WBCs up to 1.9 and ANC up to 2680! Remember two days in a row of ANC over 1000 and I can go home! However …. I still have this high creatinine (kidney) issue and really low electrolytes. Breathing is still laborious although much better than it was before. They won’t let me out until we can stabilize my kidney function but things seem to be moving along … AND THEN … Had a visit from Dr. S (Dr. Gs boss) and here is a copy/paste of the email Helene sent to the family after his visit:
Spoke with Brad’s doctors earlier today and received some great news.
Brad’s preliminary myeloma markers show major improvement and it’s only been two weeks (it really takes 100 days for the full effect of the transplant). Also, lesions that were in his chest when he was admitted for the transplant are now gone with no activity. This means that in the myeloma area, he gets an A+.
As far as the labored breathing Brad’s been experiencing, it’s either pneumonia or the flu. But regardless, they can handle it. He’s breathing better since this morning, so that’s great!!
Most importantly, he’s responding extremely well to the transplant.
Finally, some good news!!!
So … Let’s target home by end of the week? We will see. I know I haven’t been particularly philosophical with these blogs lately. No great “insight” and have been taking the easy way out with the copy/paste but bear with me. I am having a tough time talking – even texting takes effort.
As Dr. S said today … “Man, you needed to catch a break.”
Let’s hope he’s right and I did!
Instead of saying something philosophical this time, I will be a bit more medical. Your creatinine typically will continue to decrease…. your kidneys are looking for hydration. They have a bit of an acute injury from the chemo.
Although you might have some degree of a pneumonia, you also will find yourself hyperventilating a little bit in order to clear the altered metabolic state that your kidneys have created. Your body does that as a protective mechanism.
The most important thing however is the regression of the active sites. Nature will take care of repairing the kidneys and liver
BC – thank goodness. Great great belated Valentine’s news. Keep it up Coach…
That’s fantastic Bradley Coustan!!! You go ahead and kick that multiple myeloma’s lame a** !!! Godspeed friend. More powers to you.
It sounds like your body is responding really well. I loved reading the great news.
Great update Brad! Stay strong and focused on getting back home to the love of your family & friends!
Keep those A+ grades coming. Keep that fight! Lot’s of love and prayers for all.
Awesome!
Yes!!!!!!!!
Dr. S can be so refreshing in his comments. Keep up the good work and know that every day will be better. This time the transplant is going to hold.
My first follow-up with Dr. S post d/c from transplant he said that in 6 weeks I would look back and see how far I had come. At the time I didn’t believe it because I felt like s**t. But, 6 weeks later I looked back and he was right. So, know that things do get better.
Nancy in Phila
Great news! Looking forward to having you back home. oxoxo
Brad, We are 2 amongst thousands of your admirers! We’re praying and cheering for you.
With lots of love, Charlotte and Harvey
Sorry you have not heard from me in a while. I was out of town with very limited access but I did read all of the posts and kept following. This is great news and I am so glad to hear. Keep it up Brad. We are all rooting for you.
WAHOO! Markers down….great news! Much love and healing energy coming your way from Santa Fe. BIG HUGS to all !
Keep it up bradstrong:)