The only eggs we colored this year -
In memory of our missionaries!
;)
They are out spreading the good news!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Medical Madness
I'm not sure how to say what we learned at Terry's appointment. Instead of getting easier to understand this stuff it seems to be getting harder. WHY?
Well, maybe because I'm looking at it from a different perspective than the doctor, or from what I was looking before, or a number of other reasons - one being frustration I suppose.
Well, maybe because I'm looking at it from a different perspective than the doctor, or from what I was looking before, or a number of other reasons - one being frustration I suppose.
1. Next appointment is April 25th.
We don't have all of the results from the bone marrow biopsy in yet, so I guess we'll just wait for a call from the doctor to explain the rest of it (and that can be 1 or 2 or more weeks).
We don't have all of the results from the bone marrow biopsy in yet, so I guess we'll just wait for a call from the doctor to explain the rest of it (and that can be 1 or 2 or more weeks).
2. Terry is to start taking Fluconazole - a medication for fungal prevention.
He has taken this medication before (after his transplant) and didn't seem to have terrible side affects. It's just precautionary. They are concerned that his immune system is so low.
He has taken this medication before (after his transplant) and didn't seem to have terrible side affects. It's just precautionary. They are concerned that his immune system is so low.
3. Leukemia is still present.
Some results from the bone marrow biopsy are back.
My memory and my paper are fighting each other to remember which was which of the two counts I'll share, and I'm not going to just guess at it. It really doesn't matter anyway.
One part of the biopsy tells us that the leukemia is about 20-25% (it was about 20% last fall, so that's about the same or possibly slightly increased, nothing grand or overly concerning). Another part tells us it's about 50% abnormal population. (one was the bone and one was the marrow, and it's all relative, depending on whether one needle got into a "pocket".)
Some results from the bone marrow biopsy are back.
My memory and my paper are fighting each other to remember which was which of the two counts I'll share, and I'm not going to just guess at it. It really doesn't matter anyway.
One part of the biopsy tells us that the leukemia is about 20-25% (it was about 20% last fall, so that's about the same or possibly slightly increased, nothing grand or overly concerning). Another part tells us it's about 50% abnormal population. (one was the bone and one was the marrow, and it's all relative, depending on whether one needle got into a "pocket".)
4. The MDS is still present, at 32%.
I don't remember what this was last time - I just know that it was present. I do wonder if this is a higher percentage, but don't know.
The doctor seemed to be saying that everything was about the same. She also mentioned the probability of the oral meds suppressing Terry's immune system and keeping his counts low. She wanted him to continue the meds. He wasn't improved, but at least he wasn't worse. She said; "we don't have a Terry with treatment and a Terry without treatment to compare to each other, so we don't know for sure, but this treatment could be what is keeping his disease from progressing." She suggested that he might add a monthly Ritiuxan chemo treatment along with the oral meds as a way to help keep things at bay.
With all that was being said, my mind was saying, "Okay, enough is enough!" "Too many maybes!" and I spoke my mind. Uh Oh! I can get in trouble when I speak my mind. I was so confused and wanted to know. So I said something like this:
"It doesn't seem like the treatments Terry has had are doing much good. Many of the meds and chemos even cause other side effects or problems that are not pleasant, and who really knows what will happen because of them in the future.
For instance, the Ofa treatments (last year) didn't do any good, the Rituxan (a few months ago) didn't seem to help, and the transplant itself didn't do any good and in fact, brought about another cancer (MDS) that we are fighting with now. The Revlimid is possibly causing problems with his immune system and hasn't proved to be beneficial, so why do we do all of this? What good is coming from all of this?"
Ya, I said that ..., and asked that! I really do understand that medical science is not an exact science. Oh Bother!
The doctor kindly told me that it was a good question and was something to consider. She then proceeded to give us three plan options.
Plan A
Hold the Revlimid (stop taking it) for one month to see if there is any change with his neutrophils.
Plan B
Continue the Revlimid and hold course.
Plan C
Continue Revlimid and add a monthly Rituxan.
