"Trust me, I have a plan" were pretty much the last words we heard from Dr. Bahlis on Mar.9.
We also read those words or words that are very similar in the bible. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah was speaking to the Israelite people who were in exile and it appeared to these Israelites that God had forgotten them. However, God's word is for us now in 2016 too. Bob and I trust Dr. Bahlis but more importantly we trust our Father God who has cared for Bob in some pretty incredible ways over the years. These almost eight years of fighting multiple myeloma have been hard, discouraging and painful. Yet we trust God with the future.
All that being said, the stem cell transplant most definitely has not worked. The cancer markers are climbing quickly. As I have said before, Bob does not have over the top high numbers, right since the time he was diagnosed. The difference is that they are now going up fast. Dr. Bahlis pointed out to us that many blood numbers were very good: WBC 5.7, RBC 3.4, platelets113, neutrophils 113. However the kappa free is 173 now, lambda free 3.45 making the ratio 50.14. Which would be ok if the stem cell transplant and all that drama wasn't only 6 mo ago.
Unfortunately, There are not a lot of options left as most of the known treatments for multiple myeloma, Bob has now failed. The medical researches are always working and looking for that hope---something new to help patients. Sooooo beginning on Mar.11 Bob will begin a new chemo regime---well, not actually new, it is a rerun. This is more potent than what he is doing now. Along with the velcade, being added are dexamethasone, and cyclophosphamide. This will be the regime for two rounds for sure----three weeks of drugs, one week off. Hopefully this will keep the cancer in check somewhat. THEN THE EXCITING AND SCARY AND ANOTHER REASON TO PRAY EVENT.
By this time Dr. Bahlis will know if Bob has been accepted for a very experimental treatment. The doctor is applying for this treatment on compassionate grounds. There are also, two other of Dr. Bahlis' patients, who this treatment, is being applied for. This procedure has the potential to be a cure for multiple myeloma. If not now, sometime in the future. Should you want to check it out google: car t .
So we cling to the trust we have and for future hope that we know is there. Pray with us for wisdom, physical well being, beyond what could be hoped for, for Bob, peace and grace and hope.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
ECCLESIASTES
Every other Thursday a group of ladies get together to study a book in the Bible. We did Ephesians before Christmas and tomorrow we are beginning a study of Ecclesiastes. There is not a study guide. We read and research and then discuss what we learned, how we can apply what is in scripture to our lives. Tomorrow we will be going over the first three chapters. Soooo being an eager beaver I started to do my studying today!!!
Part way through the day Bob came home to pick me up. Bob had his monthly appointment with Dr. Bahlis, his oncologist. I drove over to the cancer centre as Bob is so tired. He has not been sleeping well. Trying to figure out why- covers so much of a person's psyche (which I am taking to mean; ones whole self) that we cant figure it out. Maybe this visit will help deal with the sleeplessness.
Bob has also gone back to work. It is full time with 3 days out at the estate and 2 days doing computer work or pick ups in the city. So not sleeping is having an impact on him.
Our visit did not go as well as we expected. The numbers used as the cancer markers are coming up-- rather quickly. This means there is cancer in the bone marrow and it is active. In Oct. the Kappa Free was 9.04,by Dec.14 it was 16.5 and Jan.11 blood work showed it at 30.8. The ratio is 3.79. We had chosen for Bob to have chemo every other week due to the side affects. Dr. Bahlis has a couple of things to try but doesn't want to change more that one thing at a time. So starting on Fri. the 15th Bob will have chemo every week. So we will see what happens by our Feb. appointment. Bob's blood work is not where it should be either. This is very discouraging, disappointing and just plain frightening. To deal with sleeping, well guess what? a sleeping pill. Bob does not have to use them everyday but we will start tomorrow when he doesn't have to get up and go to work the next day.
The pain Bob has is controlled reasonably well by the drug patches he is now using. We are grateful for that.
So does this blog sound like a bit of a downer? In a way it was meant to. I wrote in my study notebook this morning that Solomon sure wrote a downer in the book of Ecclesiastes. This wise man writes that all things in and done and possessed in the world is for naught---all nothingness. Chasing after the wind!!!! So on our way home I began to think what is this constant struggle with cancer for? Perplexing all these thoughts. I began thinking this morning surly Solomon must come to a different conclusion somewhere in the book so I turned to the last chapter to take a peek: "Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.".
Knowing Jesus and following Him gives us purpose and hope. The hope of living forever with Jesus in heaven, where we will be perfect and there will be no cancer. While we are still on this earth we will live to bring glory to Jesus and reflect Him to those around us.
