Last Monday, I had my mid-month blood tests, including the very informative M-spike reading. Because Dr. Hema's office is 45 minutes away, my local doctor's office, about seven minutes away, does the test and faxes the result to Dr. Hema. After evaluation, I am telephoned with the result.
As you may recall, a patient in remission should have an M-spike reading of zero. Several months ago, mine was 2.0 and after the rituxan treatments, it actually rose to 3.16. Of course, I am anxious to see what effect the fludarabine treatment is having. We all hope that the tide has turned and the numbers are trending back down towards zero.
I am realistic enough to realize that it is unlikely that I will take a treatment and suddenly be completely cured; cue the rainbow and break out the champagne. I believe every cancer patient, including me, has ups and downs. While I hope for the best and greatest test results ever known in all of medical history, I fully realize that sometimes the news will be good and sometimes it will be less good.
I am on the edge of my chair waiting for the telephone to ring and hear some hopefully good news from Nurse K.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Three of four of six
I completed the third of four treatments comprising the fourth of six rounds.
Sounds complicated, doesn't it? I get confused myself. I guess I'll just go on going until Dr. Hema says, "Stop! You're in remission! Go home, already!!!"
The treatments go well enough. They are painless and, thank heavens, have only trivial side effects. P the Piercer and I have it down to a slick routine so that the whole process takes less time than the commute. I have lately been sleeping through most of it.
So, how would you like to sleep with this thing in your arm a few nights a week? Nurse P asked if this was a good place, on the inside of my forearm, and I told her that if the Doc said I had achieved remission, that I'd think it was a great, fabulous, wonderful place!
Treatment continues rather uneventfully.
Monday, February 1, 2010
If it's the first of the month, it's time for chemo!
We were back to Big City today to start the next five day round of chemo. There was a pretty bad snow and ice storm over the weekend here (well, bad for South Carolina) and so we left home early and with some trepidation. By the time it was time to leave, the temperature had risen to 40 degrees and so the roads were wet and not icy. So many schools and other facilities were closed that traffic was rather light and, despite our trepidations, we made it to Dr. Hema's pierce-atorium in record time!
As usual, blood tests are taken first and are evaluated in the lab right in Dr. Hema's facility. Dr. Hema came in the examining room with the results and told us he was very impressed and very happy with the result. He also said he felt it is appropriate to fine-tune the dose. He suggested that, rather than administer less fludarabine each treatment day, that it would serve the same purpose, and be easier on me, to simply administer for fewer days! We agreed that the treatments would be given Monday through Thursday only.
That suits me, since Friday has been play day for my adorable wife and me for many years. We enjoy a big breakfast out and scan the movie schedule for the latest release. Then pizza and a glass of wine for dinner and we feel like we've had a nice all-day date!
My progress continues to suggest tremendous improvement in my health. My energy and sense of general well-being support this completely. I continue to be very encouraged and hopeful.
Thank you all for your comments and emails. I feel great knowing you are all hoping and praying for me!
As usual, blood tests are taken first and are evaluated in the lab right in Dr. Hema's facility. Dr. Hema came in the examining room with the results and told us he was very impressed and very happy with the result. He also said he felt it is appropriate to fine-tune the dose. He suggested that, rather than administer less fludarabine each treatment day, that it would serve the same purpose, and be easier on me, to simply administer for fewer days! We agreed that the treatments would be given Monday through Thursday only.
That suits me, since Friday has been play day for my adorable wife and me for many years. We enjoy a big breakfast out and scan the movie schedule for the latest release. Then pizza and a glass of wine for dinner and we feel like we've had a nice all-day date!
My progress continues to suggest tremendous improvement in my health. My energy and sense of general well-being support this completely. I continue to be very encouraged and hopeful.
Thank you all for your comments and emails. I feel great knowing you are all hoping and praying for me!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
More good news
I received a call from Dr. Hema's office reporting the results of the latest blood test. The most significant result, in my opinion, is that the hemoglobin level is now 13.1! That is a further improvement from the last number I reported to you, which was 12.7. The normal range, depending on who you read is 13 or 14 to 18. So, reading the most optimistic scale, I am now normal.
The red and white blood counts continue to be just a bit outside of normal, but just barely. All these continue to show progress towards as near perfect health as a 66 year old man can get. I am very encouraged and very happy!
The next round of treatments begins February 1. The treatments go pretty quickly and the nurses and doctors are very nice. It is a great opportunity to have a lunch date with my adorable wife. It is, however, saddening, because every person there is in a fight for their life and at least some of them may lose the fight.
Please continue your thoughts, prayers and crossed fingers. I appreciate all the help I can get and I am sure I will not overdose on the positive vibe!
The red and white blood counts continue to be just a bit outside of normal, but just barely. All these continue to show progress towards as near perfect health as a 66 year old man can get. I am very encouraged and very happy!
The next round of treatments begins February 1. The treatments go pretty quickly and the nurses and doctors are very nice. It is a great opportunity to have a lunch date with my adorable wife. It is, however, saddening, because every person there is in a fight for their life and at least some of them may lose the fight.
Please continue your thoughts, prayers and crossed fingers. I appreciate all the help I can get and I am sure I will not overdose on the positive vibe!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
My privacy policy
Several months ago, I went to a new doctor's office for a consultation. As a part of the new patient process, I was asked to sign an acknowledgement that I had received a copy of their written privacy policy. I'm sure you have seen them; they promise not to share your private medical details with anyone except your other doctors, Medicare, your insurance carrier, the county coroner and your designated spiritual guide. All very good!
