Thursday, February 14, 2019

So Far so Good

Hi,
I have been on the two new chemos since Tues- one I take every day and the other as a subcutaneous shot 10 days on 18 days off. So far my counts looks good and I am not having any side effects other than being tired. I am going to the clinic 2x a day to make sure my counts are steady. These new chemos can have some side effects but so far it's ok. I even walked on the tread mill for 30 minutes and did some modest weight lifting. The plan is to get another bone marrow biopsy on March 4th and we'll see what we see. My UVA docs conferred with my old VCU docs and a wonderful young doc at MC Anderson in Houston. All are on board with this protocol. As soon as I am back in remission, I'll go to transplant. I feel good about this and so does James. It was his diligence that made all the docs rethink heading into transplant after I was out of remission. So Happy Valentines Day to me! Needless to say having my sons and daughter-in-laws and grandkids close by is a gift. Also you all, with your love and support help so much. Enjoy this photo of Rowan Mason Yates, as lovely as she is charming and Thomas, as charming as he is lovely.

I'll post soon.
Take care,
B

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

New Year New Baby New Plan

Hi,
   So the docs are figuring out the best protocol. We go to VCU tomorrow to speak with our old doc, then the docs all talk and come up with a plan. They all agree that a transplant now would be a mistake. That was James' fear. The prospective new drugs have been pre-approved (soooooo expensive- 2 grand a pill!!) Thank you PVCC and your excellent insurance coverage. It can take some time to approve so my UVA docs got started. So I've gotten over being freaked out, mostly.  I also had the flu and am on the upswing. Also Lyle and Katie have brought their daughter into the world- young Rowan Yates. She sounds smart and rich- right? She's delish. Thomas says her name is Clickclack. He also believes it's his sister. He's also delish. 
   I've needed two platelet infusions and one unit of blood. I'll get checked thurs again. It's the chemo from last month. It's more intense than the Vidaza. 
    So I am in anticipation of the next thing. I'll keep you updated and as Thomas says (for unknown reasons)..bye! Thanks for watching! Seriously- thank you for the positive energy, love and support. 
Off the ledge,
Beryl

I'd include a pic but I need a haircut and I'm bragging because I still have hair! I told my transplant doc I was going to get it buzzed and she suggested I wait. She said the transplant chemo might not make me bald. I told Thomas he could cut my hair (a trade for letting me cut his). So far he has forgotten and I'm glad I listened to my doc.