Nurse K at Dr. Hema's office just called with my blood test results and they are great! The M-spike reading is 0.3 which she described as normal.
Pardon me, I just have to repeat that again: M-spike is normal. I love the sound of that! M-spike...normal. Normal.
She also said the IgM number is now 359, which is getting close to the normal range of 62 - 263. It has been a high as a sobering 5,000!
M-spike and IgM numbers that are not just high but sky-high are the primary indicators of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. To see them recede to normal or, at least near normal, is great news!
As my friend N said, hey, I might just beat this thing!
I still have to meet with Dr. Hema on Monday to discuss not only these results, but also the results of the CT scan. I am no doctor, but I imagine the good news will continue. Of course, I am realistic, there is no known cure for lymphoma. It can be brought to remission, but, if one lives long enough, it always returns. It may return in a year or five years or ten years. It may be brought to remission with a further round of treatments, giving another short or long period of normal life; or it may not. Every case is unique.
I am very happy with the news I have received so far! Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Blood test and CT scan
This morning, I made yet another trip to my local physician's office for blood tests. This test includes the IgM and M-spike tests which are a pretty clear indication that something, such as lymphoma, is amiss. The other clear indicator is looking at the result a CT scan with and without contrast and I also had that today.
I will then see Dr. Hema on May 3 to learn the result. Of course, I hope to hear that my numbers are perfect and that I am in remission. However, I am fully aware that every case is unique and I am prepared for any result. Nevertheless, please join me in crossing our fingers and toes and let's hope and pray for a great result.
I will then see Dr. Hema on May 3 to learn the result. Of course, I hope to hear that my numbers are perfect and that I am in remission. However, I am fully aware that every case is unique and I am prepared for any result. Nevertheless, please join me in crossing our fingers and toes and let's hope and pray for a great result.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Blood test results
On Monday, I went to my local doctor for regularly scheduled tests. They are taken here and faxed to Dr.Hema. His nurse called yesterday afternoon to report that the hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet counts were, in Dr. Hema's words, low but safe.
I had been told previously by Dr. Hema that an expected result was that, as the fludarabine killed the lymphoma-bearing B cells, these factors would be lowered in response. So, hearing 'low but safe' is an entirely expected result.
I feel very well; I have more energy than I had a few months ago and I feel that my color is greatly improved. As I have reported before, my weight is certainly improved; perhaps a bit too much! Today's weight was 182.
Gosh, I sure miss the pecan waffles!
On April 26th, I go for the next round of blood tests and a CT scan. We will have more information to gauge my hopeful recovery then.
A very happy birthday to my adorable wife who has been my pillar of strength and encouragement throughout all of this. I love you, dear!
I had been told previously by Dr. Hema that an expected result was that, as the fludarabine killed the lymphoma-bearing B cells, these factors would be lowered in response. So, hearing 'low but safe' is an entirely expected result.
I feel very well; I have more energy than I had a few months ago and I feel that my color is greatly improved. As I have reported before, my weight is certainly improved; perhaps a bit too much! Today's weight was 182.
Gosh, I sure miss the pecan waffles!
On April 26th, I go for the next round of blood tests and a CT scan. We will have more information to gauge my hopeful recovery then.
A very happy birthday to my adorable wife who has been my pillar of strength and encouragement throughout all of this. I love you, dear!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Woo hoo!
We just finished the last infusion of my six-month long fludarabine regimen!
I said, "we." My adorable wife went along for every treatment, sat in the room to comfort me and has every bit as much treatment room mileage as me. She was with me for the highs and lows and never failed to smile and be as supportive and as helpful as anyone could ever expect. I am glad this is over for her, and for me. I am a very lucky man to have her in my life.
All of the staff at Dr. Hema's pierce-a-torium were so nice, so kind and so understanding. My special thanks and appreciation go to Nurse P and Nurse B. Dr. Hema is very lucky to have a staff of professionals who are also great at getting a smile or a chuckle out of most every patient. I am very lucky to have this great team of people working very hard to make my life longer, healthier and happier.
As we left to head for a late lunch or early dinner, I was struck by the day I was given. It was a glorious day with newly blooming dogwoods, cherry trees, wisteria, tulips and pansies. The temperature was perfect and the sky was cobalt blue, so we went to My Big Fat Pricey Mall and had a wonderful meal sitting outdoors. Life is good!
