Being released today for local outpatient

Andy believes he will be released today and is to go to St Joes for daily neupogen shots. The docs told Andy his risk is high do no going out in public and be on time for neupogen. They told him that an infection like a cold could kill him on 4 hours. Scary. This inpatient was marked by two patient deaths and this is very upsetting as you can imagine.

Transfusion today

On day 3 of this round, Andy's numbers are so low that he's getting a transfusion. It's his sister Lisa's blood which is kind of cool. Too bad he has to endure all this.

Tues July 24

I guess it's barf day again. He thinks it's the chemo but I've asked that the no hand sanitizer sign go back on his door. The smell makes him nauseas on a good day.

Andy is admitted for round 3 of BEACOPP

Yesterday Michael took Andy back to San Francisco for the 3rd of 6 rounds of the second chemo regimen. I just spoke with Dee and he's upbeat and positive about moving one more step forward in his treatment. He is in a double room now but thankfully has no bed buddy (yet). The little things to be grateful for. When I mentioned to Andy all the people checking on him and checking the blog and he was amazed and pleased. Thank you all!

Update

The hospital has a shortage of beds. As of last night Andy was 4th in the list and expected to be admitted on Sunday. This is about 4 days behind schedule. Waiting is hard. Let's keep moving forward!

Home!

Michael once again made the trek to San Francisco and brought the star patient back home. Yeah! St Joes will administer the neupogen for a week. Andy reports back to do this all again on July 19 (or maybe the 18th he wasn't sure). Let's home round 3 of 6 BEACOPP goes better than round 2! Today Andy gets to enjoy a day at home with wife, daughter and sister. The picture he sent me included a smile that said "glad to be home". It was cool that Andy's transfusion included blood donated specifically for him by family and friends. Pretty special way to show support and much appreciated.

Homeward bound Andy hopes sooner than later

Unfortunately Medi-Cal has weird rules about what meds can be given on an outpatient basis and that is what is holding up Andy's discharge. He hopes that he'll be able to leave today if authorization can be approved for outpatient Neupogen to be given to him from St Jo's in Eureka. He was happy to see Lisa and Michael on Friday, Lisa was able to donate blood for Andy, (it apparently takes a few days to process for directed donation) Michael and Lisa headed up to Arcada after visiting with Andy for a bit. Andy got moved to a better room on the 8th floor but unfortunately they don't have the room service menu that he has had in the past, so it is scheduled meals and no extra's. He has been hungry since, bummer! Blood transfusion again on Saturday, Andy wasn't sure which of the blood number's tripped the need for another transfusion, he tolerated it well. Keep your fingers and toes crossed that he gets to go home for about 10 days instead of only 7 between cycles.

Blood Donation info

Serena and I had hoped to donate blood last weekend in case Andy needs another transfusion in the next few weeks, but alas there are some restrictions...If a potential donor has had - piercings or tattoo's in the past year (with the exception of ear lobe piercings-go figure) he/she cannot donate Donor's must stop any aspirin, Ibuprofen, aleve (anticoagulant) 48 hours prior to donation. Here is their site link (http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/donating_blood/index.html) The doctors anticipate that Andy may need another unit or two during this admission. Any donor who designates their donation to Andy will need a order form filled out by the staff and signed by his doctor prior to the donation and the unit is only good for a short period of time, I think that it is 3 weeks.  Thank you in advance if you are able to donate to Andy or to any other recipient.