Last weekend was another adventure. Two weeks ago Ed was stung by what he thought was a horse fly, causing a rash on his left torso. Even though he had seen his oncologist and primary Drs. the next week, he didn't mention the rash because it seemed to be improving. Saturday Ed decided to go to Medi-Call because the bug bite was slightly infected. It was now obvious that they were two bee stingers still embedded at the infected site. The doctor pulled out the stingers, cleaned up the wound, and wrote out yet another prescription for antibiotics. Because I am skeptical nurse Cratchett, I called Ed's pharmacist sister Katie again to make sure there would be no side effects or drug interactions. Confirmation the drug was fine.
3:00 in the morning I woke up to find Ed with a bag of ice on his face! His eyes were swollen shut and he looked like The Incredible Hulk. Another dose of Benadryl and his face swelled less as the day went on. We attended Joe F's grandson's wonderful christening and luncheon (at St, Johns where we got married 15 years ago) with Ed hiding behind his Foster Grants.
Dr. Willen checked out Ed's swollen eyes at his chemo appointment Monday and determined the swollen throat and eyes were probably due to the bee stings. His weakened immune system has enabled him to develop new allergies. An epi-pen will probably be added to his vast list of medications.
Ed is currently cleaning out his old classroom - pitching and passing on 34 years worth of Social Studies stuff to his protege and new Tamarac teacher Sara. He has strict orders not to bring anything home.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Setback Update
Good news: Dr. Willen called this afternoon with the results of the MRI that checked out Ed's lesion in his skull. The MRI did not show any problem or issue. Better news: Ed's latest blood work this morning showed no sign of Multiple Myeloma! The treatment must be working! Still no explanation about his swollen throat. His throat is less swollen tonight, and the Benadryl definitely worked. Fingers crossed that he stays healthy enough to go through the stem cell transplant in August. Early to bed - this ordeal really wiped him out. Ignore the Craig's List entry for two friendly black cats that need a good home....
Minor Setback
Ed woke up with a slight swollen throat yesterday morning. Although it was annoying, he wasn't very concerned because it wasn't sore. This morning his throat was worse and he was unable to talk. His oncologist Dr. Willen was "mystified" about the cause of the swollen throat with no other symptoms, and arranged for Ed to get an MRI to check the lesion at the base of his skull (caused by the multiple myeloma).
Chemo was cancelled today, and postponed until Monday. Ed's general practitioner Dr. Ryan had Ed take some Benadryl and his throat improved. No need to make another Dr. appointment this afternoon. He probably won't get the results of the MRI until Monday. What caused this ailment? The medications? allergies? Ed will most likely blame it on the cats - who are living outside for the summer.
Unfortunately Nurse Cratchett is not allowing Ed to go out and play with his friends or run any more errands. He needs to be ready for his stem cell treatment in a few weeks. Ed is not feeling up to Blogging recently - so I will keep you updated. Another day in paradise.
Chemo was cancelled today, and postponed until Monday. Ed's general practitioner Dr. Ryan had Ed take some Benadryl and his throat improved. No need to make another Dr. appointment this afternoon. He probably won't get the results of the MRI until Monday. What caused this ailment? The medications? allergies? Ed will most likely blame it on the cats - who are living outside for the summer.
Unfortunately Nurse Cratchett is not allowing Ed to go out and play with his friends or run any more errands. He needs to be ready for his stem cell treatment in a few weeks. Ed is not feeling up to Blogging recently - so I will keep you updated. Another day in paradise.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
(Note to self - Make sure I frequently read Ed's blog to check on what he is saying about me!)
Well things have been quiet at the Peck household. Just the way we like it. Ed had an oncologist appointment on Monday, and his blood work determined that his "light chains" (defective protein levels) still continue to improve. The Dr. prescribed another two weeks of medication and chemo.
Although his pain level is down - he has his good days and bad days with fluctuating pain and energy levels.
Unfortunately a major side effect to his medications is the fluctuation of his blood sugar.
As soon as we were rejoicing about his protein levels - the doctor called concerned about his high blood sugar level. Again - we can NEVER let our guard down! Back to the General Practitioner for another new medication.
So far Ed's stem cell transplant process is scheduled to start on August 12th. That day he will have his port inserted. After that we will travel daily to Albany Medical Center for the first process of having his stem cells removed. Donna O., the stem cell coordinator, is sending us a daily calendar of what those next five weeks will entail.
