ITP Update - 2/28/08

So here's an update to catch you up on the last couple weeks:
1/29 Platelets 15k. First injection was 3 (whatever the heck they were measuring it with -I heard micrograms, but they were mixing stuff and it took them like an hour the first week to figure out the math to mix the stuff with).
2/5: Platelets up to 117k; dose left at 3.
2/12: Platelets down to 40k (this has happened with other patients on the drug); dose upped to 4.
2/19: Platelets down to 34k (I had my kids' cold); dose upped to 5.
2/26: Platelets up to 137k (Over the cold!); dose left at 5.

So, once I got over being sick, my count went back up fairly quickly.

I have to say this also: there is one nurse who does an excellent job with the injection. I feel a small pinch when the needle goes in, and that's usually it. There's another nurse who does okay, but her technique is not so awesome. A new third nurse just started and she gave me the injection on Tuesday. YEOWCH! I will not be asking for her to do it again anytime soon! Also, the last two weeks with the higher dose, I've had extreme fatigue all week long and even some pain in my bones. I thought I was just being a whiney over-reactor, but when I went on Amgen's website, I read that fatigue has been a side effect of the drug and that one person in the trial complained of bone pain. Go figure! It's a little sucky that as soon as I get to start sleeping through the night (This is night number 7 for Olivia!) I'm more tired than ever. However, I'd rather be tired and alive than have all the energy in the world and be dead. Wait. Nevermind.