November 28 - Hammer receives "The Hammer"

One word describes today.  B – o – r – i – n – g

But, all is well.  Today’s prescription is the full day of the chemotherapy referred to as  “The Hammer”, and is an infusion that will take 8 hours to complete. This chemotherapy will (gradually) completely destroy all of Dennis’ red and white blood cells. There are 3 prescriptions waiting for us to pick up in the pharmacy “just in case” of nausea, moving forward from tonight. Eating “light” has been recommended at dinner (no fast food/grease).

As to what we can expect, the staff here relates that, because the chemotherapy effect is gradual, Dennis will feel pretty good on Friday and Saturday (December 1 & 2), and then will begin to feel weak and “crappy” in general as his white blood cell count drops. Red blood cells can be replenished with a transfusion if necessary, but the white blood cells must rebuild themselves; hence, the low immunity level. We are told that by the time Friday & Saturday December 7 & 8 arrives, the white blood cell count will be at it’s lowest and Dennis will feel at his worst (and will lose his hair). After that, however, the white blood cell count begins to climb, and as it does, Dennis will begin to feel better. We are hopeful that he will be released from Karmanos in 14 days (around December 15).

With the above timetable in mind, if you would like to visit, you are certainly welcome. PLEASE don’t feel as though you need to visit, though. It is quite some distance from West Michigan.

We did learn yesterday that the doctor expects us to stay very close during the first week after release – so it looks like another hotel stay may be necessary. Because everyone recovers from a transplant at his or her own pace, everything in regard to dates and condition remains tentative. We’ll be sure to keep everyone posted.

Tomorrow, November 29, will find us here again for 5 or more hours as Dennis is monitored and receives more hydrating fluids. Friday is the long-awaited and very well-earned day of transplant.

Dennis is receiving all of his messages, thank you for sending those along. We really appreciate all of your expressions of affection and support. Thank you so much for your friendship. 

Dennis & Deb

An aside - For those of you interested in the cost of cancer (we always find it to be interesting, but mostly unbelievable):  Eight ounces of today’s chemo drug is approximately $20,000 (a nurse’s guess). Add that to that the special injections needed before the stem cell harvest – $35,000 (for 12 injections).

We're thinking we will create a tab here about the cost of this process, in case others are interested. We continue to shake our heads in amazement and completely agree that the health care system in this Country needs a MAJOR overhaul.

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