Neutropenic, August 8, 2009

The visit to the BMT clinc at the Huntsman Cancer Institute this morning showed that my white cell count is now so low that I am judged to be neutropenic, meaning my immune system is badly compromised. I was sent home wearing this mask and told to use it whenever we travel between home and the hospital and whenever I go outdoors. Family visitors should stay a few feet away from me and everybody should be careful about hand washing when here.

I expected to be told that we should move into Joanna's house at once, but Andrea (Physicians Assistant that treats me) said no I don't need to do that because I have no other symptoms and can plan to stay at home until after the implant of a new line Monday morning. But we will need to be at the hospital at 7:00 AM in the morning and again Monday morning.

We will use Emma's cell phone while at Joanna's home for any long distance calls we make , but can use her phone (number:801-582-1381) for local calls. I don't want to run up any kind of phone bill while she is so graciously letting us use her home.

No complications whatsoever last night; I slept good after taking an ambien at bedtime and another about 3:00 AM. One of the nausea pills under my tongue a half hour before breakfast has eliminated the vomiting right after my first taste of food in the morning.