There is always something new to learn

Lab day is here again. It feels like we've been on vacation, since my last lab work was done Wednesday, five days ago. The prior week, we had eight clinic visits in six days. See where I am coming from? 

The labs show that my platelets and ANC are up, which is good. My hemoglobin, on the other hand is down slightly, which is not desirable, but I am still above the threshold for a transfusion. Bottom line: everything is more or less in order. 

We had a video conference with Michelle (NP) this afternoon. She was very encouraging about my progress and confirmed that I have a bed reserved at the Club on Wednesday. Jill has our friends' condo available for her accommodations, so we are all set. We will leave Dallas tomorrow afternoon, spend a night together in the condo, and check in to Club Sunnyside Wednesday morning at 7:45. 

Something new we learned from Michelle is that she is arranging for a video conference with Dr. Cook (sp? could be Cooke or Koch) from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). Dr. Cook is a Hematologist/Oncologist and focuses on bone marrow transplants. She works closely with the Kaiser Permanente HemOncs and acts as a bridge between the two organizations. That conference call, we are told, will happen on Friday while I am in the hospital. 

Previously, we had understood that transplant was not on the table, due to my age. So, the fact that we will have such a consultation on the horizon is, I guess, encouraging. It's also a little daunting. What I mean is, it indicates to me that either because my response to chemotherapy has gone so well, or perhaps I misunderstood what I thought we were told before, there are apparently no restrictions on what treatments may be available to me. The daunting part is that I have heard bone marrow transplants are tough to go through. 

Now is when I invoke the mantra "One Day at a Time!" I am not going to worry about any of that until we have the consultation with Dr. Cook and have more information. After that there will be plenty of time to panic!! 

So, that's the latest. Summing up: Wednesday begins my final round of consolidation chemotherapy. I will have a conference with Dr. Cook on Friday. I will have another post chemotherapy recovery period...and I still intend to take it all one day at a time. 

If you care to pray for us, please ask that God will give me wisdom and understanding, courage and resolve, strength and stamina for whatever lies ahead. Pray that He will give Jill comfort and peace, courage and stamina, wisdom and understanding throughout this process. Above all give Him praise and glory for all that He has already done in bringing us this far along our journey. 

"...I am the Lord, your healer.” (Exodus 15:26)

 

Comments

  1. Bob SNovember 2, 2021 at 11:03 PM

    He truly is your healer Tom. Praise God for his steadfast love and encouragement and strength. Our prayers are with you both!!! Love, Donalynn

    ReplyDelete
  2. DebbieNovember 4, 2021 at 12:28 PM

    Praying for the best outcome for you and Jill.

    ReplyDelete

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