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