Just Kidding, This Isn’t Fun
My fever has been coming and going.  Highest was 39.1 (102.4).  I’m also extremely tired.  I’ve been in bed all day and sleeping for most of that.  I would build up enough energy to go pee and then lay back down.  Overall though, the most severe side effects are no where to be seen.  I definitely feel like I have flu symptoms.  My hope is they get better over time, because 28 days of this won’t be a good time.

A Duck Dynasty Prayer
Thank you God for no severe side effects.  Thank you that I appear to be on track clinically for what they would expect.  Please cover me in your grace and comfort.  Thank you for another day.

Brought to You by the Letter B (Bieber and Blinatumomab)
Well things changed over the last 2 hours.  My temp rose to 37.2, then 37.3, then took a jump to 38.3 (100 F).  At that point we started the neutropenic fever protocol.  The fever is most likely due to the Blinatumomab, but they just want to be sure there is no infection.  So we did Cultures x2, gave tylenol for the fever and I’m currently receiving Cefapime (antibiotic).  I’ll also get other strong antibiotics until the cultures are confirmed to be negative in 2 days.  No chills or any other symptoms.  Just the Bieber fever.  Fever occurred in up to 70% of patients (depending on the study) so this is quite normal.  Also the side effects have no impact on the effectiveness of Blinatumomab.  As long as I keep receiving the drug, it will keep working.

Tired
I am started to feel a bit more tired.  Insomnia can be a side effect of Blinatumomab and I also had 20mg IV of a steroid this morning.  It will be interesting to see if I fall asleep easily or not.  I have my trusty trazadone to take, but maybe I’ll ask for a Lorazepam chaser for good measure.  Night all!

Is That Your Blood Pressure, or Are You Just Happy to See Me?
I’m about 11 hours into my Blinatumomab administration and all the serious side effects are non existent.  About an hour into the administration, my BP was up.  Usually I’m borderline hypertensive around 140/80.  However the monitor read 175/96.  I was given and IV med and the BP is back down now.  Dr. Cripe doesn’t think it will be an issue.  High BP runs in the family (thanks mom and dad) and I’ve been on anti-hypertensives before.  I might go on them again, we’ll see.

Day 2 and Day 7
I have a rock star team taking care of me.  Today’s main concern was any hypersensitivity to the drug (side effects that would appear right away).  So far I seem to be on track to not have those.  There is always a potential for side effects to show up, but most apparently show on day 2 and day 7.  Tomorrow is day 2, so we’ll see what happens.  Day 7 will be next Wednesday.  Hopefully all goes well.

Continue reading Sofa SoGood