Next are blood tests two and four weeks from now and a CT scan. We are quite confident that we may hear the R-word in there soon.
I said, "we." My adorable wife went along for every treatment, sat in the room to comfort me and has every bit as much treatment room mileage as me. She was with me for the highs and lows and never failed to smile and be as supportive and as helpful as anyone could ever expect. I am glad this is over for her, and for me. I am a very lucky man to have her in my life.
All of the staff at Dr. Hema's pierce-a-torium were so nice, so kind and so understanding. My special thanks and appreciation go to Nurse P and Nurse B. Dr. Hema is very lucky to have a staff of professionals who are also great at getting a smile or a chuckle out of most every patient. I am very lucky to have this great team of people working very hard to make my life longer, healthier and happier.
As we left to head for a late lunch or early dinner, I was struck by the day I was given. It was a glorious day with newly blooming dogwoods, cherry trees, wisteria, tulips and pansies. The temperature was perfect and the sky was cobalt blue, so we went to My Big Fat Pricey Mall and had a wonderful meal sitting outdoors. Life is good!
Next are blood tests two and four weeks from now and a CT scan. We are quite confident that we may hear the R-word in there soon.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
An amusing day...
...if that's possible in an oncology treatment center.
Each visit, it seems, brings us a new friend or a new sight or an interesting occurance. We always see the sad cases; those people who are very ill, look weak and are wearing scarves because, presumably, their hair has been lost due to chemotherapy. We see those who are all too young who will be fighting cancer for the majority of their, maybe short, life. We also see, thankfully, a lot of people who look perfectly normal and who you would never suspect were ill if you encountered them outside.
We encounter talkers, who talk incessantly, telling you every detail of their disease progression, whether you are listening or not. Quickly, we recognize who they are and sit in a recliner far away.
Yesterday, we saw a recliner occupied by an unmoving shape completely covered, except for shoes, by white blankets. The shape didn't seem to move, even to breathe. My adorable wife looked at me and half-whispered, "You don't suppose he's d...?" I replied, "I dunno."
After about an hour, the shape threw off the blankets, a man emerged and dragged his IV pump along to the restroom. He returned and replaced the blankets, even over his head and face, although now he was sitting up. He sat immobile for another 30 minutes. His cell phone rang and he rustled about under the blankets and said, "Yeah?...mm hmm...K." There was more rustling under the blankets and he then remained motionless, completely covered, except for his shoes. He was still there when I finished and left.
Every person has their own way to get through this ordeal; his was just a bit more unusual than most!
On Thursday, I will be done! I will celebrate with a glass of wine and a steak and a trip to see my beloved bother and sister! Here I come!
Each visit, it seems, brings us a new friend or a new sight or an interesting occurance. We always see the sad cases; those people who are very ill, look weak and are wearing scarves because, presumably, their hair has been lost due to chemotherapy. We see those who are all too young who will be fighting cancer for the majority of their, maybe short, life. We also see, thankfully, a lot of people who look perfectly normal and who you would never suspect were ill if you encountered them outside.
We encounter talkers, who talk incessantly, telling you every detail of their disease progression, whether you are listening or not. Quickly, we recognize who they are and sit in a recliner far away.
Yesterday, we saw a recliner occupied by an unmoving shape completely covered, except for shoes, by white blankets. The shape didn't seem to move, even to breathe. My adorable wife looked at me and half-whispered, "You don't suppose he's d...?" I replied, "I dunno."
After about an hour, the shape threw off the blankets, a man emerged and dragged his IV pump along to the restroom. He returned and replaced the blankets, even over his head and face, although now he was sitting up. He sat immobile for another 30 minutes. His cell phone rang and he rustled about under the blankets and said, "Yeah?...mm hmm...K." There was more rustling under the blankets and he then remained motionless, completely covered, except for his shoes. He was still there when I finished and left.
Every person has their own way to get through this ordeal; his was just a bit more unusual than most!
