Not a particularly good week. Think I must have had some kind of cold/cough since was running a low grade temperature, coughed a lot more than usual morning rounds, had a 'almost' migraine, and felt achy. Turkey day better but still spent most of the day laying down. Today at work for half day then back home. Feeling better but still not 100% I've got to force myself to drink more. Seems like all I get down is around a quart a day, should be doing at least 2.
Jim made Thanksgiving dinner yesterday (gotta love that man), we had turkey breast, mashed potatoes, green beans/zucchini/peppers saute, dressing, gravy and for dessert ice cream. It's amazing for two people who used to pack it down, we only manage to get through a reasonable serving.
That's about it ... not much to report, hopefully I'll be better this weekend.
Love to all
Friday, November 28, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Slow improvement
Wow, really felt like I've been hit hard the last couple of days. Slowly seem to be gathering strength back. I kept waking up during the night. Gotta learn to keep my mouth shut when sleeping, it kept drying out and waking me up (LOL). Think the times I've felt the best were the nights I slept more than 3 hours at a stretch. Otherwise woke up feeling okay, day went pretty good so far. I'm tired, but not as TIRED as I have been. Figure I should feel better each day that goes by. I also need to drink more fluids, figure I've been drinking less than a quart a day and I should be drinking around 2 at least. I'll have to 'urge' myself (yeah know how that works). But I know I should be drinking more.
Anyway ... not much more to talk about. Looking forward to Turkey day (a Thursday that the only chemical will be TURKEY!).
Love to all
Anyway ... not much more to talk about. Looking forward to Turkey day (a Thursday that the only chemical will be TURKEY!).
Love to all
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Bad Days
Went in for the second shot. Things went okay until around 3:30 when I started feeling pretty tired. Decided to work until 4 then head home. Worked out okay since Jim needed ride home (van at repair shop) and this way he could drive me home instead of him riding with a guy at work. Laid down when I got home and basically slept off and on until next day. Had a degree-plus fever, but not high enough to call doctor or take anything. Also had chills for around an hour.
Saturday felt better, but decided I'd stay home and let Jim do the shopping alone. Spent the afternoon napping and later in the evening the fever (still only a degree or so) came back so took a Tylenol around 10pm.
Thankfully I only was scheduled for 2 shots. Don't know what would happen if I had to do 3 in a row.
Today, Sunday, feel much better. Fever gone, and I might actually get something done.
Love to all
Saturday felt better, but decided I'd stay home and let Jim do the shopping alone. Spent the afternoon napping and later in the evening the fever (still only a degree or so) came back so took a Tylenol around 10pm.
Thankfully I only was scheduled for 2 shots. Don't know what would happen if I had to do 3 in a row.
Today, Sunday, feel much better. Fever gone, and I might actually get something done.
Love to all
Friday, November 21, 2008
Suprise news
Thursday I worked a half day then went to get blood work, dr. visit, and chemo.
I offered my right arm since the left one still looked bruised. Poor tech couldn't’t get any blood out of it, so we had to go to the left one (still sore). Walked across the hall to dr. office, got my papers to fill out (‘anything changed’ and the monthly update for insurance/contact). Then did the laptop update (almost an exact repeat, but my dr. prefers the paper). Got weighed (up the pound I was down yesterday), and into the exam room to wait for doctor. Waited and waited and waited, oncology nurse saw me and popped in for a chat. We talked about food, Chicago (she’s from there originally), and she mentioned that it looks like January for my stem cell transplant. Other that that she really didn’t know what Dr. G. had planned next for me. After over an hour, the doc along with nurse. He said he consulted with Dr. K the radiation doc and the area he wants to have radiated is the size of a postage stamp (the tumor area, not lymph nodes). Still not sure if I’ll get it or not, but it’s better than 2 locations! No word on the Zevalin yet. He went on to say my blood counts were too low for chemo (borderline), so instead I’d be given a shot of Neumega to stimulate the production of red cells & platelets. If there was no reaction then I’d get another one tomorrow. He also wanted to see what my reaction was so if they needed to use it later they would know if I could tolerate it or not (transplant time). I asked him why the counts were low and he said “there’s this guy in a sweater who keeps throwing chemo at you” (of course meaning him). So it was not totally unexpected. Anyway they were borderline not rock bottom. Then he said I’d have 2 WEEKS OFF!!! Yippee … not appointment until Dec. 4, and then the chemo that I was supposed to get Thursday. He was in an exceptionally good mood, even joking! We did our 'hello hug" and then afterwards I didn't even have to remind him to hug, he did it automatically!
