Chemo Day Three - Blood Transfusions

MDS has attacked Michelle’s red blood cells causing her to need several blood transfusions.  In November while still awaiting the diagnosis she had her first transfusion, her second in December and a third one on Tuesday morning following her first chemo treatment.  With any luck, she won’t need anymore.  The process is interesting to say the least.  It takes anywhere between 3 to 5 hours to run the blood in boosting the red blood cells in her body.  Michelle learned to recognize the signs of her blood levels dropping by reading her body.  As the levels dropped so did her energy, but the most telling sign was the constant awful metallic taste in her mouth.   Unfortunately as the taste increased her appetite decreased.  Up-to-date Shelly has lost 25 pounds.  Not a recommended diet program.