July 3 2014

Dad is having an endoscopy today to determine why he has been having some nausea and discomfort. He has to have a transfusion beforehand because he platelets are around 20,000.

May 19, 2014
Dad has had two treatments with Vancristine, but his levels have not gone above 30,000, so they have opted to stop treatment. He will be monitored every month to see how his platelets are doing, and then meet with his doctor again in August to determine the  next step.

Tuesday April 29, 2014
Dad has had no adverse reaction to the Vancristine, other than some chills. He still has a rash, though, and we are not sure why, other than maybe his immune system is just overloaded right now. He plans to see a dermatologist about that. (it is itchy)
There are two more treatments to go with the Vancristine.

April 18, 2014

Dad's platelets do not seem to be improving, and his levels are remaining around 20-25,000, so his Dr. would like to do one treatment of Vancristine on Tuesday. This is a preparation for removing his spleen. I am not too happy with the idea of surgery, but then, who is? We will wait and see how things go. Thanks for your prayers.

Dad's platelets dropped to 27,000 this week. If his blood work does not show improvement, his doctor would like to initiate one dose of Vancristine. Dad also has a rash on his whole body and in his mouth, so he is on an antihistamine, and two types of topical medicine, along with an oral treatment for his mouth.

March 7, 2014

Dad's platelets are holding around 34,000. When he was moving a mattress in January, he had back pain. An x-ray shows a compression fracture on an L and T vertebrae. He went for a bone density scan since the steroids he takes may be impacting his bone strength. (no, he should not have been moving a mattress...)

March 2nd, 2014

Dad has experienced a drop in platelet levels over the past two weeks. When he went in on Monday they were 24,000. He opted not to start the Vancristine, but to wait and watch for symptoms of bleeding. He has had no sores in his mouth, which is good. The only symptom he's had is fatigue, but he is able to do daily activities so long as he paces himself. Friday he was at 33,000. It could be as long as May until the Rituxin takes full effect.
I have been praying the first half of Pslam 41 for him if you would like something specific to guide your prayers. Thanks.