Well, today (Oct 19) we went to the South Health Campus to meet with an oncology cardiologist. He will review the heart MRI that Bob had taken last week.
I have to say going to the SHC is just awesome compared to driving to Tom Baker. Forty -five minutes to TBC and then the parking ordeal before you even get close to an entrance door!!!! Altho FYI we are very happy with all the care Bob has received at the TBC. Today tho, 20 minutes from our parking garage to sitting in the cardiology dept.---5th floor!!!!Ahhhhhhhh.
Another super doctor, who is also an assistant professor of cardiology at U. of C, is now OUR cardiologist. Dr. K. thinks Bob is heart healthy, all things considered. The left "pump" is 42% and hasn't changed in 5years. Praise God. The feet swelling is, he believes, venous stasis. This is congestion and slowing of circulation in the veins. Venous stasis is a risk factor for a blood clot. However the doc feels it is from to much sitting. Soooo, not sure how to change that as Bob does walk each day and drinks at least 2 litres of water. Instead of sitting he is now laying on the couch with his feet elevated!!!!!!!! Ha Ha. Bob also got a prescription for those--pressure socks.
Bob is also part of the number of cancer patients who have had their PET scans cancelled. The province's only cyclotron machine has broken down twice in the last two months. AHS is sourcing the particles from other provinces for the most urgent cases. We aren't sure when the scan will be rescheduled. The results of the scan and other tests are to help direct up coming therapy.
Yesterday (Oct.27) we made the trek to TBC. We were expecting more info but that was not to be. Dr. Bahlis did the bone marrow aspiration. That should tell the tale of how successful the transplant is. The sample was taken from the area , of what the Dr. said, was a lot of mueloma . He had to "drill" through some scar tissue. The thinking is; this spot would provide a sample be a with the most myeloma. Another aspiration may be done on the other hip, depending on these results.
The ducks should ALMOST all be in a row for the "staging". We understand staging is; any drugs, treatments etc. that the Dr. would plan to give Bob moving forward. However the PET scan hasn't been done, as of today. The scan plays a big part in the staging as all the lesions (tumors) will show up and especially any new ones. Dr. B is trying to get the PET scan done but, well, until the cyclotron is up and running effectively that may not happen.
We didn't get the actual number counts this week--seemed like to much going on. From what was said tho I am thinking we are on the cusp of normal or Bob's numbers are normal. I know the white blood cells are normal.
We have decided to venture farther afield this weekend. We are going to Edmonton to see Mike, Cori and kids. We have Cavi wipes for the hotel----thanks Barbie. Bob still wears a mask depending on where we are, we have lots of hand sanitizer so we are all set. It will be fun and we will see how this turns out.
Oh, and today is Day 62 post transplant. Medical professionals use the 100 day mark as being the end of the early recovery phase. At that three month time frame the reimmunization will begin.
Pray that Bob will stay healthy and continue to become stronger.
I realize that many folks don't believe in or get vaccinations. This is especially true of the flu vaccine. HOWEVER in my humble opinion; by getting the vaccine you may be protecting many people around you. People at your work place, in your church, in your school, or at the shopping centre could be protected by the vaccines you have received. There are young children, old grannies and poppas with lower immune systems. There could be pregnant women, disabled people who most often have a compromised systems. Maybe someone you know and love is undergoing treatment for cancer or other long term illnesses. Those folks are also often immuno-compromised. Should you be a healthy person, help out those who aren't, by being vaccinated. I believe that getting vaccinated is a very unselfish act. If you disagree, I don't want to know. :-)
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