Today Doug had a PET/CT whole body scan done at PLS in Denver. The scan was finished by 10:00 a.m. and we stayed around for Doug's appointment with Dr. Matous at 1:00. Hospital cafeteria food for lunch, yum. Actually it wasn't bad.
Dr. Matous is the oncologist who specializes in myeloma.
The previous PET scan was on 8-5-19. Usually there is a year between scans, but Dr. Matous said he wanted one now "because more information is better with you. Your myeloma throws curve balls."
Doug's light chains (cancer markers) have been zigzagging up and down over the last year, but there is a definite trend upward. Upward is bad. So Dr. M is keeping a close eye on Doug.
The scan report today showed no new bone lesions, but many old ones. No new bone lesions is good!
However, there is a puzzling thing: An area in Doug's left thigh 'lights up' on the scan. It was there on the previous scan but now the report says: "Worsening uptake in the proximal left quadriceps muscle." This is not in bone. It does not look like a plasmacytoma (soft tissue myeloma lump). Dr. M cannot feel it on exam and Doug does not have pain in the area. So both Dr. M and the radiologist are puzzled by it. Doug is supposed to let the docs know if he develops any sensation or problem in the left thigh.
He did tell Dr. Matous that his left upper leg has not had a good range of movement for several years. Doug has had radiation treatment in his left hip area but not down into the mid or lower thigh that lights up on the scan.
Dr Matous asked if Doug had noticed any changes in his overall well being. His weight has stabilized and was 157 today. Doug couldn't think of anything - but I said that I have noticed a gradual generalized weakness in him over the last few months.
Dr. M said that patients who have been on chemo long term do get weaker if they don't stay active. Dr. M told Doug the two top things he needs to do are:
1. Exercise - keep moving!
2. Keep his weight up.
Matous wants to see Doug in three months. Dr Arrambide in Salida will see Doug once a month.
Doug is to keep on the present treatment of Dara infusions every two weeks and Pom/dex by pill.
Dr. M reminded us that he does have a plan if Doug needs to change treatment any time soon. He has plans A, B, and C.
Today's drive was okay. We did have a little snow going home, and some blowing snow north of Fairplay, but not too bad. I could sense God's angels helping me drive.
Love to all.
Today's prayer is from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:
"Come to Me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible with Me.
Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on Me. Recall that I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing.
When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am your Shepherd. The bottom line is that I am taking care of you; therefore, you needn't be afraid of anything."
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Friday, February 7, 2020
Infusion day, cough/cold
Doug has a cold with bad cough, but no fever. He saw our NP last week - She did the nasal swab test for flu and it was negative. She said that test is not always accurate. She thought his cough sounded like it could be low grade type B flu and prescribed Tamiflu just in case.
He did get his chemo infusion yesterday - his nurse put him in an isolation room for the sake of the other patients. He is wearing a mask when out of the house.
Doug qualified for chemo:
WBC 2.8
HGB 12.7
PLT 261
ANC 1.3
He is very tired and has been taking a long nap every day. He is taking Mucinex DM and Tessalon for the cough. We are very thankful that he is not running a fever!
We will be seeing Dr. M, the myeloma specialist in Denver February 19, after the PET/CT scan. It will be a long day. We have not decided if we will drive up and back the same day, or stay over. A lot depends on the weather.
Love to all.
The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.
Deuteronomy 33:27
He did get his chemo infusion yesterday - his nurse put him in an isolation room for the sake of the other patients. He is wearing a mask when out of the house.
Doug qualified for chemo:
WBC 2.8
HGB 12.7
PLT 261
ANC 1.3
He is very tired and has been taking a long nap every day. He is taking Mucinex DM and Tessalon for the cough. We are very thankful that he is not running a fever!
We will be seeing Dr. M, the myeloma specialist in Denver February 19, after the PET/CT scan. It will be a long day. We have not decided if we will drive up and back the same day, or stay over. A lot depends on the weather.
Love to all.
The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.
Deuteronomy 33:27
Friday, January 24, 2020
Infusion, PET/CT scan scheduled
Doug had his dara infusion yesterday. His blood counts qualified him for infusion -
ANC 1.3
WBC 2.9
HGB 12.2
PLT 135
He weighed 158 - a good number for him.
