Well the transfusion went as scheduled with no issues until mom and I walked out of the hospital to get in the car and drive off. Then I felt my left arm begin to swell. I looked down to see what was going on and my left arm was much bigger in size and hard as a brick - it scared us both. We parked the car and went rushing back in the hospital. They took one look at my arm and immediately put me back into a room, checked my blood pressure which was elevated (no surprise there) and called the doctor. Then I began to break out in red hives all over my scalp, face, neck, chest and back. They gave me benadryl and a strong steroid shot that burned like crazy. They continued to monitor me but the arm swelling never went down while I was at the hospital. The doctor then ordered an ultrasound on my neck and left side of my arm to check for blood clots. Thankfully everything checked out - No blood clots were found. So they monitored me for about another hour until the hives started to go away. Then sent me home with instructions to keep my arm elevated until the swelling went down and benadryl every six hours. The doctor thinks, I could have had poor circulation in my left arm while the transfusion was being done and no doubt my body was having an allergic reaction to the transfusion. Thankfully they were able to quickly get the situation under control. Mom and I were acting calm on the outside but I know we were both freaking out inside, not knowing what was going on and was everything going to be okay. I was very glad I had her there for support.
I have to say I did not sleep well for two nights until the swelling started to go down. My arm still hurts like it's bruised but most of the swelling has went away. I have more energy after the transfusion, no doubt, but I'm still not bursting full of energy, but I do feel better.
I did my blood work today Monday 10/10/11 and I should have the blood count results back tomorrow. This will determine if they will proceed with my last chemo this Thursday. I am hoping my blood count is okay and I can get my last chemo and close the chapter on this part of the treatment. Chemo has been a long road and I am ready for it to be over. After this, I am thinking radiation will be a total breeze.
I will blog again once I have my blood work results and know for sure that my last treatment will be a go.
Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, love and support through this. The hard part is almost done !
Pictures above, Noticeably the left arm is larger, but it looked much bigger in person than in this picture.
xoxoxoxo Sandy
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