And he didn't even get an inhaler...: Monthly Check-In

We've had cancer long enough to require a monthly check-in. Today was that day.

We drove up to the Menomonee Falls clinic for labs, consult, and treatment.

Labs first - Andy was taken back fairly quickly and, just like yesterday, received his results via MyChart relatively quickly.

His Hg was 10.9 - up from 10.5 YESTERDAY.

Platelet - 278 - up from 260 YESTERDAY.

ANC - 2.5 - up from 2.1 YESTERDAY.

Small changes, but we were still impressed.

Then we met with Dr. Al. He asked how Andy was feeling - answer, great. He asked how our appointment with Dr. A went - answer, great. He asked if Dr. A had gone over the cancer numbers. Um. Maybe? Let's go over them again.

Dr. Al acknowledged MyChart has an overwhelming amount of numbers, but the numbers we are paying attention to are the Kappa, Lambda, Kappa Lambda ratio and the Lambda Monoglobin Protein (IgG). The proteins, which these 5 things measure, are truly a result of the cancer. The other numbers we live and die by (Hg, Platelet, ANC) are mostly treatment related and will fluctuate accordingly. Dr. Al confirmed we would like the IgG number to be close to 0. The drop from 7.8 to 2.94 was 'quite remarkable' and we want to see that continue to decrease.

Dr. Al told us to restart the Revlimid cycle tomorrow. He doesn't feel like we will see the same massive drop we did last time because Andy's numbers are so much higher then where we were starting from last time. His body had a lot of work to do to get it to where we are today.

We also introduced another monthly injection to the routine: Zometa. This injection helps with the bone weakening caused by the MM (the lesions in his bones). Apparently it can have some weird jaw side effects and so Andy needs to disclose to his dentist that he is receiving Zometa....strange, but anyway.

Dr. Al said that we'll do cycle 2 the same as cycle 1, with the intention to keep going with the Revlimid. And then at cycle 3 we'll do dara every other week - eventually getting this to monthly. Dr. Al said, I really hope to not hear from the nurses about you this cycle, but I think it's going to be better. He then said, Happy Holidays and I'll see you in January.

Sure there was a little more, but none of it relevant and most it surrounding other medications and vitamins to be taking, a few side effects, and other misc. cancer chit chat. But Dr. Al smiled the entire time we were talking. Never seemed panicked. Never seemed concerned. (well, you know what I mean). And off he went.

Then we went over for our treatments (which took a substantially long time and I spent a considerable amount of time watching Tik Tok reels as I didn't bring anything else). And off we went.

I learned something today friends. I need to stay the F off MyChart. I have a doctor...I mean, Andy has a doctor. Our treatment is in HIS hands. If HE gets a lab result HE doesn't like. Then HE will make an adjustment. HE isn't going to let Andy's numbers get out of control and wait for us to come in. HE will address it. WE have options. if one of those cancer numbers moves the wrong way by .1 or something. I will wait to see what Dr. Al has to say. Not Google. Not even the MM Research Foundation website. I'm putting my faith in God, but I absolutely need to also put my faith in our doctors. I cannot let my high highs and low lows rule my life. Today I have a relatively healthy husband by my side. He's kicking cancer's ass like a ROCK STAR! We will go to treatments - we may get them, we may not. But we will not worry until Dr. Al tells us it's time to worry.

I wish we could see Dr. Al and Dr. A every week. They are SO knowledgeable and yet so personable. So compassionate. I feel so comfortable with them. Knowing we are in their hands. Sure. Andy's just another patient to them. But their goal is to get him better. To get him in remission. It's not personal. It's business. But it's their business and they want to succeed. My faith in the Lord, requires my faith in all things.

This week has been exhausting. I am exhausted. Andy is exhausted. You realize what a toll you are taking on your inner health when you spend days holding your breath and bottling anxiety over the unknown.

Tonight we breath. I'll keep waiting for my Thursday appointments. I'll keep waiting for those labs. But I'm also learning to not put my everything in those. Just...if you could remind me of this going into and coming out of next Thursday's appointment, that would be great 😆

Also. My nephew told me my blog updates need more pictures. Let's see how I can do!