Baby Steps (Day 12 and 13)

Monday, June 10, 2024 – Day 12

Today is the first day in a long time that I finally could sit up and talk/whisper to someone. I was also able to go on a 10-minute walk today too. It’s not much, but it’s so much more than what I’ve been able to do this last week so I’ll take it!

I look like a chia pet right now. As my lovely friend Katie reminded me, “ch ch ch chia” (did you sing along? Yes I did too).

Today is also the first day that maybe some white counts are coming in!!!

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – Day 13

I woke up today still with a lot of pain in my throat, but after rinsing and doing my morning routine, it felt a lot better. I still can’t eat because it’s so painful, but I am able to talk now without whispering!!

Some of the dead skin in my mouth is starting to slough off. It’s a good sign, but also very uncomfortable as I don’t want to rip it off without it being ready to come off.

I had this huge craving for red Gatorade today, but was disappointed after one sip. I think my taste buds aren’t quite back to normal yet, but I guess it’s a good sign that I even had a craving today.

Also, MY BLOOD COUNTS ARE FINALLY COMING IN!!

	6/6	6/7	6/8	6/9	6/10	6/11
WBC	0.01	0.01	0.01	0.01	0.05/0.09	0.29
Hgb	9.9	9.8	9.3/8.4	8.8/9.5	9.1/9.5	9.4
Plt	11/7	24	14/17	24/20	18/30	28
ANC	0	0	0	0	0	0.14

It’s not much but it really has made a huge difference! I’m sitting upright, I’m able to talk, I can take sips of water, and I went on a 15-minute walk today around the floor.

I’ve had nurse Rachel for the last several days and I’ve been keeping her really busy. Because of how many drips I’m on, Rachel is assigned 1:1 to me. She’s in my room basically all day because of how high maintenance I am! I promise this is the only time I’ll be high maintenance.

Tomorrow is my mom’s birthday. I hope I can engraft tomorrow (ANC has to be greater than 0.5) or at least be close to engraftment. It’ll be the best birthday ever for her she said.