Day -9: One of Three ATG Treatments

After spending New Year's Eve with my parents, it was around 11:30 AM when we left for Johns Hopkins. Admission went smoothly and quickly, my nurse for the day helped me got settled in my room and the blood work began immediately. Since I knew that my first three days will be the infusion of anti-thymocite globulin (ATG), I was really nervous because I've heard horrible stories about allergic reactions to the drug.

I was given pre-meds then my nurse started the ATG infusion at around 5 PM.  She also kept watched every 15 minutes for an hour. I am so glad I did ok with the first ATG infusion. About an hour or two to the treatment, I started having a slight headache but it died down.

ATG infusion was finished at around 11:30 PM. Boy I was so tired, but sleeping in a hospital is not the most restful. I didn't get a decent sleep. Perhaps my body is still adjusting to my new environment in addition to the hot flashes I experienced last night. Nurse told me the hot flashes are common reaction to the ATG treatment.

We're now on Day -8.

As for those asking where to send cards or care packages, here's my address. I would love to hear from you.

Kayni Dacoco

The Hackerman-Patz Patient and Family Pavilion

Room 306

301 North Broadway

Baltimore, MD 21231