Infusion #14, low ANC

Yesterday was Doug's 14th dara infusion; cycle 5, day 15. July will be cycle 6 with every other week infusions continuing. August will be cycle 7 - the first month with only one infusion.
Doug's weight was 151.5, better than the 150 two weeks ago.

His ANC (absolute neutrophil count - the infection fighting cells) was 1.1. If it falls below 1, he cannot get the infusion.  I'm glad he could get it. Most of his blood counts remain low, as is common with cancer treatments. His nurse said "be careful not to get an infection!" We do have face masks that are supposed to stop viruses as well as bacteria but they get hot after a short time of wearing. The best thing is to stay away from crowds, which we do anyway. And good hand washing.

Doug does seem a little less fatigued. He build two birdhouses and put them up on the fence. That is very encouraging.

His skin is looking good; we can't see signs of the fungal infection. But we will keep the July 5 appointment with the dermatologist anyway.

Doug continues to struggle with his eyesight. The scleral lens get cloudy and he has to take them out and clean them several times a day. But we are thankful he can see! I'm still doing all the driving and thankful I'm able to do it.

The local medical center HRRMC is close to hiring a new oncologist. We really miss Dr. O, who has such a good relationship with the Denver specialist. Unfortunately she has been very ill the past several months and probably will not be able to return. The staff and all of the patients (and caregivers) are very sad.
Meanwhile the department is making do with a succession of temporary oncologists. And the PA provides continuity; she is very good.

We have an appointment with the Denver myeloma specialist on July 17. We hope to find out if this treatment is effective. One of the temporary HRRMC docs said it appears Doug might have hit a plateau. That doc has quite an accent, so understanding him is difficult. We will get our information straight from the specialist.

So we keep on our myeloma journey, one step at a time.

Love to all.

"Peace is not the absence of stress but the presence of the Savior."   David Jeremiah