After sharing these options she looked at me and raised her hand toward me as if showing a "stop" sign, and said, "We already know how you feel", and then turned to Terry and asked him how he felt. He chose plan A. By the way, her gesture toward me was not given in offense, nor did I take it as offensive. It was just something I personally observed and thought was funny and worth noting here - it brings a chuckle to me, so maybe it will to others who read this. Happy is good!
(I'm sure there was other conversation throughout all of this, but I'm pretty focused on what my mind was thinking and speaking out loud. If I knew Terry's mind I'd probably speak it out load too. smile! )
(I know what you're thinking - "Girls talk too much!" ;) I think I'm proving it!)
It will be interesting to see the blood results next month - I'm hoping for positive change. Oh, counts from this appointment:
WBC = 1.9(L) [normal is 4.5-11.0]
RBC = 4.00(L) [normal is 4.50-5.90]
HCT = 34.3(L) [normal is 41.0-53.0]
Platelet Count = 38(L) [normal is 150-400]
Ab Neutrophils results were not back by the time we met the doctor, but we know they are extremely low if they exist at all.
Okay, one last thing. The doctor said that she will tell SCCA to open the search for an unrelated donor for a second transplant. She said that it could take 6 months to find one, so we need to start now. We'll see what happens. We do have mixed emotions about it all.
And, as we have learned with our past experiences, anything I've just said in this post could be completely changed in the near future. ;)
For now though, this is what we've got!
I don't remember what this was last time - I just know that it was present. I do wonder if this is a higher percentage, but don't know.
The doctor seemed to be saying that everything was about the same. She also mentioned the probability of the oral meds suppressing Terry's immune system and keeping his counts low. She wanted him to continue the meds. He wasn't improved, but at least he wasn't worse. She said; "we don't have a Terry with treatment and a Terry without treatment to compare to each other, so we don't know for sure, but this treatment could be what is keeping his disease from progressing." She suggested that he might add a monthly Ritiuxan chemo treatment along with the oral meds as a way to help keep things at bay.
With all that was being said, my mind was saying, "Okay, enough is enough!" "Too many maybes!" and I spoke my mind. Uh Oh! I can get in trouble when I speak my mind. I was so confused and wanted to know. So I said something like this:
"It doesn't seem like the treatments Terry has had are doing much good. Many of the meds and chemos even cause other side effects or problems that are not pleasant, and who really knows what will happen because of them in the future.
For instance, the Ofa treatments (last year) didn't do any good, the Rituxan (a few months ago) didn't seem to help, and the transplant itself didn't do any good and in fact, brought about another cancer (MDS) that we are fighting with now. The Revlimid is possibly causing problems with his immune system and hasn't proved to be beneficial, so why do we do all of this? What good is coming from all of this?"
Ya, I said that ..., and asked that! I really do understand that medical science is not an exact science. Oh Bother!
The doctor kindly told me that it was a good question and was something to consider. She then proceeded to give us three plan options.
Plan A
Hold the Revlimid (stop taking it) for one month to see if there is any change with his neutrophils.
Plan B
Continue the Revlimid and hold course.
Plan C
Continue Revlimid and add a monthly Rituxan.
After sharing these options she looked at me and raised her hand toward me as if showing a "stop" sign, and said, "We already know how you feel", and then turned to Terry and asked him how he felt. He chose plan A. By the way, her gesture toward me was not given in offense, nor did I take it as offensive. It was just something I personally observed and thought was funny and worth noting here - it brings a chuckle to me, so maybe it will to others who read this. Happy is good!
(I'm sure there was other conversation throughout all of this, but I'm pretty focused on what my mind was thinking and speaking out loud. If I knew Terry's mind I'd probably speak it out load too. smile! )
(I know what you're thinking - "Girls talk too much!" ;) I think I'm proving it!)
It will be interesting to see the blood results next month - I'm hoping for positive change. Oh, counts from this appointment:
WBC = 1.9(L) [normal is 4.5-11.0]
RBC = 4.00(L) [normal is 4.50-5.90]
HCT = 34.3(L) [normal is 41.0-53.0]
Platelet Count = 38(L) [normal is 150-400]
Ab Neutrophils results were not back by the time we met the doctor, but we know they are extremely low if they exist at all.
Okay, one last thing. The doctor said that she will tell SCCA to open the search for an unrelated donor for a second transplant. She said that it could take 6 months to find one, so we need to start now. We'll see what happens. We do have mixed emotions about it all.