Part way through the day Bob came home to pick me up. Bob had his monthly appointment with Dr. Bahlis, his oncologist. I drove over to the cancer centre as Bob is so tired. He has not been sleeping well. Trying to figure out why- covers so much of a person's psyche (which I am taking to mean; ones whole self) that we cant figure it out. Maybe this visit will help deal with the sleeplessness.
Bob has also gone back to work. It is full time with 3 days out at the estate and 2 days doing computer work or pick ups in the city. So not sleeping is having an impact on him.
Our visit did not go as well as we expected. The numbers used as the cancer markers are coming up-- rather quickly. This means there is cancer in the bone marrow and it is active. In Oct. the Kappa Free was 9.04,by Dec.14 it was 16.5 and Jan.11 blood work showed it at 30.8. The ratio is 3.79. We had chosen for Bob to have chemo every other week due to the side affects. Dr. Bahlis has a couple of things to try but doesn't want to change more that one thing at a time. So starting on Fri. the 15th Bob will have chemo every week. So we will see what happens by our Feb. appointment. Bob's blood work is not where it should be either. This is very discouraging, disappointing and just plain frightening. To deal with sleeping, well guess what? a sleeping pill. Bob does not have to use them everyday but we will start tomorrow when he doesn't have to get up and go to work the next day.
The pain Bob has is controlled reasonably well by the drug patches he is now using. We are grateful for that.
So does this blog sound like a bit of a downer? In a way it was meant to. I wrote in my study notebook this morning that Solomon sure wrote a downer in the book of Ecclesiastes. This wise man writes that all things in and done and possessed in the world is for naught---all nothingness. Chasing after the wind!!!! So on our way home I began to think what is this constant struggle with cancer for? Perplexing all these thoughts. I began thinking this morning surly Solomon must come to a different conclusion somewhere in the book so I turned to the last chapter to take a peek: "Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.".
Knowing Jesus and following Him gives us purpose and hope. The hope of living forever with Jesus in heaven, where we will be perfect and there will be no cancer. While we are still on this earth we will live to bring glory to Jesus and reflect Him to those around us.
Friday, December 18, 2015
BITS AND PIECES
We made the last oncologist visit of the year!!!
Bob still has one chemo left---- on new year's eve. He had one today and is hanging in pretty well, not feeling unwell yet.
The chemo has been changed to once every other week. The blood numbers came up very well by not having chemo every week.
There is still no sign of any active myeloma in the marrow. PTL
We have complained about Bob's pain in the hip (actually on the back of the pelvis) so much that I am sure everyone is tired of it!!!!! It still was not under control and he was becoming more sleepy and disorientated. Fortunately, when the oncology nurse came to call him into the appointment-- Bob was sleeping. I think she realized that yes this was not good. How does one have a life?
Bob has been changed to another drug, in patch form, to handle the pain. The patch is to last 72 hours so we will see. He needed to take a break through 5mg morphine this am but otherwise it is all good. He feels better!!!
This can be tweaked a fair bit before it is not effective. Looking way better. Next stop would be the pain clinic.
January 4, 2016 Bob is back to work. Still on the old schedule--some days at the estate and some days in the city. We were getting the hang of being full time together-- and no other work. I will miss Bob but this will be very good for him. We will see how he makes out. Praying he will be able to physically and mentally manage the drive, the full day and the work.
Almost time to close the door on 2015. This has not been our best year, but it has been a great year in terms of stretching our faith and trusting God, so for that we are thankful.
Merry Christmas, enjoy the time with whomever you get to spend Christmas with. The movie Robin Williams was in......can't for the life of me remember the name of it......but the slogan was carpe diem----seize the day. We are trying to seize each day with only the positive of the day and letting the negative just collapse upon itself.
Our wishes, for calmness and much joy for the Season, to each of you.
Bob still has one chemo left---- on new year's eve. He had one today and is hanging in pretty well, not feeling unwell yet.
The chemo has been changed to once every other week. The blood numbers came up very well by not having chemo every week.
There is still no sign of any active myeloma in the marrow. PTL
We have complained about Bob's pain in the hip (actually on the back of the pelvis) so much that I am sure everyone is tired of it!!!!! It still was not under control and he was becoming more sleepy and disorientated. Fortunately, when the oncology nurse came to call him into the appointment-- Bob was sleeping. I think she realized that yes this was not good. How does one have a life?
