Well, it is going ahead for Bob's the stem cell transplant. As this whole situation becomes more real we also begin to understand more of the risks. We also know that this is what needs to be done. We could have postponed the procedure until the protein numbers went higher but we chose to continue now.
Bob had a bone marrow aspiration yesterday. This procedure is hard to watch but Bob doesn't even twitch. He says that it really doesn't bother him. Glad Bob is tough and seems to handle all the physical miseries well. One more round of blood work on Friday and a visit with the pharmacist.
Bob will receive the first of 3 velcade injections (also a chemo drug) on Fri. (7th). He is now off of all the former chemo drugs--today being the first day. Not sure how that will mess him up. Without the prednizone Bob should not be diabetic but he is watching the sugars closely to see what happens. The cumadin (warfarin) is also stopped however they are bridging with Tinzaparin injections (self administered).
Dr. Bahlis also showed concern about the damage to the heart. We already knew this but when push comes to shove -----yikes. The Dr. is going to administer a lower dose of the BIG chemo Melphalan. As Bob's marker numbers are going up they are still not what is considered high-----all in the perception!!!!!! Dr. Bahlis thinks the lower dose will be safer on Bob's heart and will still manage the myeloma.
The stem cells were harvested from Bob in 2009. He was on the new drug Revlamid at that time. We are asking God for a miracle of using these cells to heal Bob totally from the cancer. God could heal however He chooses. We are totally aware of that Truth but thus far He, has cared for my husband through the use of medicine and the knowledge of the doctors. Pray with us, that the cancer will be gone.
The TBCC is big on their stem cell patients going home for the first seven days or so, until the white blood counts are zero and the immunity is gone. Manitoba does not do this. Their patients are admitted and stay until the counts are on the way up about 14 days after day 0, or in Bob's case the 12th of Aug will be day 0. With all of the things to be aware of we are leaning to the MB protocal which is acceptable at Tom Baker. If Bob leaves on a pass he would need to be back by 9:00 am and it could be that he couldn't leave until late in the afternoon. The travelling distance for us is long and dealing with the body fluid discharge may not be the best for either of us. Pray with us as we will make these decisions daily with how Bob feels. I also do not need to be anxious about all the "what to do if...." Bob is good with staying. He was in hospital 2 months last time. He says he can handle 2-3 weeks. The latest electronic gadgets mean Bob is able to see his family----all of them, daily.
Psalm 33:22 says "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
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