Hi Everyone!
I had to go in to the doctor today because I had a rash appear on the palms of my hands. My doctor thinks it could be the Graft vs. Host disease and gave me meds for it so he's on top of it. This disease is not unusual for bone marrow transplants, it's my body rejecting Dan's stem cells and they just treat it as the symptoms appear. I go tomorrow for an all day blood draw, they will draw it every hour for 8 hours. It's a research study that I signed up for it, and someday they will have news meds that work even better because of these studies. On Friday I have a bone marrow biopsy but won't know the results for 2 to 3 days. They are looking as usual for any lukemia that might come back but are also testing to see what percent of my bone marrow is now Dan's (they are hoping for about 80%). I am feeling stronger now but still not ready to run any races! LOL
God Bless,
Ernie
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
May 23 Day 28
Hi Everyone,
I saw the doctor on Monday and had a chest x-ray because I've felt a slight pain when I take a deep breath and I've still been having my temperature go up in the evening. The x-ray showed what the doctor thought was something so he had us go back today (Wed) for another chest x-ray. He didn't see anything on today's but the radiologist still has to read it. He put me on an antibiotic for 7 days to clear up my symptoms. I signed up for a research study and they gave me the pills for the first time today. They said 2/3 of the people on the study will get the real medication and 1/3 will get a placebo. I think I am taking the medicine because after taking it I sensed a metallic taste in my mouth. I have to be there all day next Tuesday for the study but that only happens once more and its a 12 week study. The study is a bit of a hassle but people went thru this and more for the meds I'm taking now so if I can help someone else down the road I figured I should.
My doctor said all my counts looked good and he cut dosage on some meds, which is a good sign. I still feel weak but hopefully the antibiotics will help. God bless you all!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
I saw the doctor on Monday and had a chest x-ray because I've felt a slight pain when I take a deep breath and I've still been having my temperature go up in the evening. The x-ray showed what the doctor thought was something so he had us go back today (Wed) for another chest x-ray. He didn't see anything on today's but the radiologist still has to read it. He put me on an antibiotic for 7 days to clear up my symptoms. I signed up for a research study and they gave me the pills for the first time today. They said 2/3 of the people on the study will get the real medication and 1/3 will get a placebo. I think I am taking the medicine because after taking it I sensed a metallic taste in my mouth. I have to be there all day next Tuesday for the study but that only happens once more and its a 12 week study. The study is a bit of a hassle but people went thru this and more for the meds I'm taking now so if I can help someone else down the road I figured I should.
My doctor said all my counts looked good and he cut dosage on some meds, which is a good sign. I still feel weak but hopefully the antibiotics will help. God bless you all!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Friday, May 18, 2007
May 18 Day 23
Hi Everone,
It sure is good to be home! Unfortunately my temperature has risen every night since I came home and today the doctor said that it sounds like I might have an infection somewhere. He had the lab take a blood culture where they see if anything grows for a few days and if it does, they test it to see what it is, then treat it with antibiotics. The problem for me is that the antibiotics have to be given in the hospital so I would have to go back in for a while (I don't know how long). Please pray that I don't have an infection! My taste and appetite haven't returned fully yet, only a little but they say it doesn't take too long. My strength was pretty good until this morning, I walked up the stairs and it was like I climbed Mt. Everest I was so tired. The doctor didn't seem to be concerned about that so it probably happens. Everyone I've talked to said that I will face setbacks, maybe this was one. I'm feeling better tonight but I feel a little warm again. I hope all of you are well. God bless.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
It sure is good to be home! Unfortunately my temperature has risen every night since I came home and today the doctor said that it sounds like I might have an infection somewhere. He had the lab take a blood culture where they see if anything grows for a few days and if it does, they test it to see what it is, then treat it with antibiotics. The problem for me is that the antibiotics have to be given in the hospital so I would have to go back in for a while (I don't know how long). Please pray that I don't have an infection! My taste and appetite haven't returned fully yet, only a little but they say it doesn't take too long. My strength was pretty good until this morning, I walked up the stairs and it was like I climbed Mt. Everest I was so tired. The doctor didn't seem to be concerned about that so it probably happens. Everyone I've talked to said that I will face setbacks, maybe this was one. I'm feeling better tonight but I feel a little warm again. I hope all of you are well. God bless.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
May 15 Day 20
Hi all,
Well the big day is finally here, we are home! The ride home was a little tough on Ernie and he's not feeling well tonight and flirting with a fever. We have kept a close watch on it, if it reaches 101 we have to go back to the hospital. It's been slightly elevated, but fortunately not high enough to have to go in yet. Hopefully a good nights sleep in his own bed will take care of it. We see the doctor on Friday for a check-up. Unless something happens between now and then we won't write again til then. Thanks again for your prayers and concern.
