Today’s post will be relatively short because it’s almost time for dinner, and I’ve been at the ITA all day. No new pictures, either (Sorry, Rose!).
After receiving two units of blood yesterday and a Neupogen shot on Monday, my blood tests are looking better:
WBC: 2.9
HCT: 31.1
PLTS: 97k
Then Karen (the NP, in case you haven’t been following along) told me that there were two viruses that were replicating in my blood. We knew this already, but apparently now is the time to do something about it before they get out of hand. The viruses are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Click on the links for more info on both. The amounts of the viruses are relatively low and wouldn’t pose a threat to the healthy adult, but since my immune system is compromised and weak, they don’t want to risk a major infection that, in the case of CMV, could be deadly. Before any of you start commenting, 1) yes, both are in the herpesvirus family, and 2) no, I don’t have herpes. I have had mononucleosis and chicken pox, though.
There are two treatment options for CMV: valcyte (oral meds) and foscarnet (IV). Valcyte has the side effect of lowering cell counts, so that’s not an option for me because mine are already low. Unfortunately, that leaves me with foscarnet, which is administered twice daily for 2-3 weeks. Each dose takes about 3 hours to drip, and they have to space the doses at least 10 hours apart. This means that I’ll be in the ITA at 7:00 in the morning every day, and the second dose starts at 5:00 in the afternoon. In addition, I’ll be getting some IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the next 3 days to boost my immune system. The IVIG takes 3-4 hours to drip, and can’t be given at the same time as the foscarnet. So, I get to spend the next three days in the ITA, from 7:00 a.m. to at least 8:00 p.m. I’m very excited that my weekend with Jen will be full of such great fun! On the other hand, it could be worse and I wouldn’t get to see her at all.
&^%&%$&^&$! Sorry, pardon my outburst.
Hey Todd,
Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about the infections and the time you have to spend in the clinic. My goal tomorrow is to try to get your wife out of work as early as possible so she can make her way to you and the fun filled activities planned for the weekend
. As always you have our support in many forms.
Virginia
Sorry that you will be stuck in the ITA
@#$%^%&&%$# ooops excuse me I don’t usually have outbursts like that either
But I am happy that you will have Jen to help you pass the time.
We are still praying for you!!
Oh and by the way when I told Tommy it was like you were yelling when you typed like that he said “Momma is it ok for Todd to yell?” and I said “yes just this once” he said “good cuz you get mad when I yell” Someday maybe I will get to use the computer without him quick on my heals. Ok taking the pirate off to bed now. “Momma tell Todd AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH” Goodnight
KRistina and the pirate boy
Dang, sorry about the infections and sorry that you and Jen will be hanging out around the hospital, although, Jen is pretty darn funny in times like this. You know when she makes that face…the one with one eye shut and the other eye kind of rolls up, and she holds her hands in front of her chest in the “spaz” position? And if you are lucky, she will throw in the famous snort? I love it when she does that. We like to tease her about it but it’s really endearing. Hope your down/drip time is full of moments like that…full of schmoopy-isms
. We will be praying. Love Patty
Todd,
Our Tyler had those similar immunoglobulin infusions before they became standard practice. we’d spend minimally 15 hours a day for the infusions. Now that it’s standard practice, the medical profession has obviously perfected it.
As for your “outburst”, uh let’s see, you ARE human after all! Continue to recognize the difference between “real time”; “hospital time”; and “God’s time” (” … unto everything there is a season …”). In the mean time, keep on keeping on. Enjoy the time with the grandparents. enjoy the time with your many friends, etc.
I am attempting to pay you a visit in late July. I will be in Long Beach for a conference, and I am checking into the possibility of coming up your way before I fly home. Nothing at all definite yet. Anyhow, continue to take care – “Be still, and know that He is God.
Shalom,
Uncle Paul
Dude, so sorry about the added hours at the hospital. It is good that Jen will be there with you. Love you both and continue to pray for you.
Tale care of each other.
Sean
If it’s not one thing, then it’s another it seems. At least Jen will be around.
On a lighter note, for whatever reason this reminds me of the SNL skit: “I’ve got a fever baby, and the only presciption is more cowbell!”
That stinks. So sorry to hear about those pesky viruses. We are familiar with some of those fancy acronyms. Because of Drew’s immune system he has to get CMV negative, irradiated blood every time he gets a transfusion. A couple of times we were threatened he’d have to get IVIG infusions pending test results, but so far we’ve managed to avoid it. I know it’s not fun to sit in the hospital all day hooked up to IVs especially when you were looking forward to spending some quality time with Jen. When Drew’s in the hospital they have special staff who bring toys to his room and play with him. Maybe you can request that Child Life comes to visit you too! We will definitely be thinking about you and praying for you this weekend.
Dang fragglmustystinkyviruses. We are sorry to hear about extra time at the hospital when you and Jen could have been out and about taking interesting pictures of the area. Give my love to Jen. I won’t see her until Monday. Take care.
Laddie and Brian
hi! i bet you’re a happy camper about now. jen should be there and your parents too-now that’s good medicine
i know i’ll be gettin some pictures on the blog since she’ll be around. i love the pictures 
but i’ll take your regular self posts over pictures any day 
wink.
i was thinking since you have to spend so much time in the ITA why not take jerry along? you know-our friend jerry seinfeld. watch it for me……..that show makes me laugh out loud even if i’ve seen the same episode multiple times.
we’ll be praying for you guys and wishing you well. miss you!
love, rose
Sorry to hear about the CMV and EBV- glad viral loads are small and fixable with the meds. This added out-pt. time will allow for total “24″ addiction to really kick in. Finished the 2 seasons of LOST and can’t seem to get all of the 3rd season online- only token episodes- so guess will have to wait for Oct. for the entire season on disc.
Well another drive-by pap is here- so must get going.