Plot of Myeloma marker

Blood samples were taken this morning for determination of the Myeloma markers but the results will not be available until I return on Thursday. In the meantime, I have plotted the values for the markers from all of the printouts that I have on hand and they are shown on this photo of the plot. Probably not readable, but the shape is clear and shows 3 prominent lows followed by upward trends. The flat portion from October 6 to December 7 probably hides some low values because of the infrequent sampling, and the absence of a sample in the middle of the just completed cycle might hide another low value. The lowest value recorded was 4 mg/dL on September 16 shortly after my stem cells were returned. The long flat segment from Nov. 11 to Dec. 12 may explain Dr. Tricot's change of my schedule in mid December and the scheduling of additional tests on short notice. Then the drop to 15 mg/dL as determined from those tests reassured him about my progress and that the new medication regime (oral chemo instead of thalidomide), which he started in November, was working .

This morning's visit was routine, I arrived a minute or two before my appointment at 8:30 and JoLyn was in the reception office looking for my paper as I entered. She took my vital signs shortly thereafter and Elaine inserted a line in my medial chest port and drew the required blood. I then had a long wait for blood results, a printout of which was delivered by Andrea, PA, who told me that the results are very close to those from January 28; she asked about my appetite and eating habits, listened to my heart and breathing. And passed me on to Jane, Dr. Tricot's nurse, who had to take care of urgent patients before injecting me with Velcade by which time it was after 10:00 and I still had to call on the pharmacy to pick up 7 prescription refills all but one of which were ready to go. The drive to the clinic takes about 40 minutes, but is much shorter returning home where I arrived just after 11:00 AM.

Emma has not started going to her aquasize class, which she was so eager to do back in December. She has developed blisters near the incision and on the ankle on the opposite side of her leg. She thinks they may be caused by an allergic reaction to Neosporin, which the doctor told her to put on the incision with a band aid when she goes in the water and then replace it when she gets out. Lately she has been going with her pant leg rolled up a bit so the blisters can dry out. Hopefully this works.