God bless,
Ernie and Debby
Well the big day is finally here, we are home! The ride home was a little tough on Ernie and he's not feeling well tonight and flirting with a fever. We have kept a close watch on it, if it reaches 101 we have to go back to the hospital. It's been slightly elevated, but fortunately not high enough to have to go in yet. Hopefully a good nights sleep in his own bed will take care of it. We see the doctor on Friday for a check-up. Unless something happens between now and then we won't write again til then. Thanks again for your prayers and concern.
God bless,
Ernie and Debby
Monday, May 14, 2007
May 14 Day 19
Hi everyone,
Today my doctor said he'd try to get me home tomorrow and later on my nurse told me that he had already written the order for me to leave tomorrow. The discharge nurse came and saw me today too so it really looks like I'm going. As long as nothing crops up between now and the morning I should be going home and I can't wait! When I told Deb this morning that I had to wait at least until tomorrow she knew I was down so she made me a stuffed bell pepper (one of my favorite meals!) and it really cheered me up. The hospital food here is better than Kaiser but its still hospital food and my taste buds aren't really back yet. That pepper really tasted good! Here's hoping I'll be at home tomorrow! God bless.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Today my doctor said he'd try to get me home tomorrow and later on my nurse told me that he had already written the order for me to leave tomorrow. The discharge nurse came and saw me today too so it really looks like I'm going. As long as nothing crops up between now and the morning I should be going home and I can't wait! When I told Deb this morning that I had to wait at least until tomorrow she knew I was down so she made me a stuffed bell pepper (one of my favorite meals!) and it really cheered me up. The hospital food here is better than Kaiser but its still hospital food and my taste buds aren't really back yet. That pepper really tasted good! Here's hoping I'll be at home tomorrow! God bless.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
May 13 Day 18
Hi everyone,
This post is for Sunday, May 13. My doctor said that he wanted the antibiotics that were started on May 5th to run for 10 days and it doesn't come in pill form. That would have me getting out of the hospital on Tuesday. This morning, however, he said he wasn't sure how important the 10th day really was so he's thinking about letting me go home on Mon. Let's hope! Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there and God bless you all.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
This post is for Sunday, May 13. My doctor said that he wanted the antibiotics that were started on May 5th to run for 10 days and it doesn't come in pill form. That would have me getting out of the hospital on Tuesday. This morning, however, he said he wasn't sure how important the 10th day really was so he's thinking about letting me go home on Mon. Let's hope! Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there and God bless you all.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Saturday, May 12, 2007
May 12 Day 17
Hi everyone,
I got a little queasy from the medication that they just put into pill form this morning and it lasted til late afternoon. Hopefully I'll either get used to it or they will change the dosage. Deb went home to take care of stuff today but got here early afternoon. My nurse disconnected me from the IV and told me I could go outside if I wanted to, so Deb and I went outside for a litte while. It was pretty nice! I had a steak tonight for the first time in a long while and it really wasn't too bad. For the low bacteria diet I'm on they have to cook it well done which takes the tenderness out of it, but it was alright. I need to eat more foods like that to get my body enough nutrition so I can go home soon, which hopefully will be Monday. Thats all for now, God bless you all.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
I got a little queasy from the medication that they just put into pill form this morning and it lasted til late afternoon. Hopefully I'll either get used to it or they will change the dosage. Deb went home to take care of stuff today but got here early afternoon. My nurse disconnected me from the IV and told me I could go outside if I wanted to, so Deb and I went outside for a litte while. It was pretty nice! I had a steak tonight for the first time in a long while and it really wasn't too bad. For the low bacteria diet I'm on they have to cook it well done which takes the tenderness out of it, but it was alright. I need to eat more foods like that to get my body enough nutrition so I can go home soon, which hopefully will be Monday. Thats all for now, God bless you all.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Friday, May 11, 2007
May 11 Day 16
Hi everyone,