His blood pressure was a bit low at 127/42. The nurse repeated it and it was the same. He's had low BP before but the diastolic (bottom number) isn't usually that low. As long as he doesn't get up fast and pass out, it's not really a problem. He knows how to deal with it.
We got results from the myeloma panel that was drawn 1-9-20.
Lambda light chains went from 12.0 to 12.6. A slow rise which doesn't seem alarming to us.
We got a phone call a couple days ago from CBCI (Colorado Blood Cancer Institute). It was the nurse navigator for Dr. Matous, Doug's myeloma specialist in Denver. Dr. M wants Doug to have a whole body PET/CT scan February 19. We were surprised at this since Doug just had a PET scan last August which did not show any new lesions. The nurse navigator explained Dr. M wants another scan because in December the cancer markers doubled. The Lambda light chains went from 6 to 12, a big jump.
We will go to Denver for the scan - that's where Doug's previous scans were done. Dr. Matous will see us the same day at 1:00 p.m. Check in time for the scan is 8:30 a.m. so we will have to leave early. But we should be able to get on the road for home in plenty of time so we won't have to drive in the dark. I don't mind so much driving in the dark when we leave home in the morning; we are on familiar roads and traffic is not bad. Being able to see Dr. M the same day is wonderful!
Doug has been feeling okay but today he feels like he might be getting a cold. Just a slight scratchy throat and more tired. No fever. He's taking meds and not doing much.
Our son Kelly and daughter in law Jamee came to see us last Saturday. Always good to see them! We are blessed.
We still have snow on the ground but our streets are clear for the most part. This winter has been colder than usual so we are not having our usual snow/melt-the-next-day cycles. Snow covered mountains are beautiful.
Today's verse:
"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless." Isaiah 40:28-29
Love to all.
ANC 1.3
WBC 2.9
HGB 12.2
PLT 135
He weighed 158 - a good number for him.
His blood pressure was a bit low at 127/42. The nurse repeated it and it was the same. He's had low BP before but the diastolic (bottom number) isn't usually that low. As long as he doesn't get up fast and pass out, it's not really a problem. He knows how to deal with it.
We got results from the myeloma panel that was drawn 1-9-20.
Lambda light chains went from 12.0 to 12.6. A slow rise which doesn't seem alarming to us.
We got a phone call a couple days ago from CBCI (Colorado Blood Cancer Institute). It was the nurse navigator for Dr. Matous, Doug's myeloma specialist in Denver. Dr. M wants Doug to have a whole body PET/CT scan February 19. We were surprised at this since Doug just had a PET scan last August which did not show any new lesions. The nurse navigator explained Dr. M wants another scan because in December the cancer markers doubled. The Lambda light chains went from 6 to 12, a big jump.
We will go to Denver for the scan - that's where Doug's previous scans were done. Dr. Matous will see us the same day at 1:00 p.m. Check in time for the scan is 8:30 a.m. so we will have to leave early. But we should be able to get on the road for home in plenty of time so we won't have to drive in the dark. I don't mind so much driving in the dark when we leave home in the morning; we are on familiar roads and traffic is not bad. Being able to see Dr. M the same day is wonderful!
Doug has been feeling okay but today he feels like he might be getting a cold. Just a slight scratchy throat and more tired. No fever. He's taking meds and not doing much.
Our son Kelly and daughter in law Jamee came to see us last Saturday. Always good to see them! We are blessed.
We still have snow on the ground but our streets are clear for the most part. This winter has been colder than usual so we are not having our usual snow/melt-the-next-day cycles. Snow covered mountains are beautiful.
Today's verse:
"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless." Isaiah 40:28-29
Love to all.
Friday, January 10, 2020
Another dara infusion
Doug had his biweekly dara infusion yesterday. His blood counts were better. Last week his ANC was 1.0, barely qualifying. Yesterday it was 1.4.
WBC was 3.2
HBG was 12.4
PLT " 205. Not bad for a chemo patient.
He weighed 157 - up a pound. His appetite has been pretty good now that the Revlimid is out of his system.
While Doug was getting the dara, I climbed all the stairs in the building several times. And I had a good conversation with a gal I know whose husband was also getting his chemo drugs.