Bob has been changed to another drug, in patch form, to handle the pain. The patch is to last 72 hours so we will see. He needed to take a break through 5mg morphine this am but otherwise it is all good. He feels better!!!
This can be tweaked a fair bit before it is not effective. Looking way better. Next stop would be the pain clinic.
January 4, 2016 Bob is back to work. Still on the old schedule--some days at the estate and some days in the city. We were getting the hang of being full time together-- and no other work. I will miss Bob but this will be very good for him. We will see how he makes out. Praying he will be able to physically and mentally manage the drive, the full day and the work.
Almost time to close the door on 2015. This has not been our best year, but it has been a great year in terms of stretching our faith and trusting God, so for that we are thankful.
Merry Christmas, enjoy the time with whomever you get to spend Christmas with. The movie Robin Williams was in......can't for the life of me remember the name of it......but the slogan was carpe diem----seize the day. We are trying to seize each day with only the positive of the day and letting the negative just collapse upon itself.
Our wishes, for calmness and much joy for the Season, to each of you.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
DAY 100
Today is day 100, post transplant. This marks the end of the early recovery phase of Bob's care. Not sure how to celebrate this day!!!! In school they have day 100----100 days of school. Each child brings 100 items of something----lots of counting involved (which is the whole point, duh). So I asked Bob what will you bring to 100 day post transplant??? Let's sing this list to the tune of a Partridge in a Pear Tree: 100 blood tests, 100 doctor visits, 100 chemo injections, 100 visits to the drugstore, 100 trips to Tom Baker, 1 million pills swallowed,???? (1 million ! oh Bob!!!! that is 10,000 x 100) and 1 amazing oncologist....................
Bob is doing well. He is tired but kicking the tiredness the best he can. We (shhhh don't tell the nurses) are playing with the morphine and almost have the recipe for pain control. Bob has each measurement of morphine--3mg, 6mg,of hydro morphine then 5mg of regular??morphine. We are keeping track of what allows him to be pain free come the morning and then keeps him free all day. We think we have it!!!!! That will be the biggest accomplishment for now.
Bob has had 3 injections of velcade so far and has one more before we see Dr. Bahlis. There are no steroids along with the velcade so the blood tests Bob takes for diabetes are staying normal. PTL--all below 10 and most below 8. We are so thankful for that. The day after the velcade (today) is a lousy day for Bob --just not feeling well plus a sense of not being able to get his breath. This is only for one day. Thankful for that too. His blood counts are falling though. The major number is for the neutrophils. Should this fall below the magic number he may not be given the velcade. We are thinking that perhaps it would be good to go through the Christmas week without the chemo as it is now scheduled for both Christmas Eve and New Years eve. The "normal" numbers for the neutrophils are between 2.0 and 8.0. Bob started the velcade with a count over 7., last week was 2.5 and this week we are down to 1.9. WBC is now 4.7, HGB is 112, Platelets 88. So we shall see what happens, but Bob may need a break to recover some more.
As life stands today Bob is going to go back to work come January. He is planning for 3 days at the estate and 2 days in the city. He is able to take time needed for blood work, appointments and chemo. We are so thankful to God for Exploron Corp. and how they have cared for Bob. Bob loves his job and is now working for the benefits!!!! !Plus his salary!!!!!
Enjoy this advent season with all the busyness and excitement.
Bob is doing well. He is tired but kicking the tiredness the best he can. We (shhhh don't tell the nurses) are playing with the morphine and almost have the recipe for pain control. Bob has each measurement of morphine--3mg, 6mg,of hydro morphine then 5mg of regular??morphine. We are keeping track of what allows him to be pain free come the morning and then keeps him free all day. We think we have it!!!!! That will be the biggest accomplishment for now.
Bob has had 3 injections of velcade so far and has one more before we see Dr. Bahlis. There are no steroids along with the velcade so the blood tests Bob takes for diabetes are staying normal. PTL--all below 10 and most below 8. We are so thankful for that. The day after the velcade (today) is a lousy day for Bob --just not feeling well plus a sense of not being able to get his breath. This is only for one day. Thankful for that too. His blood counts are falling though. The major number is for the neutrophils. Should this fall below the magic number he may not be given the velcade. We are thinking that perhaps it would be good to go through the Christmas week without the chemo as it is now scheduled for both Christmas Eve and New Years eve. The "normal" numbers for the neutrophils are between 2.0 and 8.0. Bob started the velcade with a count over 7., last week was 2.5 and this week we are down to 1.9. WBC is now 4.7, HGB is 112, Platelets 88. So we shall see what happens, but Bob may need a break to recover some more.
