Monday, March 17, 2008

I Don't Appear to Be Having a Relapse

In my last entry I told you that I was getting tired and short of breath without much cause, and that I was waiting for my monthly lab results to see if I was having a relapse.  This past Tuesday (March 11) I had my monthly lab tests done.  The results were normal for me.  I was relieved to hear this since I had been close to holding my breath for three weeks over my unusual symptoms.  As far as Krissy and I could tell, there was nothing in my blood counts to indicate that there was anything wrong with my marrow, and my blood chemistry showed that my kidneys are chugging along at about 40% of normal function like they have been for months.  *Whew*
 
Whenever I have labs done, I wait a few hours and then call my local oncologist's (cancer doctor's) office.  A nurse there gives me any lab results that I want over the phone.  After all this time they know me well and don't mind doing this for me.  I like getting the results on the same day the tests are done.  Naturally, Krissy and I can't interpret the results as well as a doctor can, but after spending almost a year at Hershey Medical Center, we can draw general conclusions from my labs. 
 
Since the lab results didn't show anything obviously wrong, on Wednesday I called my transplant nurse at Hershey and asked her what they thought down there.  She said she had told my transplant oncologist about my symptoms.  He said that he saw no problems in my lab results, and that my symptoms could be caused by something as simple as a mild viral infection.  My transplant nurse told me to relax, that she would call me if anything important turned up.  She hadn't called as of Friday, and after a sleepy weekend I decided not to wait any longer to write this entry. 
 
I plan to call two other doctors this week about possible causes for my symptoms.  If these two doctors can suggest anything significant, I'll let you know.  But the good news is that I don't appear to be having a relapse. 

15 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you are doing well.
    Pam

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  2. I am glad your results were good and hope that relieves the worry you've been under.  I know you have good cause for concern there.  Anxiety often increases the symptoms.  I'd say your doctors know what they are talking about and hope the others agree too.  'On Ya' - ma

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  3. John, that's wonderful news! I wondered if it could possibly be a viral infection; thanking the Lord for this great news; been praying for you that your counts would be good; also praying that your kidneys return to 100% of function, the Lord is the God of the impossible; right? That would be something to truly glorify him for :)

    enjoy the day

    betty

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  4. Well that is good news! Glad things are going well!


    ~~~Make it a Great Day~~~
                  Sharon
    http://journals.aol.com/buggieboo1/ImASurvivor/

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  5. Good news John.     Happy to hear it.        Dawn

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  6. Oh, praise God, John!!  You were sick for so long, John, perhaps it is just fatigue?  Just a bit of a lag?  I don't know, but you are in my prayers.  I love you!!!  Love, Val xox
    P.S.  I know when I have the flu/virus, it has me down for a few months sometimes.
    http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason

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  7. John think you can relax, sure you would have heard something by now if anything was out of sync, more likely just a virus with all that stuff going around.  Happy St. Patty's Day your way.  

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  8. Thank Goodness!  Doing a happy dance for you!  
    Missie

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  9. God bless you John.  I'm glad the results show it's not the worst you feared, but I know sometimes that doesn't feel very reassuring when you feel bad and no one can tell you why.  -  Barbara

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  10. Very pleased you're not having a relapse, John.

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  11. Great news!  Praying for continuing good news.
    loving you
    karyl

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  12. i bet its the flu bug its running rampant here! happy st patricks day

    Deb

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  13. That is definitely good news!
    Don't worry!
    Linda :)

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  14. YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! 3 cheers~Deb ;-)

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  15. Dearest John,  I came over from Krissy's to offer my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your mother.  May God bless her and welcome her into the heavenly places.  God's blessings on you as well, Penny

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