I thought Day 100+ would be a little anti-climactic after receiving my good news on Monday. But the elves or gremlins were busy very early this morning on my front yard, planting hearts and flags. Many thanks to the anonymous ones behind all this. I'm sure my neighbours are wondering, especially about the sign announcing the "100th Milestone". I'll have to set them straight that it's not a birthday milestone!
For our eastern friends, yes it is still snowing here, but the sun is coming tomorrow. Hopefully real spring weather isn't far behind!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 96+ - good news
Finally talked to my doctor about the results from my latest biopsy. It showed really good results from the transplant. The Waldenstrom cancer cells are down to only 10% of the cells in my marrow. They were at 50% before my transplant. I think last year before I first started chemo they were 70%. So quite a reduction. Also my marrow is over 98% donor cells so the transplant took really well. That also means those cells will keep working and hopefully reduce the cancer cells to 0%. Also my cells are still 'hypocellular' which means they are still recovering from the chemo which is good because they will still get healthier over the next few months as they continue to recover from the chemo drugs. That's why my blood counts are still below normal but they'll continue to improve over the next few months. So I am right where they want me in my recovery process which is great news. Thanks again for all your good thoughts and prayers - they worked!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Day 93 & still waiting
Still waiting for my doctor's call with my biopsy results. She only works in the clinic on Mondays so I suspect I won't hear anything 'til then now. I've been getting out for a walk around the block with the nice weather we've had this week. Nice to feel the sunshine again. Hope everyone has a nice weekend.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day +89 - Still waiting for biopsy results
Hello everyone!
I know that some of you have been eagerly awaiting the results of Lynn's bone marrow biopsy but unfortunately the Doctor didn't have them yet. She will call Lynn as soon as she has them back from the lab and one of us will be sure to post an update then. We did find out though, that it is possible that there will still be some of the Waldenstrom's cells in the marrow as Lynn's body is still working through the transplant and getting all of the healthy cells developed. Dr. Shafey reassured us that this would be very normal and not to be concerned. Some time down the road (in another 3-6 months) they'll likely do one more biopsy to make sure all the cells are 'normal'.
Lynn gained more weight and is up to 55.6 Kg (about 122 pounds for the non-metric folks). Her blood counts are still below normal but holding steady. Again, the Doctor said this could stay this way for a few more months as the body rebuilds its cells and then they'll start on the upward path towards more normal levels. All is good :)
Some of the best news for Lynn today was that the Cyclosporin was discontinued - that was cause for a high-5!! This is the medicine that takes away from Lynn's appetite and is a bit smelly and oily - really not nice to take a couple of times a day. Because she doesn't have to take this medication, another one was discontinued (it was 3 times a day), so Lynn is down to two medicines, each just once a day. Hooray! These will still go on for several months, but it is definitely manageable.
Over the next few weeks, Lynn will be doing some further testing, scans, etc. to see how her body has managed through the transplant. Same tests as pre-transplant and just to make sure everything is okay.
That's it for today. Thanks again to everyone for the great wishes, thoughts and prayers along the way.
With love,
Irena
I know that some of you have been eagerly awaiting the results of Lynn's bone marrow biopsy but unfortunately the Doctor didn't have them yet. She will call Lynn as soon as she has them back from the lab and one of us will be sure to post an update then. We did find out though, that it is possible that there will still be some of the Waldenstrom's cells in the marrow as Lynn's body is still working through the transplant and getting all of the healthy cells developed. Dr. Shafey reassured us that this would be very normal and not to be concerned. Some time down the road (in another 3-6 months) they'll likely do one more biopsy to make sure all the cells are 'normal'.
Lynn gained more weight and is up to 55.6 Kg (about 122 pounds for the non-metric folks). Her blood counts are still below normal but holding steady. Again, the Doctor said this could stay this way for a few more months as the body rebuilds its cells and then they'll start on the upward path towards more normal levels. All is good :)
Some of the best news for Lynn today was that the Cyclosporin was discontinued - that was cause for a high-5!! This is the medicine that takes away from Lynn's appetite and is a bit smelly and oily - really not nice to take a couple of times a day. Because she doesn't have to take this medication, another one was discontinued (it was 3 times a day), so Lynn is down to two medicines, each just once a day. Hooray! These will still go on for several months, but it is definitely manageable.
Over the next few weeks, Lynn will be doing some further testing, scans, etc. to see how her body has managed through the transplant. Same tests as pre-transplant and just to make sure everything is okay.
That's it for today. Thanks again to everyone for the great wishes, thoughts and prayers along the way.
With love,
Irena
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day +83 - Biopsy Day
Good evening, everyone
It has been some time since I had an opportunity to post the update but since Lynn's a bit sore from today's biopsy, I thought I'd take a try.
Lots of blood tests today - no results yet as we weren't there long enough. Everything is going well though, based on the previous week's results.
Lynn's weight is holding steady and she's eating quite well these days. She took full advantage of Mardi Gras (fat Tuesday) as we had pancakes and bacon for supper tonight. We can both see that her strength and stamina are slowly getting better.
The bone marrow biopsy went well. It's a bit of an uncomfortable procedure (to say the least) but Lynn was a great patient (both the Doctor and nurse said so, too). It will be a bit sore for a few days, but otherwise she should be fine. We'll get the results on Monday (14th) morning. The doctor already scheduled an appointment for Lynn to get her central line removed - this will be done on the 22nd so that is also good news.
The nurse also did a test to check the moisture level in Lynn's eyes (I can't remember what the test is called) and again, she passed with flying colours. The nurse explained that sometimes post-transplant a patient will end up with dry eyes and will need drops, especially in the dry air of Calgary - but Lynn is okay.
So, all in all, another good report from the clinic and now we sit tight for the results on Monday.
Have a great night!
Irena
It has been some time since I had an opportunity to post the update but since Lynn's a bit sore from today's biopsy, I thought I'd take a try.
Lots of blood tests today - no results yet as we weren't there long enough. Everything is going well though, based on the previous week's results.
Lynn's weight is holding steady and she's eating quite well these days. She took full advantage of Mardi Gras (fat Tuesday) as we had pancakes and bacon for supper tonight. We can both see that her strength and stamina are slowly getting better.
The bone marrow biopsy went well. It's a bit of an uncomfortable procedure (to say the least) but Lynn was a great patient (both the Doctor and nurse said so, too). It will be a bit sore for a few days, but otherwise she should be fine. We'll get the results on Monday (14th) morning. The doctor already scheduled an appointment for Lynn to get her central line removed - this will be done on the 22nd so that is also good news.
The nurse also did a test to check the moisture level in Lynn's eyes (I can't remember what the test is called) and again, she passed with flying colours. The nurse explained that sometimes post-transplant a patient will end up with dry eyes and will need drops, especially in the dry air of Calgary - but Lynn is okay.
So, all in all, another good report from the clinic and now we sit tight for the results on Monday.
Have a great night!
Irena
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day +82
A new picture, thanks to Janice and Terry for my new 'Flair Hair'. I'll be able to wear this on the golf course this summer so I don't get a sunburn! Still a little too chilly out here to wear it outdoors yet. Big day at the clinic tomorrow - bone marrow biopsy day. Not a fun procedure but I'm anxious to see the results, which I should get next week. Have a great week!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 76
Another good report from the doctor yesterday. Reduced my cyclosporin dosage again so my appetite continues to improve. Next Tues. I will have the dreaded bone marrow biopsy to see what's going on in my marrow. That will show how well my new cells are doing so I'm looking forward to the results. Glad I can stay inside where it's cozy today in this -30 weather. Spring can't come soon enough!
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