Week from Hell is over, and I was discharged from the hospital yesterday evening. After running all tests known to man and finding no source of infection causing fever and consulting with infectious disease specialists, oncologists and stem cell doctors, they decided it was probably not a good idea to have had me continue taking Venetoclax after my second cycle of chemotherapy was completed. This resulted in extremely low white blood cell and neutrophil counts (neutropenia), causing fever spikes, mouth and body sores.
They stopped my Venetoclax treatments Wednesday night, strengthened my antibiotic regimen and started giving me Neupogen shots to help me increase my white blood cell count and fight off effects of Venetoclax. They wouldn’t release me from hospital, however, until they decided fever spikes were gone and white blood cell count started to increase.
Woke up this morning in my own bed with Lorraine and Bailey close at hand. Then had to self-infuse new antibiotic for 30 minutes, and head back down to MDA for blood sample collection, results review and Neupogen shot. Same drill on Thursday, but at least I am home for Christmas to enjoy with my loving family!
Then the games begin – I will be down at MDA almost daily as I prepare for stem cell transplant process. I will keep you updated on progress. In the interim, thank you for continued prayers and support, and I wish you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!
Still keeping the faith,
John L.
Cancer Journey 
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