Not much to tell today except that my doctor has transferred all my IV meds into pills and I should be home by Mon or Tues.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Not much to tell today except that my doctor has transferred all my IV meds into pills and I should be home by Mon or Tues.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Thursday, May 10, 2007
May 10 Day 15
Hi everyone,
My doctor told me today that he is starting to convert the meds I am receiving thru IV into pill form so I can go home next week. He didn't say what day next week but I'm hoping for Monday. I still feel good although my back is sore from exercising in group therapy. I didn't think I was overdoing it but I guess I did. Deb stayed with me most of the day and that was cool! I don't like it when she isn't here because I usually think too much about negative things. Its easy to do if you're here on this ward. One of the guys in my group therapy got to go home today, he had been here for one month exactly. My one month date is this Monday so hopefully that will be my day to go home. My diahrrea is gone and I'm eating more solid foods now but its hard when you haven't had anything in your stomach for days. Please keep praying and God bless you all!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
My doctor told me today that he is starting to convert the meds I am receiving thru IV into pill form so I can go home next week. He didn't say what day next week but I'm hoping for Monday. I still feel good although my back is sore from exercising in group therapy. I didn't think I was overdoing it but I guess I did. Deb stayed with me most of the day and that was cool! I don't like it when she isn't here because I usually think too much about negative things. Its easy to do if you're here on this ward. One of the guys in my group therapy got to go home today, he had been here for one month exactly. My one month date is this Monday so hopefully that will be my day to go home. My diahrrea is gone and I'm eating more solid foods now but its hard when you haven't had anything in your stomach for days. Please keep praying and God bless you all!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
May 9 Day 14
Hi everyone,
I still felt good today but had a little queasiness around lunch time. I had a tuna sandwich and it didn't agree with me. I was asked by the recreational therapist to play and sing for some of the patients but when I told him all I know is Christian music, he said thanks anyway. They can't have a hospital run meeting with Christian music. Maybe I should learn some other songs as a kind of gateway into Christian music, we'll see. I went to a group session today and when the therapist said that we were going to toss a beach ball around, I thought it was kind of stupid. Much to my surprise it was really fun and actually a workout for us too when we started hitting it like vollyball! I got to meet some of the other patients and that was cool because it made me feel like I wasn't the only one having to go thru all this, and some had been here a lot longer than me. Deb and my sister Carol and my neighbor all got the house cleaned and so that is out of the way now. Thank you so much Carol!!! The carpets and couches have been cleaned and the AC is working good, so now all we need is to get me home!!! LOL! I am not so anxious to go home this time because I want to be healed and the Graft vs. host disease can be very serious and even deadly so I'm not going to try to hurry them along. The lady in the room next to me got to go to the village today and we all made a big deal of it. Its really hard to stay in a hospital room for such a long time, it starts to get in your head and play games but you can't let it. Thats a pretty big struggle for us here and along with all the symptoms it can be very depressing so they watch for that too. Thanks for all of your prayers and God bless you all!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
I still felt good today but had a little queasiness around lunch time. I had a tuna sandwich and it didn't agree with me. I was asked by the recreational therapist to play and sing for some of the patients but when I told him all I know is Christian music, he said thanks anyway. They can't have a hospital run meeting with Christian music. Maybe I should learn some other songs as a kind of gateway into Christian music, we'll see. I went to a group session today and when the therapist said that we were going to toss a beach ball around, I thought it was kind of stupid. Much to my surprise it was really fun and actually a workout for us too when we started hitting it like vollyball! I got to meet some of the other patients and that was cool because it made me feel like I wasn't the only one having to go thru all this, and some had been here a lot longer than me. Deb and my sister Carol and my neighbor all got the house cleaned and so that is out of the way now. Thank you so much Carol!!! The carpets and couches have been cleaned and the AC is working good, so now all we need is to get me home!!! LOL! I am not so anxious to go home this time because I want to be healed and the Graft vs. host disease can be very serious and even deadly so I'm not going to try to hurry them along. The lady in the room next to me got to go to the village today and we all made a big deal of it. Its really hard to stay in a hospital room for such a long time, it starts to get in your head and play games but you can't let it. Thats a pretty big struggle for us here and along with all the symptoms it can be very depressing so they watch for that too. Thanks for all of your prayers and God bless you all!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