The rapid rate infusion only takes 90 minutes once the infusion starts. Doug was finished by noon. He did get his cheeseburger for lunch!
At the next infusion we will have the results of the myeloma panel, which shows the cancer markers. And we are scheduled to see the local oncologist.
Love to all.
Message for today:
"May God ignite fresh faith in you today.
May you pray with clarity, precision, and power.
May you stand on His Word and hold fast to His promises.
May you refuse to fixate on your difficulties, and instead fix your eyes on Jesus -
the One who will finish what He started in you.
He is always good, always true, and He WILL come through for you!
May the Lord overwhelm you with an awakening of faith, hope, and love today.
Look up and be blessed."
from Blessings for the Morning and Evening
by Susie Larson
WBC was 3.2
HBG was 12.4
PLT " 205. Not bad for a chemo patient.
He weighed 157 - up a pound. His appetite has been pretty good now that the Revlimid is out of his system.
While Doug was getting the dara, I climbed all the stairs in the building several times. And I had a good conversation with a gal I know whose husband was also getting his chemo drugs.
The rapid rate infusion only takes 90 minutes once the infusion starts. Doug was finished by noon. He did get his cheeseburger for lunch!
At the next infusion we will have the results of the myeloma panel, which shows the cancer markers. And we are scheduled to see the local oncologist.
Love to all.
Message for today:
"May God ignite fresh faith in you today.
May you pray with clarity, precision, and power.
May you stand on His Word and hold fast to His promises.
May you refuse to fixate on your difficulties, and instead fix your eyes on Jesus -
the One who will finish what He started in you.
He is always good, always true, and He WILL come through for you!
May the Lord overwhelm you with an awakening of faith, hope, and love today.
Look up and be blessed."
from Blessings for the Morning and Evening
by Susie Larson
Friday, December 27, 2019
Light chains still rising , Merry Christmas
We had a very good Christmas, with our son Kelly, daughter in law Jamee, and all five of our grandkids. I drove us to Highlands Ranch and back; roads were pretty good. Our grandkids are all in their 20's, moved out and working so getting them all together at the same time is a rarity. They opened presents with all the glee and no decorum - fun to watch!
Jamee and Kelly provided a wonderful brunch and we all sat at a long table - just like Norman Rockwell.
Christmas Eve we stayed home and watched the service on YouTube. It's always a big crowd at church.
Doug had his infusion yesterday, Dec 26. He weighed 156, pretty stable for him these days.
His counts were
Doug's Lambda light chains (cancer markers) rose again, from 6.6 last month to 12.0 mg/dL. Back in July, the Denver myeloma specialist said "if the Lambda light chains get to 300 mg/L" he will change Doug's treatment. It's a little confusing since our local med center uses Mayo values of mg/dL and Denver uses mg/L - we have to move the decimal to the right to get apples to apples.
So 12 becomes 120. We have a ways to go before hitting 300 but the trend is upward, unfortunately.
Dr. A, the local oncologist spoke to Doug while he was in the infusion chair. She said she is keeping a close eye on the light chains and is keeping Dr. M, the Denver specialist, posted.
We had more snow here today. It's very pretty and was about 6 or 7" but fluffy. Our 'greatest in the world' neighbors shoveled the drive before we got to it. Thanks Doug and Donna!
Doug is feeling fairly well and we have much to be thankful for.
Happy New Year to all!
Verse for the day:
May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Th 3:5
Jamee and Kelly provided a wonderful brunch and we all sat at a long table - just like Norman Rockwell.
Christmas Eve we stayed home and watched the service on YouTube. It's always a big crowd at church.
Doug had his infusion yesterday, Dec 26. He weighed 156, pretty stable for him these days.
His counts were
- WBC 3.0 (normal is 4.5 to 10.0)
- HGB 12.4 ( " 14 to 18)
- PLT 127 ( " 130 to 400)
- ANC 1.0 ( " 1.8 to 8.3) Low but qualifying
Doug's Lambda light chains (cancer markers) rose again, from 6.6 last month to 12.0 mg/dL. Back in July, the Denver myeloma specialist said "if the Lambda light chains get to 300 mg/L" he will change Doug's treatment. It's a little confusing since our local med center uses Mayo values of mg/dL and Denver uses mg/L - we have to move the decimal to the right to get apples to apples.
