Still Procrastinating

I may have the following (and yes, these have all been comments I've received):

• You have very hard bones
• You're arms are longer than normal for someone 5'10" (Begging the comment from a friend that I must be using golf clubs too long all these years)
• Yes, you do have strange blood

Add to the list that, "yes, it is taking longer than normal for your blood to recover."

So there is the theme of the week, still waiting for the white blood cells to reach the level they want.  Meaning, no treatment this week, only appointments.  We'll be waiting for the blood counts next week to make the next decisions and hoping that the marrow transplant is not the one needed.  That's the long and the short of it at this time.

The #1 question I get is "how are you feeling," and even to my surprise, the answer has been "really well."  How one is supposed to know what to feel like was the unknown when this whole thing started.  I also realize that feeling good is relative to the last 6-8 monthsm because I can't recall what really feeling good is, i.e. not being tired.   For me, I felt like there was going to be this big preparation for treatment, but effectively, they just hook up the IV and away you go.  This is in no way meant to minimize the seriousness, because it is serious and I know individuals all react differently.  I don't think I'm getting a false sense of security, in fact, the lack of progress with my blood counts has me as frustrated as anything in the process. And anyone who has had the pleasure of being around me when I am frustrated knows how much fun I am (right Lynn?).

At some point I may be able to give more insight into the mindset, but right now, I'll take the feeling good part and run with it this week.  At least I get to watch the World Series in comfort...

What's the Delay?

I know, I know...   no updates for the last week.  Of course I could discuss all of the sports that have been taking place:  crazy baseball results (Yankee go home!) and really shocked that the Phillies lost to the Giants.

But on the topic of me, and why wouldn't anyone want to talk about themselves, there is not a heck of a lot to report from the medical side.  We did have a few appointments this week with the the requisite bone marrow biopsy (#7 according to the scares on my hip, Lynn is counting) taking place on Thursday.  The results of the previous biopsy, received Monday, indicated that my body was finally recovering from the initial round of induction chemotherapy.  Hemoglobin, platelets and white blood cells were growing compared to the last reading.

Why did it take so long?  My Doctor isn't sure, but the simplistic explanation is that everyone's body reacts differently and takes time.  But, back to the recovering.  Based on what was happening, and how I've been feeling (pretty good overall), I didn't need a transfusion this week to "get good."  Ultimately, it also means that we can be prepared for the next round of treatment pretty soon.  That treatment will be determined by the biopsy results from last Thursday.  We have a meeting on Monday to review the results and expect to get the treatment plan (chemo) at that time.

The next round of chemo will be either be the same as I have already had or it will be a little bit different.  "Why would it be different Mr. Wizard?"  Glad you asked...  If my white blood cells contain a low % of blasts, I could be considered in remission, and right now, we don't know or have any real feel if that is the case.  All previous measurements of the blasts have been when my white blood cells have been extremely low and the Doctors didn't feel they had a representative sample.  Putting it in political terms, the margin for error is probably too great to trust the polling...  If my white blood cells contain a higher % of blasts, it means we will prepare for a bone marrow transplant.  If this is the case, I will receive the same induction treatment that I previously received.  The best guess is that if we receive either result, I will be headed back to the hospital late this week.  And I will keep this updated as we get the info...

Regarding the potential need for bone marrow matching, Jr. (Charlie) has submitted his DNA for the opportunity to serve his older brother, which makes up for a lot of little brother indiscretions over the years.  Obviously kidding, we are hopeful he has the goods, but if not, the match goes to the general population.  We should have known whether Charlie matches by now, but when my test was submitted there were not enough white cells in my sample (go figure) that was submitted a couple weeks ago.  I submitted a second sample on Friday and we expect the results in a week.  However, my treatment doesn't depend on this test as the matching is for the future treatment. 

So what are we rooting for?  First, that I am in remission, and second, that Charlie matches, just in case....

I know I preached on the need and benefits of giving blood, and thank you to all who have send emails and messages indicating that you did give or will give.  Please do so, it takes very little time, no matter how busy we all are these days.  And now, I want to do the same for the bone marrow drive, it is just as easy and it can be done from the comfort of your own home.  I have attached the link below that explains the process, but in essence, you can either search for a local testing drive OR have the kit sent to your home and complete the testing there.  It only involves swabbing the inside of your mouth and mailing the samples back to the registry.

http://www.marrow.org

Just check the homepage and look up top for the "Join Now" tab.  It is a pretty simple process... you never know, you could be saving someones life (and that is not a cliche).

Many thanks again for keeping me and my family in your thoughts, and I promise to update more quickly this week.