I forgot to mention this, but as threatened, I'm back in the hospital. So far we've duplicated every single test from seven days ago and gotten the same results as before. The only thing new is that my pneumonia is either a little better or a little worse depending on whether you believe the X-ray or the CAT scan; and I apparently have a brand new enterovirus (like a cold virus). That's damn mysterious since I haven't left the house for the past week except to come to the hospital.
It's also disturbing since the most likely explanation is that my immune system has been so weakened by the Tecvayli that I need to start living in a bubble. And that actually seems like it might be the case. Here are my immunoglobulin levels:
The problem with multiple myeloma chemotherapies is that they don't distinguish between immunoglobulins. In my case, only my IGG immunoglobulins are cancerous, but the others all get taken along for the ride. In this case they've really gone along for the ride. My A and M immunoglobulins have been wiped out to undetectable levels, and the G immunoglobulins are so low that it's probably only cancerous cells that are left.
I haven't talked to my oncologist about this because I keep ending up in the hospital instead of keeping my appointments with him. I suppose it's a good sign that he hasn't called me in a panic about this, but that assumes he's seen the test results—which he might not have, since he doesn't seem to bother looking at test results until I'm actually in the office with him.
In any case, no one really seems to know what ails me. They say my pneumonia is moderate; my lungs are otherwise clear; and my heart is fine. That really shouldn't be causing the extreme symptoms I'm having: I can barely breathe, and even the slightest exertion gives me chills and gasping.
Bottom line, this all sucks, and I don't seem to be getting any better. Blecch.
Hope you're feeling better very soon.
<3
Yeow. All the best to you - hope they figure it out soonly. Big hugs to Marian as well.
Yes, wishing a speedy recovery for you.
Oh man, sorry hear that Kevin! I hope you recover soon.
You probably caught during your first stay.
Feel Better!
Hang in there. Hope the symptoms and underlying cause are resolved soon.
Damn. I’m so very sorry to hear this. As someone who just got some bad health news myself, it sucks to the max. Sending good thoughts your way.
Feel better soon! Hope this all passes quickly…
Hy Kevin, hope you're doing better and no news is in fact good news.
That seems to be a feature of being an oncologist. My wife had breast cancer and now a critical indicator is right on the dividing line between "probably nothing to worry about" and "you need to do something about this." She's flipping out and can't sleep. Meanwhile, the oncologist decided to move her already scheduled retest two weeks further out because that was more convenient for the oncologist. I wonder if they ever consider the mental state of their patients?
So, sadly, you're not alone and that probably doesn't make you feel any better. I hope it works out for you and that this all passes.