Infusion, Covid-19 precautions

Doug had his infusion today. The hospital is taking precautions because of the Covid-19.
Only two entrances are open. A nurse was at each door, asking everyone if we were feeling well, and did we have a fever recently. I was surprised she did not take anyone's temperature. We were told to use the hand sanitizer once inside the door. Only one person (family/caregiver) per patient could come in the building.

In the infusion clinic, all the nurses were wearing masks, and the curtains between chairs were drawn shut. It looked strange.
No one was being allowed into the cafeteria area. Meals for patients were ordered by phone and delivered to the clinic. Even employees (except for food service workers) could not enter the cafeteria area. Our nurse told us they gave their order and it was brought to the cashier area. All massages have been cancelled for the time being.
As a visitor I was not allowed out of the infusion clinic. I usually roam all over the hospital, to get some walking in, and I climb the stairs a lot. We were glad to see all these precautions being taken.

Our very kind nurse ordered me some iced tea when she called in Doug's breakfast order.

Doug's blood counts were qualifying:
ANC        .9
WBC       2.6
HGB        12.9
PLT         148
The doctors have changed the minimum qualifying number for the ANC (absolute neutrophil count) from 1.0 to .5  This is so he won't miss infusions unless it is really really low.

He weighed 160, same as two weeks ago. Very good!

We were very glad to see the PA today. She has been out with a rare kind of abdominal cancer and had radical surgery. She now has two ostomies and is back part time. She looks wonderful and has a great attitude. She is a ray of sunshine!

We got some much needed snow this morning - about 4 or 5 inches. Driving was slow but not bad.

The Covid-19 threatens to grab our attention incessantly to the news feeds. We do keep up to date on the ever-changing guidelines and we are staying home. But we don't want to put our focus there too much. I find myself grateful for the basics today.

Verse of the day:
He will shield you with His wings.
He will shelter you with His feathers.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 
Psalm 91:4

Cancer marker jumps up

Doug had an infusion March 5, and a blood draw for a myeloma panel that is done once a month. We got that report back, and the Lambda light chains rose from 11.7 on Feb 6, to 17.1. That's a relatively big jump. The highest it's been in a year. But the pattern has been that the light chains go up and then back down again. The Denver specialist says he likes to see a "trend" which would be 3 months of a steady rise, before changing anything. So we will wait and see what the next two months bring.

Yesterday the hospital massage therapist gave Doug a 30 minute massage. This was not an infusion day. She focused on his left thigh - the area that lit up on the PET scan. We were curious to know if she could feel anything in the soft tissues. She said there was some muscle tightness, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Doug has been using the recumbent bike, and he is lifting light weights - only 3 pounds. We are focused on increasing repetitions, not increasing weight. I'm very glad that he is motivated to exercise.

Like most of our friends and neighbors, we are trying to stay calm about the Covid-19 situation. Doug is considered high risk; he has been on self-quarantine before the new virus, but he did go to church with me last Sunday. We sit so he is on the end of the row, not in a crowded area. Our church just sent out a notice that this Sunday church service is cancelled, so everyone should stay home, but there will be a service live-streamed. Probably for the best.

We continue to be thankful for our many blessings!

One of my favorite bible verses is Isaiah 41:10 -
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. 
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

Love to all.