We thank our beloved friends for their continued kindness. Ann & Sandy for the wonderful lunch - made with organic fresh veggies from their garden. Linda & Bill D. for the ice cream $$ they sent in a very funny card. Terri and Patty for the evening visit complete with an awesome pizza! Shout out to Valerie and Sue for bringing Ed over a gourmet lunch with brownies, and leaving enough for our dinner Thanks also for the continued cards, e-mails and facebook messages. Words cannot express our appreciation!
Well things have been quiet at the Peck household. Just the way we like it. Ed had an oncologist appointment on Monday, and his blood work determined that his "light chains" (defective protein levels) still continue to improve. The Dr. prescribed another two weeks of medication and chemo.
Although his pain level is down - he has his good days and bad days with fluctuating pain and energy levels.
Unfortunately a major side effect to his medications is the fluctuation of his blood sugar.
As soon as we were rejoicing about his protein levels - the doctor called concerned about his high blood sugar level. Again - we can NEVER let our guard down! Back to the General Practitioner for another new medication.
So far Ed's stem cell transplant process is scheduled to start on August 12th. That day he will have his port inserted. After that we will travel daily to Albany Medical Center for the first process of having his stem cells removed. Donna O., the stem cell coordinator, is sending us a daily calendar of what those next five weeks will entail.
We thank our beloved friends for their continued kindness. Ann & Sandy for the wonderful lunch - made with organic fresh veggies from their garden. Linda & Bill D. for the ice cream $$ they sent in a very funny card. Terri and Patty for the evening visit complete with an awesome pizza! Shout out to Valerie and Sue for bringing Ed over a gourmet lunch with brownies, and leaving enough for our dinner Thanks also for the continued cards, e-mails and facebook messages. Words cannot express our appreciation!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Bride has observed that I've grown grayer over the last several months.
Looks like I had better invest in some Just-For-Men. Perhaps I could even deduct its cost off my income taxes as a medical expense.
Looks like I had better invest in some Just-For-Men. Perhaps I could even deduct its cost off my income taxes as a medical expense.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Important medical testing today.
Doctors and insurance companies need assurance that my heart is strong enough for my stem cell procedure, now tentatively scheduled for August 12. I will undergo some sort of nuclear test to see how well the ticker is pumping.
I report to radiology at Albany Medical Center. They are efficient and timely, notions many people do not commonly observe in this industry. A vial of blood is drawn, and then processed while you wait, a procedure that takes less than an hour. I'm thankful that my friend Sandy has loaned me a terrific book, a classic named With The Old Breed, by E.B. Sledge, about the Pacific war. I'm actually sorry to see the hour wait come to an end!
The processed blood is re-injected into your system. Next, a series of "pictures" is taken of your torso to get an idea how well your heart is pumping. Not long after, you are back on your way! All-in-all, not a procedure to be feared.
In a matter of days, my Revlimid regime may come to a temporary end, depending upon my progress. At that juncture, the mandatory four-week-wait commences in preparation for my stem cell operation.
A lot of trepidation here. During my three week quarantine, what will be my limitations? Will I be able to have visitors? Leave the premises? After my super-chemo in early September, my white blood count will be zero. How susceptible will I be to disease? Will my activities be strictly limited? How will I feel? Will I lose my hair (or what's left of it after the ravages of Mother Nature)? I'm told that later in September, or in October, I will feel a vast improvement. It's possible that this affliction has compromised my system for many years before it revealed itself. Will I feel better than ever? Funny thing: at the end of this treatment, I will need to be re-innoculated for ALL of my childhood diseases!
I am anxious to move forward! The progress of my improvement seems to have stalled. Although my pain level is definitely better than it was two or three months ago, it has NOT improved in recent weeks. Some days my progress even seems to recede. This often comes the day after I try to do a few simple chores, like minor cleaning or light lawn work or long trips in the car. Perhaps I am expecting too much. I can't push it, and must accept that my activity level is still very limited.
Fortunately I never feel bad after reading! Thanks Sandy!
Doctors and insurance companies need assurance that my heart is strong enough for my stem cell procedure, now tentatively scheduled for August 12. I will undergo some sort of nuclear test to see how well the ticker is pumping.
I report to radiology at Albany Medical Center. They are efficient and timely, notions many people do not commonly observe in this industry. A vial of blood is drawn, and then processed while you wait, a procedure that takes less than an hour. I'm thankful that my friend Sandy has loaned me a terrific book, a classic named With The Old Breed, by E.B. Sledge, about the Pacific war. I'm actually sorry to see the hour wait come to an end!