On Thursday, I will be done! I will celebrate with a glass of wine and a steak and a trip to see my beloved bother and sister! Here I come!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Back in Big City
The sixth and final round of fludarabine treatments started today. It will continue through Thursday. The first stop, after blood is taken, is to visit with Dr. Hema. He examined my blood test results and again reported that the fludarabine is killing the B-cells that carry lymphoma and is dragging down my hemoglobin and platelet counts. He said it was an entirely expected and normal process. He said that, after treatment ends and my system builds new B-cells, my numbers will return to normal.
My infusion treatment started with a hitch. Nurse P had trouble getting an IV started in my poor swiss-cheesed left arm. I have tried to keep my infusions in one arm; the left, less used arm. After some difficulties and some false starts, P changed to the right arm. Then infusion went smoothly.
I had my routine physical Friday and was called with results today. My cholesterol has usually been below 100. Now it is a more normal 177. Most people would be alarmed that their cholesterol had risen 80 points in one year. I think it indicates a return to normalcy...as well as a greasy, fatty diet! Dr. Hema tends to agree. He didn't ask me to moderate my gluttony; we both believe that, as long as my weight and cholesterol are reasonable, that my lymphoma is the highest priority. Nonetheless, I am giving up pecan waffles and Cherry Garcia ice cream!
After this weeks treatments, I will have blood tests in two and four weeks and then a CT scan. We hope for a great report.
My infusion treatment started with a hitch. Nurse P had trouble getting an IV started in my poor swiss-cheesed left arm. I have tried to keep my infusions in one arm; the left, less used arm. After some difficulties and some false starts, P changed to the right arm. Then infusion went smoothly.
I had my routine physical Friday and was called with results today. My cholesterol has usually been below 100. Now it is a more normal 177. Most people would be alarmed that their cholesterol had risen 80 points in one year. I think it indicates a return to normalcy...as well as a greasy, fatty diet! Dr. Hema tends to agree. He didn't ask me to moderate my gluttony; we both believe that, as long as my weight and cholesterol are reasonable, that my lymphoma is the highest priority. Nonetheless, I am giving up pecan waffles and Cherry Garcia ice cream!
After this weeks treatments, I will have blood tests in two and four weeks and then a CT scan. We hope for a great report.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Blood test results are in
I received a call from Nurse S. at Dr. Hema's office. As I had been told to expect by Dr. Hema, the results were good enough but not great. Evidently, as the fludarabine kills type B blood cells, the ones that carry lymphoma, hemaglobin is repressed as well. As the cancer is fought, apparently hemoglobin improves and then plateaus, exactly as mine has.
The real purpose of the tests, aside from monitoring my general health, is to be sure no passing infections have attacked and are defeating my immune system. They haven't.
March 29, I will be back in the infusion room for the sixth and final fludarabine treatment; spread over four consecutive days. I will be happy to get it over and behind me. Let's hope that lymphoma is behind me, as well!
We talked to a woman last Friday who said her father had had lymphoma for twenty years. I said I hoped I could have it for twenty years, meaning that, in effect, I could survive to at least age 87!
I got a stack of papers from Medicare today, indicating that they had paid just over $50,000 for my care from roughly November 1 to March 1. My medigap carrier has paid quite a lot, as well. I myself have only paid $155, my medicare deductible, out of pocket. It is quite remarkable if you know the amount that medical providers charge (huge!) and the amount that Medicare approves and pays (not huge, at all).
Please keep paying your federal taxes willingly and on time! I could never pay for this all myself.
The real purpose of the tests, aside from monitoring my general health, is to be sure no passing infections have attacked and are defeating my immune system. They haven't.
March 29, I will be back in the infusion room for the sixth and final fludarabine treatment; spread over four consecutive days. I will be happy to get it over and behind me. Let's hope that lymphoma is behind me, as well!
We talked to a woman last Friday who said her father had had lymphoma for twenty years. I said I hoped I could have it for twenty years, meaning that, in effect, I could survive to at least age 87!
I got a stack of papers from Medicare today, indicating that they had paid just over $50,000 for my care from roughly November 1 to March 1. My medigap carrier has paid quite a lot, as well. I myself have only paid $155, my medicare deductible, out of pocket. It is quite remarkable if you know the amount that medical providers charge (huge!) and the amount that Medicare approves and pays (not huge, at all).
Please keep paying your federal taxes willingly and on time! I could never pay for this all myself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