May 8 Day 13
Hi everyone,
Today I feel even better than yesterday! My counts are up and climbing and my fill in doctor (mine's out of town) said that if I were his patient that he would probably send me home this Thursday or Friday. This shocked both Deb and I because they recommend that you do a deep cleaning of your house before a bone marrow transplant patient comes home. Well, we hadn't planned on getting out for another 2 or 3 weeks, so Deb is home deep cleaning! She is going to have a carpet cleaning company come out and do the carpets and couches and we need some work on our AC unit so they are all coming tomorrow! The only trouble I'm having right now is diahhrea but they say that might be around for a while and are trying to control it. I have been sleeping better and feel more rested. I feel like I have a lot of energy so today I went out into the halls and walked (I've been restricted to my room for about 2 weeks). I walked for about 15 minutes and was very tired so I came back to my room and layed down again, man am I weak! I've tried not to think about how long I've been in this time and when will I get out cause when I do it can drive me up the wall, so enough about that! LOL! I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that all of you are sending and a great big "HELLO" to 'Ernie's Angels', all of you at LAUSD, all my friends wherever you are (people are praying for me all over the U.S.!), and mostly my family who have really been there for me! God bless you all!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Today I feel even better than yesterday! My counts are up and climbing and my fill in doctor (mine's out of town) said that if I were his patient that he would probably send me home this Thursday or Friday. This shocked both Deb and I because they recommend that you do a deep cleaning of your house before a bone marrow transplant patient comes home. Well, we hadn't planned on getting out for another 2 or 3 weeks, so Deb is home deep cleaning! She is going to have a carpet cleaning company come out and do the carpets and couches and we need some work on our AC unit so they are all coming tomorrow! The only trouble I'm having right now is diahhrea but they say that might be around for a while and are trying to control it. I have been sleeping better and feel more rested. I feel like I have a lot of energy so today I went out into the halls and walked (I've been restricted to my room for about 2 weeks). I walked for about 15 minutes and was very tired so I came back to my room and layed down again, man am I weak! I've tried not to think about how long I've been in this time and when will I get out cause when I do it can drive me up the wall, so enough about that! LOL! I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that all of you are sending and a great big "HELLO" to 'Ernie's Angels', all of you at LAUSD, all my friends wherever you are (people are praying for me all over the U.S.!), and mostly my family who have really been there for me! God bless you all!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Monday, May 7, 2007
May 7 Day 12
Hi Everyone,
I woke up this morning feeling pretty good!!! Even yesterday I didn't feel that well, but my white counts came up to 1.3 and it must have been enough to give me the boost I feel. I have not felt good for about two weeks but about a week ago I started feeling really bad. My worst day was last Thursday, I didn't even want to roll over in bed!!! Wow, its nice to feel this way! The doctor that saw me today said that I would probably not get out of here for 10 to 14 days because they have to keep watching for the graft v.s. host disease. Deb finally had to shave my head today because my hair was falling out so bad and just for the heck of it we shaved it and left a mohawk!!! It only lasted long enough to get a few pics and then we shaved the rest of my head! It was kind of fun though!!! This is the first day that I've played my guitar and sang for awhile and that felt good too! I saw 3 therapists today, 1) occupational 2) physical 3) recreational. The physical therapist exercises my legs, occupational my upper body, and the recreational therapist is there to help me relax by playing games and stuff. I had a culture taken last Thursday that turned out positive, meaning something was growing in one of the tubes of my catheter. It still has to grow in their lab some more to see exactly what it was, but the doctor thinks the antibiotic they gave me that night took care of it. Thank you all so much for praying for me, I've really been blessed thru this and I know its God honoring your prayers! Keep up the great work!!!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
