds complicated... how do you do?

Alexandra said...

Mira, so are you back home from the hospital now? I hope you are home, and that you're able to watch the Olympics and continue eating food that tastes good and gives you energy! :) The warm atmosphere of the hospital sounds nice, and I bet the nurses and doctors were happy to get the chance to catch up with you.

In terms of TV series, do you watch Mad Men? I'm midway through Season 1 and really enjoying it. The male characters definitely demean women, but since it seems like the show is expressing disdain toward that whole attitude, it's ok.

love, Alex

au soleil levant said...

Leesa - yeah it was nice to be back with my "buddies" at the hospital again. I'm very excited that Lost and American Idol have started again! Love both of those shows.

Jasmin - very true! And the weather will be nicer and I'll actually want to leave the house.

Zhu - counting carbs is pretty complicated, and I think it's probably worth it's own post. Stay tuned!

Alex - Yep, I'm home, they let me out yesterday afternoon, so I got to watch the opening ceremony on my couch. Good stuff. I haven't watched Mad Men but I know a lot of people like it, so I may have to add it to my list.

Barbara said...

Hi Mira,

I can see where you are coming from. You want to advance, and here's this step back.I feel for you.But think it's only temporary.

Take comfort in the fact that you have great allies and friends in there.Some of them probably know you better than some people outside the "big house".

Couarge; tu vas y arriver.

Animesh said...

Looking fwd to the "from home" post :).

Happy V-day!

au soleil levant said...

Thanks guys!