Although Joe was not on the MDACC appointment calendar today but we followed Dr. Romaguera's instruction to come in for Fast Track on Wednesday and Friday. We got to the clinic about 10AM and the Lymphoma staff squeezed Joe in since somehow his appointment postings did not make it into the system. We spoke with several people in the waiting room who were being treated for multiple mylenoma and both were in clinical trials since their stem cell transplant did not work. One lived in Houston area and the couple lived in Texas City. When one talks to other people in the waiting area, you get thankful for your condition. Everyone is eager to talk about their journey and share their experiences. It is not a sad place, as one would think, but a very hopeful place where one believes in miracles or a being a survivor.
Today we got to see Dr. Romaguera who was happy about Joe's CBC but still wanted to see some of the other results such as the important neutrophils which would not be available for several more hours. Amazing results today were shown on Joe's White Blood Count which was 9.9. It was in the NORMAL range between 4.0-11.0 I am still very cautiously optimistic since if the WBC go wild again then that is not good which is a good chance of that happening. Why else would there be chemo for 6 months? Another great trend was that Joe's platelets increased from 11 to 27 since Monday! Wow! Romaguera did there is no way to know exactly what happened since his last transfusion could have been a very healthy blood donor. But hey! We need to grab at some HOPE that was shown today. Joe and I were very happy that Joe did not need a transfusion. It means we would not have to spend all day at MDACC. Romaguera wants Joe to have the next round of chemo sooner rather than 11/29 when it was scheduled for. It would mean Joe would be admitted next Wednesday and spend four to five days in the hospital which includes Thanksgiving Day. Joe and I are all for that since sitting around the apartment on Thanksgiving Day sounds depressing. We rather have Joe's chemo doing its work. Joe wants to go back home to Atlanta ASAP and doing the chemo next week would make it sooner. We will do our best to remain cautiously optimistic but there are so many variables.
We were personally invited by Pastor Alice Nord, who is co-pastor which her husband, Bernie at St Philp's Presbyterian Church, to come to Wednesday night's dinner and lecture. She was so personable on the phone that we decided to attend. Alice greeted at the door and took us under her wing by introducing everyone to us. The meal was Sheppard's Pie, a salad and a cookie. The lecture was about the Scottish heritage of the church. It was more interesting than what it sounds. Meeting new people is what Joe and I enjoy so it was a lovely evening.
Joe had a craving for Key Lime Pie and wanted me to have a glass of wine so we headed over to Morton's Steak House nearby. The size of the slice of pie was huge with a mound of whip cream. Joe enjoyed every bite. I had a glass of Pinot Grigio and an appetizer of slice of fillet Mignon on small buns with creamy mustard which was quite delicious.
Back in the apartment Joe spoke with his younger brother, Drew. It is so nice to see Joe have a solid conversations with his brother. They have become closer because of Joe's illness so that is a nice blessing under the circumstances.
Tomorrow is a late sleep in day and to take it slow. I have no idea what we will do until Joe asks me, " Bonnie, what are we doing today?" I will think of something where there are no crowds and some fresh air. The weather in Houston has been perfect.
Good Night, Sweet Dreams!
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