I woke up this morning feeling pretty good!!! Even yesterday I didn't feel that well, but my white counts came up to 1.3 and it must have been enough to give me the boost I feel. I have not felt good for about two weeks but about a week ago I started feeling really bad. My worst day was last Thursday, I didn't even want to roll over in bed!!! Wow, its nice to feel this way! The doctor that saw me today said that I would probably not get out of here for 10 to 14 days because they have to keep watching for the graft v.s. host disease. Deb finally had to shave my head today because my hair was falling out so bad and just for the heck of it we shaved it and left a mohawk!!! It only lasted long enough to get a few pics and then we shaved the rest of my head! It was kind of fun though!!! This is the first day that I've played my guitar and sang for awhile and that felt good too! I saw 3 therapists today, 1) occupational 2) physical 3) recreational. The physical therapist exercises my legs, occupational my upper body, and the recreational therapist is there to help me relax by playing games and stuff. I had a culture taken last Thursday that turned out positive, meaning something was growing in one of the tubes of my catheter. It still has to grow in their lab some more to see exactly what it was, but the doctor thinks the antibiotic they gave me that night took care of it. Thank you all so much for praying for me, I've really been blessed thru this and I know its God honoring your prayers! Keep up the great work!!!
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
Saturday, May 5, 2007
May 5 Day 10
Hi All,
There's really not much to report today. Ernie is feeling about the same. His white count has gone up to .3 which is still considered to zero, but it has risen 2 days in a row now, so were hopeful it's the start of things getting back to normal. He has not had a fever again either, but he's still very weak. Hopefully he will feel up to writing the blog soon, I don't mind doing it for him but it would mean he is feeling better and getting his strength back. Keep Praying!!
God bless,
Ernie and Debby
There's really not much to report today. Ernie is feeling about the same. His white count has gone up to .3 which is still considered to zero, but it has risen 2 days in a row now, so were hopeful it's the start of things getting back to normal. He has not had a fever again either, but he's still very weak. Hopefully he will feel up to writing the blog soon, I don't mind doing it for him but it would mean he is feeling better and getting his strength back. Keep Praying!!
God bless,
Ernie and Debby
Friday, May 4, 2007
May 4 Day 9
Hi everyone,
I'm happy to say that Ernie felt a little better today. His white cell count came up slightly, so hopefully this is the start of all his counts rising, which means Dan's cells are working. He did not get a fever today and due to the transfusion yesterday he had a little more strength. They will continue with the anti-biotics for a few days. He does feel like he has sores in his esophegus, which is normal, but it makes it hard to swallow. The doctor said today that so far it is a mild case. He has slept quite a bit the last couple of days, he is very weak and everything makes him tired. As soon as he's up to it he will take over the blog again, but for now you're stuck with me. He does truly appreciate all you thoughts and prayers. He tells me all the time that he feels all your prayers and how much it helps him. He says hello to Ernie's Angels, he hasn't forgotten you, he just doesn't feel good enough to get on the computer yet.
God bless,
Ernie and Debby
I'm happy to say that Ernie felt a little better today. His white cell count came up slightly, so hopefully this is the start of all his counts rising, which means Dan's cells are working. He did not get a fever today and due to the transfusion yesterday he had a little more strength. They will continue with the anti-biotics for a few days. He does feel like he has sores in his esophegus, which is normal, but it makes it hard to swallow. The doctor said today that so far it is a mild case. He has slept quite a bit the last couple of days, he is very weak and everything makes him tired. As soon as he's up to it he will take over the blog again, but for now you're stuck with me. He does truly appreciate all you thoughts and prayers. He tells me all the time that he feels all your prayers and how much it helps him. He says hello to Ernie's Angels, he hasn't forgotten you, he just doesn't feel good enough to get on the computer yet.
