RN Cara had me turn my neck to get the blood to flow out of my port.
My white blood cell count is even lower than last week at 1.9 (norms 4.5-11); hemoglobin slightly lower than last week at 9.0 (norms 12-16); platelets higher than last week at 106 (norms 140-440); and ANC (absolute neutrophil count) lower than last week at 1.0 (norms 1.9-8.8). This means I still need to protect myself with a mask and good hand washing.
My immunoglobulins ( reflection of my immune system) are still pretty much non-functioning on Day 249 after my 2nd Autologous Stem Cell Transplant). I asked when they will recover and I'm not clear, at all, when this will (if ever) occur.
The multiple myeloma SPEP blood test take several days, so I'll have to wait on those results per usual.
Had a nice visit with Dr. Clay Smith (UCH) and he answered all of our questions. Dr. Smith thought I looked tired, so at least we are on the same page with that - I am tired. He thinks this probably due to my hemoglobin value of 9.0 (norms 12-16).
He thinks I need to forego the added Cytoxan 500 mg weekly to see if my blood counts will recover. And if they do recover, maybe add Cytoxan 300 mg weekly. Might want to reduce Revlimid 10 mg to 5 mg, but he wants me to do one change at a time so we can see what happens. Dr. Smith thinks I should see a dermatologist for the small bump on my forehead and get it biopsied - oh joy. Continue on Fragmin 15,000 unit injections - I HATE those injections ONLY BECAUSE The pre-filled syringe needles are DULL DULL DULL! I should write the company a letter!
Can continue dex schedule of: Wednesday's 20 mg; Thursday's 4 mg; and Sunday's 10 mg for a total of 34 mg per week.
As for the small bump on the right side of my forehead, Dr. Smith advised me to see a dermatologist and have it biopsied.
Need to get another bone marrow biopsy in about a month to check where I'm at since I am a non-secretory or hyposecretory multiple myeloma patient. This means that my cancerous plasma cells don't send the usual blood test elements in to my bloodstream. Hence, I have to be followed with bone marrow biopsies - I've had nine (9) in 19 months since diagnosis May 2011. I told Dr. Smith I wouldn't have a bone marrow biopsy again without conscious sedation and they don't offer that option at UCH.
I really like Dr. Smith and he has an excellent memory. Me and Dr. Clay Smith, January 22 2013.
Jani and got hamburgers at the UCH Cafeteria and ate them outside in the brilliant, warm sunshine.
JM,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. It's good to hear about the platelets going up. Keep that positive spirit. Cheryl
Multiple transplants devastate the bone marrow - as we are seeing in your case. I truly hope that your current therapy will all your counts to recover.
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