As life stands today Bob is going to go back to work come January. He is planning for 3 days at the estate and 2 days in the city. He is able to take time needed for blood work, appointments and chemo. We are so thankful to God for Exploron Corp. and how they have cared for Bob. Bob loves his job and is now working for the benefits!!!! !Plus his salary!!!!!
Enjoy this advent season with all the busyness and excitement.
Jesus is the reason for the season.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
ONWARD
We were back to seeing Dr. Bahlis and Dr. Neri at their regular clinic, yesterday. Bob was the last patient yesterday so we turned out the lights just before 6:00pm. We hadn't seen Dr. Neri for months so it was great seeing her. They are both so pleased, for Bob, with the results of the transplant.
The last paragraph of the Diagnostic Radiology report for the PET scan is:
Impression
1. No sites of adverse change/disease progression can be identified. No abnormality has appeared at the right hip itself to explain his symptoms.
2. At sites of residual active disease in the right illium and the L 1 spinous process, metabolic activity has further decreased mildly, compatible with a favorable response to interval therapy that appears near-complete in the right illum and partial at L 1.
3. The lesion in the right hemimandible, that was new on the prior study 2015-05-06, has demonstrated a favorable response to therapy that appears to be a complete metabolic response.
4. A complete metabolic response to therapy has been maintained at several other bony sites such as the C3 vertebral body, the left second and fourth ribs, in the T9 region and the left ischium.
This whole report is now our new base line. The cancer has sure been active in Bob's bones, these past years.
Numbers: neutrophils-----4.6, WBC---7.4, RBC--3.4, HGB--111. Kappa/ Lambda free ratio--1.09.
From that we are taking Bob as in remission. Not cancer free but in a good place.
The new plan will begin this Friday the 20th of Nov. Bob is going to receive weekly injections of Velcade, a chemo drug, This is administered under the skin in the belly. When Bob received velcade before it was IV. Still no talk of a steroid (hurrah). Bob needs to go to the hospital for this. We are guessing it must be terribly expensive because patients are not given syringes to administer the velcade at home.
As for the pain, Bob now has a different morphine to try. Keeping the pain controlled is still up and down.
Thankful for the prayers of so many. The ongoing prayer of our hearts is that this remission will last a very long time. Please pray with us.
For this time: "Just the facts ma"am, just the facts". Know who said that?????? hmmm??
The last paragraph of the Diagnostic Radiology report for the PET scan is:
Impression
1. No sites of adverse change/disease progression can be identified. No abnormality has appeared at the right hip itself to explain his symptoms.
2. At sites of residual active disease in the right illium and the L 1 spinous process, metabolic activity has further decreased mildly, compatible with a favorable response to interval therapy that appears near-complete in the right illum and partial at L 1.
3. The lesion in the right hemimandible, that was new on the prior study 2015-05-06, has demonstrated a favorable response to therapy that appears to be a complete metabolic response.
4. A complete metabolic response to therapy has been maintained at several other bony sites such as the C3 vertebral body, the left second and fourth ribs, in the T9 region and the left ischium.
This whole report is now our new base line. The cancer has sure been active in Bob's bones, these past years.
Numbers: neutrophils-----4.6, WBC---7.4, RBC--3.4, HGB--111. Kappa/ Lambda free ratio--1.09.
From that we are taking Bob as in remission. Not cancer free but in a good place.
The new plan will begin this Friday the 20th of Nov. Bob is going to receive weekly injections of Velcade, a chemo drug, This is administered under the skin in the belly. When Bob received velcade before it was IV. Still no talk of a steroid (hurrah). Bob needs to go to the hospital for this. We are guessing it must be terribly expensive because patients are not given syringes to administer the velcade at home.
As for the pain, Bob now has a different morphine to try. Keeping the pain controlled is still up and down.
Thankful for the prayers of so many. The ongoing prayer of our hearts is that this remission will last a very long time. Please pray with us.
For this time: "Just the facts ma"am, just the facts". Know who said that?????? hmmm??
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
GRADUATION
Once a patient is healthy enough, to not need any post- transplant medical needs met, they are considered having graduated!!!!! Today Bob was told he had graduated. HURRAH, HURRAH. I have never seen such a wide, wide smile from Dr. Bahlis :-))) We would have whooped and shouted but not everyone in the BMT clinic was happy today. We saved the whooping until we were out side.