God bless,
Ernie and Debby
Thursday, May 3, 2007
May 3 Day 8
Threre's not much to report again today. Ernie is still not feeling very good, even taking a shower wears him out. He has not gotten a fever yet, but each time they took his temp today it's been a little higher. This afternoon he started feeling pretty warm and achey all over, however they would not give him Tylenol until he got a fever above 100.4. He kept asking them to take his temp because he really wasn't feeling well and he wanted Tylenol and they kept telling him to wait til it gets higher. Finally at 10 p.m. it got high enough for them to give him Tylenol and start him on anti-biotics. Needless to say it was a pretty frustrating evening. Everything he's going through is normal, and it stinks but it's necessary for him to get better. He still has a rash on his neck and shoulder which he has creme for. Starting tonight he well be receiving the IV nutrition 24 hrs a day, this really was a relief to him because he doesn't have to worry about trying to eat until he feels better. Thanks again for your prayers.
God bless
Ernie and Debby
God bless
Ernie and Debby
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
May 2 Day 7
Today was not a very good day. Ernie just didn't feel well all day. He was still bothered with diarrhea, but they were finally able to give him something for it. He has started to get a rash on his neck, shoulder and lower back. The doctor gave him something for it today as well. Physical therapy came in today and even though he didn't feel like it, he still did some exercises for his back as well to just keep some muscle. When his counts are higher they have a gym on this floor he can work out in. This evening the nurse told him the culture they did on his stool was negative, so that's a good thing. So far everything that's happened to him is normal, but it doesn't make it any easier to go through. Hopefully he will feel better soon.
In His Hands,
Ernie and Debby
In His Hands,
Ernie and Debby
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
May 1 Day 6
Hi all,
I didn't feel that good today due to diahrea that I've had for the past few days. The doctor says that the graft vs. host disease can give symptoms like this so they are running tests to see if thats what it is. Today is officially the first day of my retirement, but it doesn't feel that good. I was supposed to be happy on this day, have a party and look forward to doing nothing for a while. Well, I got the doing nothing part anyway! LOL! I called the shop last night and it was good talking to the guys. It was good to get caught up on whats going on there, but it was nicer knowing that I didn't have to worry about doing anything about it! LOL! Dana got home OK last night and said the flight was good. Deb had bought Hailey some pink cowboy boots while Dana was here and Dana had told her a few days ago that she had a surprise for her from Nana. Hailey was asleep when they picked Dana up, but first thing the next morning the first words out of her mouth were, "Mommy, where's my surprise?" Kids don't forget stuff like that!!! LOL! They say that my counts could start coming up as soon as Saturday so hopefully they will. They also say that as soon as my counts come up I'll start feeling better. COOL! I hope all of you are well, God bless you all.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
I didn't feel that good today due to diahrea that I've had for the past few days. The doctor says that the graft vs. host disease can give symptoms like this so they are running tests to see if thats what it is. Today is officially the first day of my retirement, but it doesn't feel that good. I was supposed to be happy on this day, have a party and look forward to doing nothing for a while. Well, I got the doing nothing part anyway! LOL! I called the shop last night and it was good talking to the guys. It was good to get caught up on whats going on there, but it was nicer knowing that I didn't have to worry about doing anything about it! LOL! Dana got home OK last night and said the flight was good. Deb had bought Hailey some pink cowboy boots while Dana was here and Dana had told her a few days ago that she had a surprise for her from Nana. Hailey was asleep when they picked Dana up, but first thing the next morning the first words out of her mouth were, "Mommy, where's my surprise?" Kids don't forget stuff like that!!! LOL! They say that my counts could start coming up as soon as Saturday so hopefully they will. They also say that as soon as my counts come up I'll start feeling better. COOL! I hope all of you are well, God bless you all.
IN HIS HANDS,
Ernie
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