"Benign" Rashes and Low Counts

It has been a busy few days fighting symptoms and trying to keep things stable.  I used to be the easy patient that was given to a nurse because I didn't add too much work, but not so much anymore.  The drug rash that started on Wednesday became a major issue for me.  Although the doctors kept saying it was benign, it spread to cover almost my entire body.  It was extremely itchy and scary to look at.  The docs changed out all of my meds trying to make sure I wasn't still exposed to whatever was causing me to react.  On Friday, I had a dermatology consult and she confirmed it was a drug rash, and said that it was being "bled into" because my platelets are so low.  She changed up some of the meds to treat the symptoms and I have been feeling much better since then.  I still look pretty scary, but I guess it will go away eventually.

Brant was here Thursday and Friday and I enjoyed being able to spend some time with him.  I am hoping to see the kids again before too long.

On Thursday morning I had my bone marrow biopsy.  I am wondering how long before my hip bone looks like a piece of swiss cheese.  The guy doing it was pretty good.  He made the comment, "you have really strong bones" when he was done.  Funny, but I have heard this from each person that has done a biopsy on me so I am guessing that must mean it is a little tougher to get the sample.... It is hard not to be anxious about the results.  It will determine whether I do more chemo or not right now.  Please pray that the chemo wiped out everything and they find an "empty" bone marrow.  I should get results early next week.

Today I got hooked up to telemetry so they can keep an eye on my heart.  My potassium levels are very low and they just want to be safe.  More wires attached to me does not make me cheerful, but mom says I should be glad they are being so proactive.  I am pretty close to the "bottom" of the cycle (in my nadir), and hopefully will start rebounding soon.  My platelets were below 5 today which is really low so little blood blisters are popping up on my skin.  I have been spiking a temp about every night, but it comes down with Tylenol and the cultures they have drawn are all negative so far.

Despite all this stuff I actually feel pretty good today - especially since the rash is more under control. And if I can starting eating some food again,that will really make me happy!! Enjoy your weekend peeps...I think I will hang out here...