Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Strange things continue to happen:

Terry got a platelets transfusion again today. Still no explanation as to why the platelets are so low, at 12 again or still.
White blood count was 4.0, which is still low, but higher than it's been in a very long time.
Hematocrit is 36.8, again, this is low, but higher than it's been in a very long time.
Neutrophils are 2.4, that's on the slight up swing too.

About the chimerisms test they did earlier - the T cells were about the same and the myloid cells were down. The people at SCCA do not believe that the low numbers are due to graft failure. They do believe that the residual CLL may be repressing the graft. In that case they suggest (the evil) Rituxan as a possible treatment.

Rituxan is the chemo that Terry had terrible reactions to earlier and would not consider having again. They suggest that it be given in small, incremental doses, increasing over a few days if it goes well. I am surprised that we are okay with this. I thought I'd be fighting against Terry having to have Rituxan ever again, but we are both okay with it. I don't know why, maybe that will change, but for now things seem peaceful. We are grateful for that peaceful feeling and pray that it continues.

No extra appointment later this week unless we notice some problems, but Tuesday we head back to Wenatchee for the regular blood draw, the doctor appointment, and the Rituxan chemo treatment. If that treatment goes well he will have another on Thursday and again the following Tuesday and then one each Tuesday for maybe 4 weeks after that. If it does not go well we will probably take a trip back over to Seattle for an evaluation. At least that is what Dr. Smith is suggesting at this point.

3 comments:

Ellen said...

We are praying that the chemo will not beat him up this time and will do what is needed to help him. Hope things start getting better results soon. Love to all of you!

Louise said...

Glad to hear a plan is in place and the blood counts are taking baby steps up. Praying the Rituxan will do its job without all the evil side effects!

Tyler said...

I am so thankful they have a plan in place to try. Even if it is not a choice you would want to say yes to at least there is a possibility it will help. I pray the side effects will be minimal since the dose will be smaller. We love you all. If there is something we can do to help please let us know. We would like to get with Chase and Skyler and Lisa and Philip's family soon. People are pretty busy though. Love to all, Sherri