And, as we have learned with our past experiences, anything I've just said in this post could be completely changed in the near future. ;)
For now though, this is what we've got!
 |
| image from here |
Friday, March 22, 2013
Just a Note
Terry's bone marrow biopsy went well yesterday.
It almost sounds strange to say that something like that went well, when it is so painful. But there were no complications, and it was one of the better ones he's had.
I'm reminded of the saying
Pain is Inevitable
Misery is Optional
That's definitely what it is in this case.
We have an appointment scheduled for next Thursday, to find out results of this biopsy. (We'll see if all of the results are back in time and what kind of news we'll learn.)
I'm already anxiously waiting - that can be painful in itself, but I promise not to make it miserable. ;)
Have a Great Day!
Monday, March 11, 2013
A New Look!
Here's a peek at something we've been working on for awhile now.
There is still more to do, like baseboard and putting a sink and toilet back in the laundry room, but I wanted to post about it now, so you kinda get an unfinished look.
We installed new flooring in the homestead!
The living room -
the kitchen -
I guess I didn't get a good photo of the kitchen - sorry - but here's a sweet smile
I guess I didn't get a good photo of the kitchen - sorry - but here's a sweet smile
the laundry room -
it's so much more bright with the painted walls and lighter colored flooring.
and side entrance
it's so much more bright with the painted walls and lighter colored flooring.
and side entrance
It looks great, but we do feel a pinch in our hearts as the look changed from what it was and what it represented. What it was held fond memories of people and moments together. We are so grateful for memories! We will cherish those memories forever!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Doctor Visit
Terry had an appointment today.
I could really end there because everything seems to be the same, or close enough to the same as it has been for a few weeks.
WBC = 2.3(L)
RBC = 4.26(L)
HCT = 36.7(L)
Platelets = 32(L)
(there was no report on the ANC/Absolute Neutrophil count, but we are sure that it is still 0(L), as it has been for the last 4 weeks.)
So, what's up next?
More of the same = taking meds as prescribed and weekly blood draw.
Then on the 21st he will have a bone marrow biopsy to see how the Revlimid has been working. The results of that biopsy will determine the course from there, which would included continuing with meds (with the same dose or a changed dose) or a second transplant (though maybe for the MDS this time instead of the CLL/SLL). We have no idea when that would take place or how ..., or any other info about it. We are not making any plans either way and don't have any speculation. When we know more we will post it.
Today we are just looking forward to spring and getting some work done.
PS - I should have posted earlier that Terry and Thomas planted the spring wheat. That work is done, and we are grateful for the rain that we have had to moisten the ground. There is more work being done, and maybe I'll remember to post about it earlier than just a PS at the end of another post ..., and maybe I'll include a photo with it.
Have a great day!
I could really end there because everything seems to be the same, or close enough to the same as it has been for a few weeks.
WBC = 2.3(L)
RBC = 4.26(L)
HCT = 36.7(L)
Platelets = 32(L)
(there was no report on the ANC/Absolute Neutrophil count, but we are sure that it is still 0(L), as it has been for the last 4 weeks.)
So, what's up next?
More of the same = taking meds as prescribed and weekly blood draw.
Then on the 21st he will have a bone marrow biopsy to see how the Revlimid has been working. The results of that biopsy will determine the course from there, which would included continuing with meds (with the same dose or a changed dose) or a second transplant (though maybe for the MDS this time instead of the CLL/SLL). We have no idea when that would take place or how ..., or any other info about it. We are not making any plans either way and don't have any speculation. When we know more we will post it.
Today we are just looking forward to spring and getting some work done.
PS - I should have posted earlier that Terry and Thomas planted the spring wheat. That work is done, and we are grateful for the rain that we have had to moisten the ground. There is more work being done, and maybe I'll remember to post about it earlier than just a PS at the end of another post ..., and maybe I'll include a photo with it.
Have a great day!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Just a Reminder
We were reminded of this in our meetings - in a very loving way that touched our hearts and made us smile. As I write this my mind started singing "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world!" He loves each of us, and wants each of us to enjoy the good life.
full story here
I am so grateful for special moments with loving reminders.
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