Wednesday's Report and Misc. Musings

In order that my fellow bloggers don't get too disturbed if I don't post a daily note, we have decided that, for the time being, I will post a note on the days that I see the doctor to give you the latest report. I saw Dr. Rifkin today and will be at the clinic again on Friday. Next week I will see him Monday and Thursday (yes!, only 2 visits). His goal is to wean me off the frequent visits and get to once a month. As they say, from his lips to God's ears.

My white cells and neutrophils have dropped, but that is expected (wbc=1.9, anc (absolute neutrophil count)= 1300) MOnday they were 2.9 and 2700. But since I am no longer receiving the neupogen shots, the production of cells is now entirely up to my new immune system--no more stimulants. They are expected to rise within the next week. Platelets went from 16 to 27 and hematocrit (red cells) went from 28 to 30. Both good signs, although the platelets are expected to bounce around a bit. When the platelets hit 50 I can have my "port" or "line" or "hickman catheter" removed. That is a catheter that was placed in my chest in July and has a line that goes directly into a main artery in the heart. It has been used for the drawing of blood, delivery of IV's, chemo, blood, etc, and has allowed me not to be stuck in the arm repeatedly. This port has 3 lines coming out of it, sort of like tassles, each about 4 inches long. Although I have gotten used to it, there are times,I do feel like a Christmas tree with an ornament hanging off me. Sleeping with this hanging out of my chest has been interesting to say the least. I'm looking forward to its removal, as is Susan, as she has had to clean each of the 3 lines daily since July.

Dr. Rifkin will be in Boston this Friday presenting a paper on a clinical trial involving the use of a new drug, Velcade, in patients with MM, who do not obtain complete remission. He told me I might well be a candidate for that clinical trial if we don't obtain remission. My response: Does this mean I can't obtain complete remission? he said no, so I am holding on to that thought. I'm asking you all to stay with me on this one. But, it is nice to know I have a doctor who is on the leading edge of the medicine with this disease. He is also a very nice guy. I am so lucky to have him as my doctor.

My sister's visit has been great. She is such a hard worker, has helped Susan organize her laundry room, has polished all the silver in the house, has "assisted" with meals, has made me lunch daily (I am banned from the kitchen because of bacteria that hangs out there) and has driven me to clinic and waited for hours as I have been infused. This family of mine has been there for me in spades throughout this ordeal.

And finally, I even went down to my office today to see everyone, to sit in my chair in my office, and to show the office to my sister. On one level, I am so ready to be back at it, but I understand it will be months before I can get there. I came home after our visit and had a 2 hour nap. Dan's big day at the office!

I continue to marvel at the staying power of all of you, my friends. We are now 7 months from diagnosis, and if anything, our family of friends has grown. The parade of visitors through the house is constant, the phone calls are never ending, the cards continue to find their way through the mail, and the blog just grows and grows. I see it as a reflection of what wonderful, loving, and caring people you all are and of how lucky I am to have met you and for you to have stayed in my life. Everyone at the clinic is aware of the tremendous support I have and they tell me, in their view, support from family and friends, plus a positive attitude make a huge difference in people's recovery. For that I thank you. Love, Dan