I complained that I had not actually received a copy of the policy and that I would decline to sign a document acknowledging receipt of a document that I had not actually received. The office manager intervened and said they had a copy in a binder in plastic sleeves and asked if I would care to read it. I told her that if I was going to sign an acknowledgement, then I was darned well going to have to actually receive a copy! She acted as if I were a loon and, with many pained sighs and evil looks, made a photocopy for me to take home. I am quite sure she marked my file for all to see: "loon."
Am I a loon?
You may have noticed that I use initials and made up names throughout this blog. I do not know how Dr. Hema or Nurse P. or you, gentle reader, feel about internet notoriety. If I never use a real name and never identify anyone by name, or give any personally identifiable details, I don't think I have to worry.
Some of you have avatars that, if one has microscopic-quality vision, can identify you personally. If that is acceptable to you, then that's your decision. For me, however, I choose to keep as many details as possible private.
That is my privacy policy. No acknowledgement is required.
Monday, I have a blood test, including M-spike readings. I am very hopeful that my numbers have further improved. Please cross a finger for me!
I complained that I had not actually received a copy of the policy and that I would decline to sign a document acknowledging receipt of a document that I had not actually received. The office manager intervened and said they had a copy in a binder in plastic sleeves and asked if I would care to read it. I told her that if I was going to sign an acknowledgement, then I was darned well going to have to actually receive a copy! She acted as if I were a loon and, with many pained sighs and evil looks, made a photocopy for me to take home. I am quite sure she marked my file for all to see: "loon."
Am I a loon?
You may have noticed that I use initials and made up names throughout this blog. I do not know how Dr. Hema or Nurse P. or you, gentle reader, feel about internet notoriety. If I never use a real name and never identify anyone by name, or give any personally identifiable details, I don't think I have to worry.
Some of you have avatars that, if one has microscopic-quality vision, can identify you personally. If that is acceptable to you, then that's your decision. For me, however, I choose to keep as many details as possible private.
That is my privacy policy. No acknowledgement is required.
Monday, I have a blood test, including M-spike readings. I am very hopeful that my numbers have further improved. Please cross a finger for me!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Fifth day is completed!
The current fludarabine regimen is every day for five days, a four week break, five more daily treatments, etc., until six week-long treatments have been given. Today, I finished #3 of six. We are a long way from done, but we are gaining on it!
The treatments are relatively easy, taking about an hour. The IV port is left in my arm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, so I am only pierced twice. We usually have lunch while we wait.
I am feeling very good about my progress, my blood test results, my overall health and energy. My good friend N suggested I would probably have a moment when I said to myself, "Hey! Wait a minute! I think I can conquer this darned thing!" He was right. I have had the moment!
I have a blood test scheduled for January 18 and the next round of treatments starts February 1. I am optimistic in the extreme!
The people in Dr. Hema's office and, especially in the infusion room, are very nice. Every person that I have come in contact with is extremely kind and compassionate. I assume it's because of the example Dr. Hema sets, but every person is as sweet and caring as anyone could possibly be. Thank you, Doc!
Today's weight: I was afraid to look!
The treatments are relatively easy, taking about an hour. The IV port is left in my arm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, so I am only pierced twice. We usually have lunch while we wait.
I am feeling very good about my progress, my blood test results, my overall health and energy. My good friend N suggested I would probably have a moment when I said to myself, "Hey! Wait a minute! I think I can conquer this darned thing!" He was right. I have had the moment!
I have a blood test scheduled for January 18 and the next round of treatments starts February 1. I am optimistic in the extreme!
The people in Dr. Hema's office and, especially in the infusion room, are very nice. Every person that I have come in contact with is extremely kind and compassionate. I assume it's because of the example Dr. Hema sets, but every person is as sweet and caring as anyone could possibly be. Thank you, Doc!
Today's weight: I was afraid to look!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Back in the recliner again!
Today I started round three of six rounds of chemo. As usual, the process starts with fairly extensive blood tests to determine my progress, or lack, before the infusion begins. Dr. Hema then discusses the results with me and pokes and prods a bit before I am sent back to begin infusion. Dr. Hema came in the examining room with my file and a huge grin on his face! He said my hemoglobin is now 13.3. The normal range, according to his in-house lab, is in the range from 14 to 18. This is an improvement from just two weeks ago, when it was 12.7. All this suggests that the lymphoma is declining and normal health is gaining! We are all very encouraged.
He expressed regret that we went through the difficult and lengthy rituxan process for no improvement. I told him that, in my family (think of dear Uncle R), we believe that if we knew then what we know now, we'd have bought Google at $80. In other words, one almost never knows the right decision six months in advance. We must take our best shot and move forward. We do know that no-one ever gets healthy, or wealthy, by waiting and waiting until all the facts are in. Procrastination never stops cancer.
I feel great!
Today's weight: 177.5. I have resolved to strictly moderate my gluttony right after I finish my fried chicken dinner Wednesday night! That is about twenty pounds (!) gained since we went to Cape Cod in August. If I gain twenty pounds every six months, I expect that Discovery Channel will come knocking, asking if I will star in a new reality program, "Half-ton Grampa."
He expressed regret that we went through the difficult and lengthy rituxan process for no improvement. I told him that, in my family (think of dear Uncle R), we believe that if we knew then what we know now, we'd have bought Google at $80. In other words, one almost never knows the right decision six months in advance. We must take our best shot and move forward. We do know that no-one ever gets healthy, or wealthy, by waiting and waiting until all the facts are in. Procrastination never stops cancer.
I feel great!
Today's weight: 177.5. I have resolved to strictly moderate my gluttony right after I finish my fried chicken dinner Wednesday night! That is about twenty pounds (!) gained since we went to Cape Cod in August. If I gain twenty pounds every six months, I expect that Discovery Channel will come knocking, asking if I will star in a new reality program, "Half-ton Grampa."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