We were told that the two vials of liquid from the bone marrow contained......wait for it.........NO myeloma cells. However, the more solid sample that contained scar tissue had 30% active myeloma. The remission word was used but with the caveat of this spot of myeloma. Tomorrow Bob has a PET scan scheduled (cycletron must be up and working again). The scan will show if that is the only active spot or if there are others. To receive that news we will have an appointment in two weeks.
In two weeks time we go back across the hall to Dr. Bahis' regular clinic where we will have the PET scan results AND Bob will begin another regime of chemo. So pleased Bob graduated but sadly this is the clinic that has long waits. This is also a Wed. clinic. Being on Wed. doesn't really mean to much, as our calendars are able to be very fluid!!!!!LOL
The plan is that Bob may receive radiation on the spot of myeloma. He hasn't had radiation since he was first diagnosed and it was only on his back. Radiation will depend on the PET. Bob will also begin a maintenance dose of velcade and pomalyst. This will be 3 weeks on and 1week off. The velcade is given by intravenous once a week at TBC. The pomalyst is oral. We are so thankful, that for now, Bob will not be on a steroid.
For my medical friends and family: WBC 5.2
RBC 3.3 still a wee bit low
HGB 104 " " "
Platelets 104 " " "'
Kappa free 9.04
Lambda free 11.10
Kappa/Lambda free ratio .81 (this is where we all whooot)
U protein .09
Is that all you need, Donna??????
Soooooo we are pretty pumped. Dr. Bahlis said he hoped that we would have a good year but was hoping for a long life for Bob. The nurse said she hoped for lots of good years. That is our prayer too.
Dr. Bahlis does not want Bob to go back to work until the new year due to the immunity issue and the vaccines that Bob may require. We still have lots of trips to TBC too. Not sure what the future will be like but the One we trust with our lives does. Let 's give it up for God--Hurrah and thank you.
Thankyou from the bottom of our hearts for the many prayers that have been offered up to God on our behalf. God has heard the cry of our hearts and is doing a miracle in Bob's body and in our hearts and faith. We are so encouraged today, but each day has its own challenges. This is true for each one of us. My desire would be that each of us know God so intimately that each moment of our lives are dependent on Him. No matter the outcomes of life's daily challenges we would be able to trust that God has our backs.
We were told that the two vials of liquid from the bone marrow contained......wait for it.........NO myeloma cells. However, the more solid sample that contained scar tissue had 30% active myeloma. The remission word was used but with the caveat of this spot of myeloma. Tomorrow Bob has a PET scan scheduled (cycletron must be up and working again). The scan will show if that is the only active spot or if there are others. To receive that news we will have an appointment in two weeks.
In two weeks time we go back across the hall to Dr. Bahis' regular clinic where we will have the PET scan results AND Bob will begin another regime of chemo. So pleased Bob graduated but sadly this is the clinic that has long waits. This is also a Wed. clinic. Being on Wed. doesn't really mean to much, as our calendars are able to be very fluid!!!!!LOL
The plan is that Bob may receive radiation on the spot of myeloma. He hasn't had radiation since he was first diagnosed and it was only on his back. Radiation will depend on the PET. Bob will also begin a maintenance dose of velcade and pomalyst. This will be 3 weeks on and 1week off. The velcade is given by intravenous once a week at TBC. The pomalyst is oral. We are so thankful, that for now, Bob will not be on a steroid.
For my medical friends and family: WBC 5.2
RBC 3.3 still a wee bit low
HGB 104 " " "
Platelets 104 " " "'
Kappa free 9.04
Lambda free 11.10
Kappa/Lambda free ratio .81 (this is where we all whooot)
U protein .09
Is that all you need, Donna??????
Soooooo we are pretty pumped. Dr. Bahlis said he hoped that we would have a good year but was hoping for a long life for Bob. The nurse said she hoped for lots of good years. That is our prayer too.
Dr. Bahlis does not want Bob to go back to work until the new year due to the immunity issue and the vaccines that Bob may require. We still have lots of trips to TBC too. Not sure what the future will be like but the One we trust with our lives does. Let 's give it up for God--Hurrah and thank you.
Thankyou from the bottom of our hearts for the many prayers that have been offered up to God on our behalf. God has heard the cry of our hearts and is doing a miracle in Bob's body and in our hearts and faith. We are so encouraged today, but each day has its own challenges. This is true for each one of us. My desire would be that each of us know God so intimately that each moment of our lives are dependent on Him. No matter the outcomes of life's daily challenges we would be able to trust that God has our backs.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
NEXT WEEK?????
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. :-)
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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