File this entry under "We've Heard this Story Before"...
I have no significant details on my condition to provide, in fact, the latest blood counts are almost identical to the ones from last week. Meaning, the white blood cells have not recovered enough for me to be treated with the next round of chemo. You may recall they had started to recover and measurements were heading north as everyone wanted and expected, however, they have decided to take a break. For those interested, the latest count was 1.5 (they had been as low as 0.5 shortly after the initial chemo). The doctors want them to be 2.5 in order to make the necessary recommendations for the next treatment.
While the WBC count is the trigger for treatment, ultimately, the blast % within the WBC's determines the type of treatment. If the blast count is less than 5%, they may consider me in remission and proceed with what is called "consolidation" chemotherapy. If the blast count is greater than 5%, we will proceed under the guidelines preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Obviously, that is not what we hope have happen. But, until the WBC's get to the 2.5 level, they will not make that decision.
Either way, several rounds of chemo are required as a follow up to the initial treatment received.
Many thanks to all of you who have let me know you are contributing to the national bone marrow registry. You never know, it could be me that may need your help. We did find out this week and were disappointed that my brother is not a match, so in the event I do need a transplant, it will be from the general population.
In mentioning the blast %'s earlier, those are measured through the bone marrow biopsy's that I have been having at regular intervals (I think interval is being kind). Because I haven't had one in a couple weeks, I am scheduled for another this Thursday. The most recent biopsy showed a very low % of blasts, so we are hopeful that result continues to hold.
It may sound crazy, but I want to get this thing moving and go in for treatment. I understand why I can't, but waiting is not my forte. My doctor reminded me that the slow good recovery I am experiencing is better than the other alternatives.
I have been feeling pretty good, but in fairness, the waiting is much tougher than I would have thought. I actually got the go ahead to get out and run an errand or 2 if I wanted and I took full advantage last week. The little things like going to the grocery store and wandering are simple pleasures. Prior to being diagnosed, I was the one who did the grocery shopping and over time, some things that were normally accessible in the house have not been lately. I was able to quickly correct that situation. The best part of getting out was seeing Hannah play her last freshman volleyball game of the year. I had missed them all and showed up unexpected to the final game. It was quite emotional to watch and I think I made her nervous for the first few points.
At the same time last week, my favorite sister in law (Rhea) from Florida (Val is the fav from Michigan) visited for a couple days. I think I was more worried about her kids when she was here, I mean c'mon, leaving 4 kids at home with Charlie? As always, her visit was too short, but it was great having Rhea around. Next time she comes up, I am going to put together a scavenger hunt for her and Lynn, and they can't use Garmin or any other GPS system, just maps.... only kidding. I'm not sure we'd ever see them again. I learned that Rhea is just a shade better than Lynn with directions, which isn't really all that good.
This week, we have AC and Judy back in town for a nice visit. They were planning on coming up when I went back in the hospital, but since that didn't materialize, we'll actually get to have a good visit on the home front.
On the TV front, we started and finished the 1st 2 seasons of Breaking Bad through rentals (thanks again to Val for the Netflix). As one reviewer I read online mentioned, "its fairly disturbing, but I can't stop watching." We are waiting for the 3rd season to be released for rental and hope to get that completed so we are caught up when the new season starts in January. Lynn and I have done this with a few different series over the years, and the best is still The Wire from HBO. We plowed through all 6 seasons in one of the wonderful Michigan winters (soon to be upon us again). I highly recommend both series, but the problem is you have to start with season 1 to get the true effect of the storyline and characters. And you have to have time...
Unfortunately, baseball is over, and there is always too much football on Don't get me wrong, I love it, but again, there is only so much to watch. At least for me, this weekend is the Breeders Cup for horse racing and I will be watching and wagering to test my handicapping ability. Unfortunately for one friend, I didn't help a whole lot when he went to Keenland a couple weeks ago. As they say, opinions are like a**holes, everyone has got one... so I'm probably better keeping them to myself.
Last, thanks to all of those providing meals, we are very grateful for the efforts. It really does make things easier when you are done with days of appointments and running around.
