Week 2 - Cycle 3

 Another day, another treatment.  

It was an early one today and we knew we were going to only receive on medication, so we figured we'd be in and out, 'easy peasy'....you know, as far as cancer goes.  

First labs, and results. 

Hg - 13.2, up from 12.9.  It's a small movement, but guess what guys?  He's in the green!!  Andy has a 'normal' Hg level for the first time in months.   Most doctors don't really 'care' about this number as much as we do, but given how horribly low this number got, we are just so excited to see it in the green!

Platelets - 204 - down from 261.  That's weird. 

ANC - 3.3 UP from 1.7.  What?!  That one is super weird.  How did it jump so much so quickly.   We know Andy was battling a little something last week, but to make it jump that quickly?  

Total Protein 6.7 down from 7.0

We were called back pretty quickly and given how early it was we got out pick of rooms...it didn't really matter, we wouldn't be here long, but I grabbed a room with a window and a tv (satisfied both of us!)

Our nurse came and took vitals and ran through all the possible side effects and reactions.  Spoiler...no side effects. No reactions. And he's doing awesome!

Our nurse confirmed the Velcade injection AND a dose of Zometa.  Well that was a surprise!  We didn't realize that not getting the Zometa last week meant we could get it this week, based on his calcium numbers.  Which we didn't have yet.  We knew they were low last week, but with his Calcium supplement, I guess there was an 'assumption' it would be higher this week.  We weren't as certain and when the nurse suggested we could wait to start the IV until we received the calcium numbers, we agreed.

So...then we waited.  And waited. And waited.   Finally the notification of a test result came through.  

Calcium - 7.8, down from 8.0.  Dang.

So - a little note on Zometa.  Zometa pulls calcium from the blood and puts it back in the bone where it can help strengthen the bone (which has been weakened by the cancer cells).  Right now, Andy doesn't have enough calcium in his blood to pull from.  So we need to keep working on boosting that calcium number in other ways (mmmmm, broccoli and brussel sprouts 😜).  I'll be honest, I've had this little process explained to me twice.  And it makes sense...until it doesn't.  So. it's probably best you don't ask me questions about the Zometa 😁

Thank goodness we didn't put that pesky IV in.  

We received our Velcade and went on our merry little way.  

Tonight Andy is driving kids to and from swim practice and we are dealing with a dead car.  So, waiting on a car appointment and AAA.  Fun how life just keeps happening around you.  Amazing how Andy is able to just deal with it all.

As always - keep the prayers and well wishes coming!  We see them working every day.