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The Rollercoaster of Chemotherapy Fewer Highs and More Lows

TEXTS BETWEEN ME AND ARPIE

Mat sees Dr. Reed Thursday at 9 and then
at 1 he goes to have biliary stent changed
to a larger gauge. We had to reattach a bag
this morning.
Sent May 12


                                                                 I have Dr's appointment myself Thursday
                                                                 will call after and see if you are still
                                                                 with Dr. Reed.
                                                                 Rec'd May 12

Okay
Sent May 12
May 15th 

As usual, we went to blood draw first. 
Gold valet. There’s always a lot of traffic, vehicles and foot traffic. Drs and others moving between Moffitt and the Stabile Reseach Building.

8:15 blood draw. More than likely, the therapy dogs were in the blood draw waiting area. 




This was one of those places where we met other caregivers and patients and heard other stories/journeys. The high wall of windows gave it an open, cheerful atmosphere. At least for me on the surface. 

If we had time, Mathew and I stopped by Starbucks there in the hospital and each got a coffee and then headed up to the Sarcoma Clinic. A few times we sat at one of the tables there and enjoyed our coffee with a snack.


This day, the Sarcoma appointment was at 9 o'clock.


The appointments with Dr. Reed followed much the same routine. Mat was weighed and we went into an office/exam room and sat in two chairs near the door. We usually didn’t talk much. Mathew had his journal out in order to take notes. I kept myself busy, reading and trying not to worry.

Dr. Reed and his nurse Kathy would come in. Dr. Reed always greeted us and shook hands. He would have printed blood work results to give me since we had already established I wanted to look at all of the numbers and Mathew wanted to talk with the doctor. 

 The two of them discussed a variety of subjects. Sometimes the cancer. But more often than not, Mathew’s writing, his music, and what he was doing with his time.

 Mathew wore quite a few interesting shirts and Dr. Reed would comment on them. One time one of the members of the infectious disease team told Mat, “You have the most interesting T-shirts.”

This particular day, as Dr. Reed was talking to Mathew, his beeper went off. He glanced at the number on it and called an extension. It was the lab. Mathew’s counts were critical. 
I’m still amazed. 
Blood was drawn approx 8:15 and an hour later they have all the results and the permutations done to calculate the white blood count and are notifying the doctor.


                                                                      Is everything ok? Mat is not
                                                                      responding to my texts.
                                                                      Rec’d May 15

Mat is being admitted. Neutrophils critically
low. Still will have a procedure at 1. 
No room yet,
in DRC.
Sent May 15


                                                                        Where are you in the hospital?
                                                                        Rec'd May 15

DRC. Same hall as the pharmacy.
Sent May 15

                                                                         Be there in a minute.
                                                                         Rec'd May 15

He’s having stent checked right now
Sent May 15

It is blocked again but they can’t do anything
about it because they gave him blood thinner
this morning even though I told them he was
scheduled for a procedure today. Geez.
Sent May 15

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