Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Follow up with Dr. Hema

Yesterday, I had a quarterly follow up visit with Dr. Hema. My blood tests were performed by Dr. Primary's office, so were available to Dr. Hema at my visit.

The two biggest indicators of the effects of lymphoma are IgM and M-spike. For reference, in April, they were 359 and 0.3, respectively. M-spike has been as high as 3.16. In a normal, lymphoma-free person, it is zero.

Yesterday's result was IgM of 284, teetering very close to the normal range of 60-263. That's a very nice improvement from 359 in April!

My M-spike number is 0.28. Now, I don't know if there is any real statistically significant difference between 0.3 and 0.28, but it sure isn't higher. All of this, according to Dr. Hema, indicates that my 90% remission is holding steady. My numbers may be steady, or, at best, very slightly better, but the good news is that they are certainly no worse.

I see Dr. Hema again in three months.

Dr. Hema's parting comment was to go enjoy my life. I intend to follow his orders strictly!

Friday, October 1, 2010

A new development

At my last annual physical, my tests showed somewhat elevated triglycerides. Dr. Primary recommended I treat it with Omega-3 fish oil and return for a follow-up in six months. I had the follow-up on Wednesday. Dr. Primary reports that my triglycerides are even higher. He asked me to discontinue Omega-3 fish oil and prescribed Tricor, a treatment for elevated triglycerides.

A search of the internet shows that elevated triglycerides, lymphoma and chemotherapy are often linked.

I think my cardiologist knew something was happening; at my last visit, he asked that I provide my blood test results at my next visit. I asked Dr. Primary to send them along to Dr. Cardio along with any observations.

I will discuss this with Dr. Hema when I see him October 5. I shall also moderate my gluttony and, especially, my appetite for greasy, fatty, yummy southern breakfasts!

Yeah, I know, but this time I really mean it.