Thursday, June 25, 2009

No New Chemo Today......

Had an appt with Dr. Nair today and after getting blood, weight, blood pressure, temp, etc etc and answering oh so very personal questions like do you have diarrhea or constipation (heehee.....believe me, once you have cancer there is NOTHING personal left about you!), I went in to see the doctor. Oh by the way, the weight from tuesday was correct (I was so hoping it wasn't) as today I weighed 92.5. YUCK We talked for a while about my situation, (I am NEVER rushed by him.....ever), but I'll give you the Reader's Digest condensed version here. I will be going to the hospital at 7 AM tomorrow morning (kill me now) for a 2 bag blood transfusion to get these reds up. Apparently, the MM has become so active and obviously aggressive right now, that the procrit just isn't able to bring the reds up by itself. Hopefully I'll have a better result than the last time I had a transfusion, as I didn't notice a difference in the way I felt. It must have worked on a physical level though as it was about 6-8 weeks since I had the last one I think. Dr. Nair and I also agreed that I will also be scheduled for another bone marrow biopsy next week.....oh....now that's a fun way to spend the day! We did not start the Velcade chemo today, as he said that now that I have fully relapsed, he would be more comfortable knowing exactly where we are starting from at this point, and I agree. When I was first diagnosed, my bone marrow contained 65% cancer cells, so now that we are starting down the road again, he (and me) would like to know where I am exactly starting from now and it will also assist him in helping to determine how aggressive he needs to be when treating me. He said my MM #'s will decrease once I start on this new additional chemo so he wants to wait until after the biopsy is done to begin this additional chemotherapy. SO tentative plans are start on the Velcade next Thurs. When I get in for the biopsy is up to the hospital scheduling. I don't think I mentioned that I have an appt in mid-July at Moffitt Cancer Hospital with the doctor who was in charge of the BMT process. He is a very famous world renowned doctor that specializes in the treatment of MM. The appt is to basically have my one year check-up and Dr. Nair will also talk to him and discuss what he feels are all the available options for me are at this point in time. I drove myself to the docs today as I was feeling up to driving (and to give poor mom a break) but it took forever because of having the transfusion tomorrow, they had to draw additional blood and complete paperwork, and then I had to go to the hospital and register in out-patient and give them my blood so they can type it and have it ready for my morning "cocktail" tomorrow. This running around today wore me out (only so much gas in my tank right now) so I came home, drank a boost, had a little sumpin sumpin to eat and just chilled. Gotta go to bed early tonite as I have to set alarm for 5:15 AM to leave at 6:40 AM because these ole creaky rickity bones need their time in the morning for the heating pad to loosen them up and time for meds to kick in prior to being able to move. Mentally feeling ok, actually. I knew going into this that there would be ups and downs and I'm just in a down right now but "this too shall pass" and things will turn around. Even though we intellectually know this, when the downs arrive, they do throw you for a loop, no matter how prepared you are. Once I feel physically better too, there'll be no stoppin me :)

3 comments:

My Inspired Reality said...

Darling Jan, I am with you in my thoughts and prayers.

Love you and big hug,

Kala

Susan said...

Sounds like you are in very good hands. They will do what is best for you and sounds like they are very caring people. All the best for you tomorrow. Hope you feel better after your transfusion. Sounds like you are a little more upbeat today and that makes me feel better too...now go out there and fight...(((hugs))) for you from me..

Bobbie said...

Jan, my computer has been down, again but Melissa has kept me posted. Jim and I are getting a divorce and my dad is in a holding pattern as far as his health is concerned. I have some time, finally, and need a diversion,
I would love to spend some time with you and taking you to some of your appts. would give us time to catch up. Please call me and let me help while I can. I miss you! luv Bobbie