So 12 becomes 120. We have a ways to go before hitting 300 but the trend is upward, unfortunately.
Dr. A, the local oncologist spoke to Doug while he was in the infusion chair. She said she is keeping a close eye on the light chains and is keeping Dr. M, the Denver specialist, posted.
We had more snow here today. It's very pretty and was about 6 or 7" but fluffy. Our 'greatest in the world' neighbors shoveled the drive before we got to it. Thanks Doug and Donna!
Doug is feeling fairly well and we have much to be thankful for.
Happy New Year to all!
Verse for the day:
May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Th 3:5
Sunday, December 15, 2019
ANC came up!
Doug had his dara infusion last Thursday. After a week off Pomalyst, his ANC came up from 0.7 to 1.9. Good! His weight was 156 - it has been stable for the last few weeks.
The nurse drew extra blood for the myeloma panel; no telling when we will get those results.
Doug has had a couple episodes of vomiting with no warning, and he feels fine afterward; no fever. Nothing to be concerned about unless it gets more frequent.
We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and safe travels.
Love to all.
The nurse drew extra blood for the myeloma panel; no telling when we will get those results.
Doug has had a couple episodes of vomiting with no warning, and he feels fine afterward; no fever. Nothing to be concerned about unless it gets more frequent.
We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and safe travels.
Love to all.
Friday, November 29, 2019
Very low ANC, Thankfulness
We were able to be with family for Thanksgiving; the weather cooperated for us to drive to Highlands Ranch, home of our son and daughter in law - 2.5 hours from us. We've had some winter storms so we were fortunate to have the one day of good travel conditions. 4 of 5 grandkids were there, all but our oldest who lives in eastern Nebraska. We had a wonderful time, laughing, enjoying the kids and eating. And eating. Yum. And we got home before dark!
Today Doug had his infusion, cycle 11 which means 11 months on this daratumumab treatment. More snow was falling on our drive to Salida, some low visibility but roads were passable.
Doug's ANC (absolute neutrophil count) was 0.7 - too low to qualify for treatment. Minimum ANC for treatment is 1.0. The neutrophils are part of the white blood cells - very important part of the immune system.
We thought Doug would not be able to get his infusion, but the nurse called Dr. A, the oncologist, as is required.
Dr. A consulted by phone with the Denver specialist and they came up with a plan. Doug got the dara infusion, but he is not to take his Pomalyst pills for a week. That sounded good to us. So nice to have the two docs working together.
This week Doug's important blood counts were:
Gammaglobulins very low as they have been.
We have much to be thankful for:
Despite low immune system, Doug has not had an infection. Of course we are being careful.
Safe travel on Thanksgiving and today.
Two oncologists who work together on Doug's case.
Great infusion nurses.
Our family.
Wonderful neighbors who clear our driveway.
Friends who pray for us.
Too many blessings to list!
Love to all.
"Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord." Psalm 27:14
Today Doug had his infusion, cycle 11 which means 11 months on this daratumumab treatment. More snow was falling on our drive to Salida, some low visibility but roads were passable.
Doug's ANC (absolute neutrophil count) was 0.7 - too low to qualify for treatment. Minimum ANC for treatment is 1.0. The neutrophils are part of the white blood cells - very important part of the immune system.
We thought Doug would not be able to get his infusion, but the nurse called Dr. A, the oncologist, as is required.
Dr. A consulted by phone with the Denver specialist and they came up with a plan. Doug got the dara infusion, but he is not to take his Pomalyst pills for a week. That sounded good to us. So nice to have the two docs working together.
This week Doug's important blood counts were:
- WBC 2.6 (normal is 4.5 to 10.0)
- HGB 11.6 ( " 14 to 18)
- PLT 135 ( " 130 to 400)
- ANC 0.7 ( " 1.8 to 8.3)
Gammaglobulins very low as they have been.
We have much to be thankful for:
Despite low immune system, Doug has not had an infection. Of course we are being careful.
Safe travel on Thanksgiving and today.
Two oncologists who work together on Doug's case.
Great infusion nurses.
Our family.
Wonderful neighbors who clear our driveway.
Friends who pray for us.
Too many blessings to list!
Love to all.
"Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord." Psalm 27:14
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
