Firstly

Lots to write, but firstly: Bob was to see Dr. Bahlis yesterday July 11 (our 43rd anniversary).  The news is encouraging and gave a greater cause for celebration.  First the numbers:
               WBC  4.8
               RBC    3.6
               HGB    113
               Platelets  168
               Creatine  15780
                Protein   2.07
Bob only did the tests the same day as the visit so results for tumor markers and a couple of other tests weren't ready when he saw Dr. B.

Dr. B. is going to move to a maintenance regime for a time and see how that goes.  Beginning this Fri. Bob will only receive the velcade as the chemo dose.  He will receive this every other week.  Dr. B. wasn't convinced about the Spain trial.  Bob will have to go into the hospital as it is an infusion.  The neuropathy will continue to be a side affect.  We are now rubbing his feet with something that has a high menthol content.  Dr.  B. suggested he read some good results from that???  We have started with Tiger Balm which Bob's uncle Jake had suggested years ago for whatever aches.

The other side affects---the diabetes (for 2 days) the constipation, and the hyper activity and no sleep from the dex, hopefully will be gone.  The  tiredness at other times may continue but that one is easy (mostly).

A PET scan is being set up for the next mo. or so.  That is what tells the real story.  Once we see those results we will truly rejoice with the maintenance regime.  Altho very thankful that the rest of the summer could be easier on Bob --drug wise.

One more number that Bob is pleased about--thot I'd share with you:  BMI is 27,1200 with the upper number for him being 30,000.  Sheesh--I am walking---hopefully diligently, every day to get a healthier BMI.