Today I woke up feeling pretty good, no noticeable reactions (rash, fluid retention, fever), so will go in for shot at 11:30. Then I’m FREE!! It’s amazing what little makes me happy now. Will really enjoy Thanksgiving now!
Love to all
I offered my right arm since the left one still looked bruised. Poor tech couldn't’t get any blood out of it, so we had to go to the left one (still sore). Walked across the hall to dr. office, got my papers to fill out (‘anything changed’ and the monthly update for insurance/contact). Then did the laptop update (almost an exact repeat, but my dr. prefers the paper). Got weighed (up the pound I was down yesterday), and into the exam room to wait for doctor. Waited and waited and waited, oncology nurse saw me and popped in for a chat. We talked about food, Chicago (she’s from there originally), and she mentioned that it looks like January for my stem cell transplant. Other that that she really didn’t know what Dr. G. had planned next for me. After over an hour, the doc along with nurse. He said he consulted with Dr. K the radiation doc and the area he wants to have radiated is the size of a postage stamp (the tumor area, not lymph nodes). Still not sure if I’ll get it or not, but it’s better than 2 locations! No word on the Zevalin yet. He went on to say my blood counts were too low for chemo (borderline), so instead I’d be given a shot of Neumega to stimulate the production of red cells & platelets. If there was no reaction then I’d get another one tomorrow. He also wanted to see what my reaction was so if they needed to use it later they would know if I could tolerate it or not (transplant time). I asked him why the counts were low and he said “there’s this guy in a sweater who keeps throwing chemo at you” (of course meaning him). So it was not totally unexpected. Anyway they were borderline not rock bottom. Then he said I’d have 2 WEEKS OFF!!! Yippee … not appointment until Dec. 4, and then the chemo that I was supposed to get Thursday. He was in an exceptionally good mood, even joking! We did our 'hello hug" and then afterwards I didn't even have to remind him to hug, he did it automatically!
Today I woke up feeling pretty good, no noticeable reactions (rash, fluid retention, fever), so will go in for shot at 11:30. Then I’m FREE!! It’s amazing what little makes me happy now. Will really enjoy Thanksgiving now!
Love to all
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Radiation Doctor Visit/Consultation
Went through the 'new doctor' stuff (history, weight, exam, etc). Watched a video about radiation treatment, talked to one nurse, then another, then finally the doctor (all asked same questions). The doctor was very nice, went through my original ct scan as well as the pet scan explaining as she went along. Ct showed lots of cancer, pet scan showed lots less, most 'melted away'. Thought I had 3 glow spots, actually 3 in abdomen and 1 in chest (Mediastinal tumor) for a total of 4. This means two locations for radiation instead of just one. Make a long story short, she said radiation therapy may or may not be indicated (risk vs return), but it's do-able. Abdominal radiation may cause intestinal problems (cramps etc) and the mediastinal (between lungs by heart) may cause sore throat. Daily doses (Monday-Friday) for 20 times (month). She'll talk Dr. G, then we'll all meet (probably). She did confirm that it appears I'm 'going in the right direction'. Asked for and got hugs from her and the nurse.
I may know more about 'schedule' (doubt it but I can be optimistic) after doctor visit tomorrow.
Still feel pretty good today. Think it's gonna be a good day after all.
Love to all
I may know more about 'schedule' (doubt it but I can be optimistic) after doctor visit tomorrow.