The processed blood is re-injected into your system. Next, a series of "pictures" is taken of your torso to get an idea how well your heart is pumping. Not long after, you are back on your way! All-in-all, not a procedure to be feared.
In a matter of days, my Revlimid regime may come to a temporary end, depending upon my progress. At that juncture, the mandatory four-week-wait commences in preparation for my stem cell operation.
A lot of trepidation here. During my three week quarantine, what will be my limitations? Will I be able to have visitors? Leave the premises? After my super-chemo in early September, my white blood count will be zero. How susceptible will I be to disease? Will my activities be strictly limited? How will I feel? Will I lose my hair (or what's left of it after the ravages of Mother Nature)? I'm told that later in September, or in October, I will feel a vast improvement. It's possible that this affliction has compromised my system for many years before it revealed itself. Will I feel better than ever? Funny thing: at the end of this treatment, I will need to be re-innoculated for ALL of my childhood diseases!
I am anxious to move forward! The progress of my improvement seems to have stalled. Although my pain level is definitely better than it was two or three months ago, it has NOT improved in recent weeks. Some days my progress even seems to recede. This often comes the day after I try to do a few simple chores, like minor cleaning or light lawn work or long trips in the car. Perhaps I am expecting too much. I can't push it, and must accept that my activity level is still very limited.
Fortunately I never feel bad after reading! Thanks Sandy!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
A great day!
It began, however, with some apprehension. I had two physician’s appointments scheduled for today, one with my chemo oncologist in Latham, and the other with my stem cell oncologist at Albany Med. I knew very well I would be hearing the results of recent tests, and learning what my future treatment will entail.
Blood tests have indicated a big improvement in my bone marrow, even after the very first treatment. Impressive. Optimism now abounds. Pain levels have improved. Now we have statistical confirmation that recovery is underway.
Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go. Once my bone marrow has reached an acceptable condition, we will be weaned off the Revlimid (thalidomide) for four weeks, and then the stem cell transplant procedure begins. A catheter is installed in my chest, and during a couple of sessions, tentatively scheduled to start on August 12, stem cells are forced from my bone marrow, to be processed and frozen. During this almost three weeks procedure, I will be under a type of quarantine. Luckily, living so close to Albany Medical Center and able to have the eyes of my family watch me for 24 hours a day, I can live at home during this time. The slightest problem means we are off like a shot for the hospital. After this quarantine, in early September, a different, much stronger chemotherapy is briefly used, at which time I will be very much under-the-weather. The healthy stem cells are re-introduced. Slowly I will begin to recover, and by October, I’m told I’ll be feeling quite well, if all goes according to plan.
One of the heroes here is a fantastic Albany Med nurse, also named Donna, who will oversee this procedure. She holds a long conversation with us, and walks us through the treatment. We develop a tremendous respect for and confidence in this lady. All will be well.
I will look back upon today as the day I started my comeback.
A great day!
It began, however, with some apprehension. I had two physician’s appointments scheduled for today, one with my chemo oncologist in Latham, and the other with my stem cell oncologist at Albany Med. I knew very well I would be hearing the results of recent tests, and learning what my future treatment will entail.
Blood tests have indicated a big improvement in my bone marrow, even after the very first treatment. Impressive. Optimism now abounds. Pain levels have improved. Now we have statistical confirmation that recovery is underway.
Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go. Once my bone marrow has reached an acceptable condition, we will be weaned off the Revlimid (thalidomide) for four weeks, and then the stem cell transplant procedure begins. A catheter is installed in my chest, and during a couple of sessions, tentatively scheduled to start on August 12, stem cells are forced from my bone marrow, to be processed and frozen. During this almost three weeks procedure, I will be under a type of quarantine. Luckily, living so close to Albany Medical Center and able to have the eyes of my family watch me for 24 hours a day, I can live at home during this time. The slightest problem means we are off like a shot for the hospital. After this quarantine, in early September, a different, much stronger chemotherapy is briefly used, at which time I will be very much under-the-weather. The healthy stem cells are re-introduced. Slowly I will begin to recover, and by October, I’m told I’ll be feeling quite well, if all goes according to plan.
One of the heroes here is a fantastic Albany Med nurse, also named Donna, who will oversee this procedure. She holds a long conversation with us, and walks us through the treatment. We develop a tremendous respect for and confidence in this lady. All will be well.
I will look back upon today as the day I started my comeback.
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