"D" Day

Today is “D” day as in dental.  We were able to get the orders for adequate platelets for me to have my tooth crowned this afternoon.  There was some confusion yesterday as the Dr. thought we should wait and do all the platelets this morning since they only last 24 hours.  But the plan was put in place last week to do some the day before and return the next morning for more.  Then a verifying blood test.  As it turned out, I needed a blood transfusion, also, yesterday.  Was a very long day as I didn’t get home until 7:30.  Thankful to my daughter-in-law, Holly, who had dinner waiting for us.    

It has been a little discouraging this past week as my platelet numbers have really dropped.  They were actually at 10 yesterday.  They normally wouldn’t transfuse until they are at 9.  That is scary low!  Especially if they are 10 on a Thursday and not checked again until Monday.  Platelet prayers are in order!!  This is going to become a critical issue in how long they can maintain me. 

We did find out yesterday that Medicare approved a shot called “Aranesp”.  It is supposed to encourage your bone marrow to make red blood cells, hopefully, reducing the frequency of blood transfusions.  The shot is given every 2 weeks and I got my 1^st shot yesterday. 

Medicare has also provided me with a nice wheelchair so I can be more mobile when out of the house.  The pain in my knees has improved but my legs are weak and there is pain below the knee now.  I only wear flat shoes now.  My favorite slip-on shoes had a very slight lift in the heel and I wondered if that could have been contributing to my knee pain.  I may never have an answer, but am thankful it has improved. My primary doctor has been working on getting a different pain medication or cream for my leg pain and that still is not resolved as yet.   

All of the special lab tests were done last week and the cancer load was greatly reduced after the Dex Pulse cycles.  However, there has been no improvement or response in the bone marrow to indicate better function.  I now get an 11 day break.  Will be in touch with my Dr at UCSF and see if we repeat another cycle and whether we lower the dose a little.   

Johanna and her kids arrive tomorrow (Wednesday).  We’re really looking forward to having her here. 

On Thursday, we’re having a stair-lift installed so I can “ride” up and down the stairs.  There are so many stairs in our house! I can manage the other steps where there are just 2-3 but the main staircase is a challenge for me.   

Please keep me in your prayers this afternoon that all goes well at the dentist and that my platelet numbers don’t drop below the threshold of 30 before he is able to take care of my tooth.