Still feel pretty good today. Think it's gonna be a good day after all.
Love to all
Monday, November 17, 2008
Another day
Went in today (Monday) for shot. No more until Friday. Little tired (mostly due to this going on for so long). Little tummy upset, but mint tea seems to help, still finger thingie, but really not feeling 'too' bad. Hopefully will perk up this afternoon, if not, 'tough' right?
Tomorrow should be a 'normal' day (whatever that is anymore). Would be nice to have a couple of weeks where I didn't have to think anything medical, but know better than that. Weds is the consultation, then .... don't need to go over that again.
I've decided what I want for Christmas (to be cancer-free), and for my birthday as well. Got the diagnosis for my 60th birthday, maybe I'll be lucky and get the cancer-free for my 61st! One can only hope and pray.
Okay ... done with this now ... time to get 'perky' again!
Love to all (and thanks for your patience).
Tomorrow should be a 'normal' day (whatever that is anymore). Would be nice to have a couple of weeks where I didn't have to think anything medical, but know better than that. Weds is the consultation, then .... don't need to go over that again.
I've decided what I want for Christmas (to be cancer-free), and for my birthday as well. Got the diagnosis for my 60th birthday, maybe I'll be lucky and get the cancer-free for my 61st! One can only hope and pray.
Okay ... done with this now ... time to get 'perky' again!
Love to all (and thanks for your patience).
Friday-Saturday-Sunday
Friday: WOW ... gotta love those day after gemox. Had tons of energy, upbeat and just a wonderful day (until evening of course). Wish I could have more days like that. Of course I still have the prickly fingers action.
Saturday: Made it through most of a trip to town (shot in morning). Sat out a couple of stores, but made it home okay. Evening was mostly sleeping. Still was able to sleep at normal bedtime. Pretty dragged out, but okay.
Sunday: Got some stuff done (done with the day of constipation, then today the opposite). Little nauseous, but not bad ... not enough to warrant my meds, just a lie-down. Rested most of the day. Was nice not having to go to town for another shot.
Love to all
Saturday: Made it through most of a trip to town (shot in morning). Sat out a couple of stores, but made it home okay. Evening was mostly sleeping. Still was able to sleep at normal bedtime. Pretty dragged out, but okay.
Sunday: Got some stuff done (done with the day of constipation, then today the opposite). Little nauseous, but not bad ... not enough to warrant my meds, just a lie-down. Rested most of the day. Was nice not having to go to town for another shot.
Love to all
Friday, November 14, 2008
Feelin' GOOD
Thursday:
Met with doctor (he was in a good mood) and he said enough stem cells were harvested for 2 infusions if necessary. My labs were good. He said he wanted me to go through direct radiation (danger of intestine damage), Zevalin (if approved and if after the first isotope test doesn't show it in my lungs, liver or too much in my marrow). We'll meet with the radiation dr. on Wednesday for a consultation, then he'll meet with her and then all of is will meet together to discuss the results. I may have both, one or the other, or neither. He said he uses the radiation doctors as a 'reality check'. I'll a shot every day (except Sunday) through Monday, then Weds the consultation, and Thursday afternoon another chemo session (just the gemcitabine so no tingly fingers and only 2 hrs). Then I'll get the one shot that lasts 2 weeks. He said he still didn't know how many rounds of chemo (2-6) I'll get and if I'll get the same chemical(s) or different ones. Of course I won't know my chemo schedule except week by week so any plans I have are on hold. Have NO idea of high dose chemo or transplant time either. Oh well ... what else is new.
He gave a percentage (don't remember if it is a salvage therapy, response rate, or what) of around 50% but said his rate was closer to 75% (yeah dr!). Gotta be good whichever it is.He also said I was going in the right direction (yeah!) and seemed very upbeat throughout the visit.
