As I embarked on my sixth and final round of recovery, the familiarity of the process brought a sense of predictability, tempered with the knowledge that each cycle could still hold surprises. My daily Zarxio injections, meant to boost my white blood cell count, were extended to 14 days this time, reflecting the toll my treatments had taken. The schedule for the study drug acalabrutinib remained unchanged, to be taken on days 1-7 and 22-28, marking the end of my acalabrutinib regimen.
Discharged from the hospital on day 3, my platelet count stood at 106, indicating a probable need for a platelet infusion around day 12. Subsequent counts showed a decline, with day 5 at 84, day 8 at 26, day 9 at 18, and day 10 at 11, prompting the double platelet infusion on day 10. By day 12, my count had risen to 21, indicating a response to the infusion.
However, concerns arose regarding my red blood cells, leading to a red blood infusion on day 16. Strangely, the infusion triggered some anxiety, a departure from my usual calm with platelet infusions. Perhaps it was the sight of the red blood entering my veins, contrasting with the familiar orange of the platelet bags, that caused this reaction.
Aside from these treatments, I faced the typical post-treatment challenges: nausea, managed with ondansetron; extreme fatigue; and digestive issues including constipation and diarrhea. This round left me especially drained, unable to work for the full 28 days. A simple task, like moving a garden hose up a small slope, would leave me needing a 1-hour nap upon returning indoors, highlighting the profound impact of the treatment on my energy levels.