So ... when chemo session was over and I went outside I noticed my fingers felt as though they were getting pelted by icy rain (ahhh it begins). Put on my gloves and it was okay. Then later when I was peeling a piece of cucumber it felt like I was holding a very thorny rose! Ouch ... almost had to have Jim peel it for me. Even my water bottle (room temperature) gave me little ouchies. Have to watch what I pick up over the next few days ... very strange sensation, but if it's the worse I get then bring it on ...
That's about it for now ... Felt great this morning, riding a "steroid high" right now so getting a lot of things done (while it lasts). Got a super card from the staff at work!! Love those guys!
Love to all
Met with doctor (he was in a good mood) and he said enough stem cells were harvested for 2 infusions if necessary. My labs were good. He said he wanted me to go through direct radiation (danger of intestine damage), Zevalin (if approved and if after the first isotope test doesn't show it in my lungs, liver or too much in my marrow). We'll meet with the radiation dr. on Wednesday for a consultation, then he'll meet with her and then all of is will meet together to discuss the results. I may have both, one or the other, or neither. He said he uses the radiation doctors as a 'reality check'. I'll a shot every day (except Sunday) through Monday, then Weds the consultation, and Thursday afternoon another chemo session (just the gemcitabine so no tingly fingers and only 2 hrs). Then I'll get the one shot that lasts 2 weeks. He said he still didn't know how many rounds of chemo (2-6) I'll get and if I'll get the same chemical(s) or different ones. Of course I won't know my chemo schedule except week by week so any plans I have are on hold. Have NO idea of high dose chemo or transplant time either. Oh well ... what else is new.
He gave a percentage (don't remember if it is a salvage therapy, response rate, or what) of around 50% but said his rate was closer to 75% (yeah dr!). Gotta be good whichever it is.He also said I was going in the right direction (yeah!) and seemed very upbeat throughout the visit.
So ... when chemo session was over and I went outside I noticed my fingers felt as though they were getting pelted by icy rain (ahhh it begins). Put on my gloves and it was okay. Then later when I was peeling a piece of cucumber it felt like I was holding a very thorny rose! Ouch ... almost had to have Jim peel it for me. Even my water bottle (room temperature) gave me little ouchies. Have to watch what I pick up over the next few days ... very strange sensation, but if it's the worse I get then bring it on ...
That's about it for now ... Felt great this morning, riding a "steroid high" right now so getting a lot of things done (while it lasts). Got a super card from the staff at work!! Love those guys!
Love to all
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Getting ready
Got a call Monday evening from dr.'s office. He wants me to have a consultation with the radiation doctor. I mentally freaked out for a second wondering what on earth he had planned for me, then remembered the Zevalin had something to do with radiation (isotopes) so calmed down. Meeting is set for next Wednesday.
Neck still sore ... but it will only be a week tomorrow that it's been out. At first I thought my lymph node was swollen, then remembered that when it was enlarged it didn't hurt. Duh ... 12" tube down my jugular for a week 'might' make my poor neck sore ...
Tomorrow begins the next steps. Not too concerned about the chemo (since already had that variety and know what to expect) or the Zevalin (since most reaction fears are from Rituxan and I've already had that). More concerned about when they do the high dose chemo (more intense reactions possible and the bone marrow gets killed off making me susceptible to infections (possible life threatening). Anyway, slowly getting myself 'steeled' for this.
If you want to read a good article on Zevalin head to http://www.lymphoma.org/atf/cf/%7B0363CDD6-51B5-427B-BE48-E6AF871ACEC9%7D/ZEVALIN.PDF
Love to all
Neck still sore ... but it will only be a week tomorrow that it's been out. At first I thought my lymph node was swollen, then remembered that when it was enlarged it didn't hurt. Duh ... 12" tube down my jugular for a week 'might' make my poor neck sore ...
Tomorrow begins the next steps. Not too concerned about the chemo (since already had that variety and know what to expect) or the Zevalin (since most reaction fears are from Rituxan and I've already had that). More concerned about when they do the high dose chemo (more intense reactions possible and the bone marrow gets killed off making me susceptible to infections (possible life threatening). Anyway, slowly getting myself 'steeled' for this.
If you want to read a good article on Zevalin head to http://www.lymphoma.org/atf/cf/%7B0363CDD6-51B5-427B-BE48-E6AF871ACEC9%7D/ZEVALIN.PDF
Love to all
Monday, November 10, 2008
Quiet weekend
Had a nice quiet weekend. Just did a few things around the house (shame on me I didn't finish my weekend chores). Neck still a little sore (just if I press throat ... yes I know, don't press throat). Little tired, but felt pretty good. I guess I should start walking or something to get some strength up for later on, but ... you all know me.
Doctor's office called and I'm scheduled for labs, then dr., then treatment on Thursday. Should find out what the plan is (I hope). Jim's planning on coming with me for the dr. appointment. I think I should be able to drive in and back myself.
That's it for now ....
Love to all
Doctor's office called and I'm scheduled for labs, then dr., then treatment on Thursday. Should find out what the plan is (I hope). Jim's planning on coming with me for the dr. appointment. I think I should be able to drive in and back myself.
That's it for now ....
Love to all
Friday, November 7, 2008
YIPEE !!!
It's out!! Thursday at 4pm I went up to the cancer center and the nurse pulled it out. Didn't look at it ... but was told it was about 12 inches long. Didn't feel anything except the blood when it came out. Nurse applied pressure for 10 minutes, then dressed it. I sat around for another 10 minutes, then a stroll around the treatment area (to check if wound seeping after a change in blood pressure), little leak so she changed the 'tape' to another kind. Had me sit for another 5 minutes, then another stroll & sit and then homeward bound by 5:15pm! It's amazing that something that put a large hole in your jugular vein didn't need to be sewed it. Vein 'seals itself' ... wow !!
Today (Friday), things going well. Planning on having a nice low key weekend.
Love to all
Today (Friday), things going well. Planning on having a nice low key weekend.
Love to all
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Collection
Sorry this is a bit long.
Daily: 7:30 for blood draw at hospital lab, 8-8:30 two cgs-f shots in belly, then wait for cd34 results.
Monday:
Didn't hear anything until after 1:30pm when the oncology nurse called and said there were problems with the test and the counts (between 6 and 30). They were going to send them to another lab to see what the count was so continued on with work day by heading out to Rathdrum around 3pm to reload software. Was right in the middle of loading the software, when I get a call from the nurse saying the count was 98! Okay ... that lab normally reports higher, but wow ... She had me scheduled to go to the oncology dept to start the collection at 5pm. The procedure normally takes at least 4 hours. After the 'collection' a test is run to see what the platelet count is and if below specified amount I would have to receive an infusion. Anyway ... Jim stayed for a while, then headed home, and I ... well, there I lay having to remain still so the 'buffy layer' would remain stable. The machine puts your blood through a 'spin cycle' where it is separated into 3 layers with the 'buffy' layer in the middle where the stem cells land with other fluids. They really didn't want me to drive home alone, especially if I had to get an infusion, so we planned on me going to the hotel across the highway if need be. My 'buffy layer' was a little narrow and it took a bit to get it to collect properly (machine alarm went off when the layer needed to be 'chased'). My entire blood supply circulates through the machine 3 times during the collection. We got finished around 10pm and I felt fine. The blood bank nurse cleaned the machine (everything went through tubes that are disposed of), and then took off for Spokane to hand deliver (she needed to pick up supplies so decided to take it in herself). A bit later the results came in and I needed to have 40 or above for platelet count and I had 68 so home I went. Only took me 20 minutes ... all green lights, no traffic.
Tuesday:
Blood work, shots, and then to oncology department for another round. By this time my left arm was so bruised from the blood tests I had them try the other one. The collection was scheduled for 9am. Results from previous night was 3.5 and doctor wants between 5 and 10. All went smoothly ... stayed 'very still' for the 4 hours by watching cnn & dozing. Good collection, buffy layer was very stable this time. Platelet count was 55 this time so stopped by library for quick update, picked up Jim (his fan belt broke), and headed home. Was a little more tired today then yesterday. Heard from blood bank nurse in the evening that the count was 3.something and the doctor wanted to go again since the procedure was going so well.
Wednesday:
Blood work, shots, and again to the oncology department. This time had a different blood bank nurse (first one had day off), and she was all ready to go by 9am, so got about an hour head start. Buffy layer not so cooperative this time and she had to chase it a couple of times (even though I was still), but finished around 1:30. Thought ... wow I'll get a bite to eat then dash off to work and finally get something done! Guess again ... waited and waited and waited for test results. Nurse came in and said they were waiting for dr. g's okay for me to leave. Here comes 3:30 (2 hours past completion) and finally get the word it's okay to leave. My count was 66 today. Of course it was too late to do what I wanted at work, so picked Jim up again (had problems with fan belt on van), and headed home. Later that evening nurse called and said the collection was 2.33 and combined with other totals we were at 8.6 and doctor said that was okay. Yippee .. no more blood draws and shots for a while.
Thursday:
Yippee !! no blood draws, shots, collection!! Just waiting to find out when I get this thing pulled out of my neck (they can do it where I get the chemo). Talked with Sue H. the oncology nurse and she thinks I won't have to see anyone until next week. Dr. is off on Monday, today is already Thursday ... sooo the weekend OFF!!! Most likely will be starting a couple of rounds of chemo (probably Thursday), don't know if rituxan will be the same day, next day or what, but at least this collection part is done. Next 'worry' part for me will be the big one (high dose). Not too worried about Zevalin since most of the warnings are for the rituxan and I've been able to handle that so far.
That's it for now .... Love to all
Daily: 7:30 for blood draw at hospital lab, 8-8:30 two cgs-f shots in belly, then wait for cd34 results.
Monday:
Didn't hear anything until after 1:30pm when the oncology nurse called and said there were problems with the test and the counts (between 6 and 30). They were going to send them to another lab to see what the count was so continued on with work day by heading out to Rathdrum around 3pm to reload software. Was right in the middle of loading the software, when I get a call from the nurse saying the count was 98! Okay ... that lab normally reports higher, but wow ... She had me scheduled to go to the oncology dept to start the collection at 5pm. The procedure normally takes at least 4 hours. After the 'collection' a test is run to see what the platelet count is and if below specified amount I would have to receive an infusion. Anyway ... Jim stayed for a while, then headed home, and I ... well, there I lay having to remain still so the 'buffy layer' would remain stable. The machine puts your blood through a 'spin cycle' where it is separated into 3 layers with the 'buffy' layer in the middle where the stem cells land with other fluids. They really didn't want me to drive home alone, especially if I had to get an infusion, so we planned on me going to the hotel across the highway if need be. My 'buffy layer' was a little narrow and it took a bit to get it to collect properly (machine alarm went off when the layer needed to be 'chased'). My entire blood supply circulates through the machine 3 times during the collection. We got finished around 10pm and I felt fine. The blood bank nurse cleaned the machine (everything went through tubes that are disposed of), and then took off for Spokane to hand deliver (she needed to pick up supplies so decided to take it in herself). A bit later the results came in and I needed to have 40 or above for platelet count and I had 68 so home I went. Only took me 20 minutes ... all green lights, no traffic.
Tuesday:
Blood work, shots, and then to oncology department for another round. By this time my left arm was so bruised from the blood tests I had them try the other one. The collection was scheduled for 9am. Results from previous night was 3.5 and doctor wants between 5 and 10. All went smoothly ... stayed 'very still' for the 4 hours by watching cnn & dozing. Good collection, buffy layer was very stable this time. Platelet count was 55 this time so stopped by library for quick update, picked up Jim (his fan belt broke), and headed home. Was a little more tired today then yesterday. Heard from blood bank nurse in the evening that the count was 3.something and the doctor wanted to go again since the procedure was going so well.
Wednesday:
Blood work, shots, and again to the oncology department. This time had a different blood bank nurse (first one had day off), and she was all ready to go by 9am, so got about an hour head start. Buffy layer not so cooperative this time and she had to chase it a couple of times (even though I was still), but finished around 1:30. Thought ... wow I'll get a bite to eat then dash off to work and finally get something done! Guess again ... waited and waited and waited for test results. Nurse came in and said they were waiting for dr. g's okay for me to leave. Here comes 3:30 (2 hours past completion) and finally get the word it's okay to leave. My count was 66 today. Of course it was too late to do what I wanted at work, so picked Jim up again (had problems with fan belt on van), and headed home. Later that evening nurse called and said the collection was 2.33 and combined with other totals we were at 8.6 and doctor said that was okay. Yippee .. no more blood draws and shots for a while.
Thursday:
Yippee !! no blood draws, shots, collection!! Just waiting to find out when I get this thing pulled out of my neck (they can do it where I get the chemo). Talked with Sue H. the oncology nurse and she thinks I won't have to see anyone until next week. Dr. is off on Monday, today is already Thursday ... sooo the weekend OFF!!! Most likely will be starting a couple of rounds of chemo (probably Thursday), don't know if rituxan will be the same day, next day or what, but at least this collection part is done. Next 'worry' part for me will be the big one (high dose). Not too worried about Zevalin since most of the warnings are for the rituxan and I've been able to handle that so far.
That's it for now .... Love to all
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Waiting waiting waiting
I hate this waiting ... I hate this thing in my neck. It's like a sore throat only on the outside. Finally have been able to sleep a little, so feel somewhat better. My poor left arm is so bruised from the daily blood draws that it hurts every time they stick the needle in (just at first). My poor belly is bruised as well from the double shots each day. (done whining)
Went in this morning for the 7:30 blood draw then over to the oncology unit at the hospital for the injections. Talked a bit with the nurse and found out the 'magic number' is 10! The most I made was Thursday morning at a 3. Saturday 1.something. The catheter is already in so I've got to live with it until the 'collection' is made. The nurse said to be patient and that sometimes the count can really jump up overnight. It's 2:15pm on Sunday and still haven't heard anything, but at least we didn't have to spend 5 hours hanging around town until we finally went to the oncology unit and asked (they called to found out).
Friday was really bummed out ... social worker called and asked if Dr. G had spoken to me yet. (no of course). It seems he has another plan (not to replace this one I guess, but a next step). It involves Zevalin, which combined with Rituxan uses a radioactive isotope to target the cancer cells. From what we read online most of the danger seems to come from reactions to the Rituxan (have been able to handle that well). The cost of the treatment is $26,000 and they want to get the paperwork started to find out if the insurance company will pay (she also said something about a safety-net in regards to cost). This totally put me in a tailspin (of course), so have been digging out ever since. I guess I'll just have to plan to have this transplant work!
Love to all
Went in this morning for the 7:30 blood draw then over to the oncology unit at the hospital for the injections. Talked a bit with the nurse and found out the 'magic number' is 10! The most I made was Thursday morning at a 3. Saturday 1.something. The catheter is already in so I've got to live with it until the 'collection' is made. The nurse said to be patient and that sometimes the count can really jump up overnight. It's 2:15pm on Sunday and still haven't heard anything, but at least we didn't have to spend 5 hours hanging around town until we finally went to the oncology unit and asked (they called to found out).
Friday was really bummed out ... social worker called and asked if Dr. G had spoken to me yet. (no of course). It seems he has another plan (not to replace this one I guess, but a next step). It involves Zevalin, which combined with Rituxan uses a radioactive isotope to target the cancer cells. From what we read online most of the danger seems to come from reactions to the Rituxan (have been able to handle that well). The cost of the treatment is $26,000 and they want to get the paperwork started to find out if the insurance company will pay (she also said something about a safety-net in regards to cost). This totally put me in a tailspin (of course), so have been digging out ever since. I guess I'll just have to plan to have this transplant work!
Love to all
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