Good Numbers

Saw my oncologist at Kaiser on Monday. Besides the usual, he ran some other tests. My overall cholesterol was 98 - extremely low and I don't take cholesterol drugs. My PSA was 0.8 - also very low. All very good. My doc seemed to feel I was also putting on muscle mass. Again, very good. My weight seemed to have stabilized at 150 lbs where I want it to be. My blood test numbers were also good and stable. He's decided to give me an iron sucrose injection to fight my anemia. While my numbers are stable, I can't "catch up" to get normal values with oral iron, so this is to boost my iron stores. Next week I get my final kyphoplasty surgery and hopefully, I won't break a rib.

Last week, Arlene and I went to the beach for a week. Unfortunately, there was some construction going on next door, but the sounds of the ocean blocked the noise for the most part. Totally relaxing, I got a tan on my face, and I read 5 books. The views from the balcony were killer views. Our kids came over on Saturday and that was nice. Our granddaughter is becoming a person.

The week did me alot of good mentally. I feel good overall and confident about the future and thoroughly believe I can beat this leukemia, at least for a while longer. It's stable, it has not advanced since I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. I was told the average life expectancy after diagnosis of this type of leukemia is about 2 years and its been almost that time now. When I asked the doc when I would be treated for it, he told me hopefully never. It's made me value the people I have around me now and not take anything for granted. Till next time

No news is good news

No news is good news. Had 2 doctor appointments last week. The urologist examined my bladder and indicated that it remains free of cancer. My oncologist basically said that the leukemia remains stable, my anemia is improving, my color has returned and my mental attitude has improved. According to him, I could live like this for years.

I continue to have some pain in some areas of my back. My final kyphoplasty surgery on my spine was cancelled by the doctor and rescheduled for May 6th. I think it was a bullshit cancellation - he had to go to a conference - yea yea. Hopefully that procedure will relieve the pain. I walk without any aids except if I walk distances, in which case I need my walker. But I get around fine with no walking aids doing everyday tasks.

My voice remains high pitched from my parathyroid surgery. Apparently, one of the vocal cords still isn't moving. I see the doctor on this around the end of May. It can take up to a year for the condition to correct on its own. If it doesn't correct within a year, it's permanent. It's also creating some other minor problems for me. There is a surgical procedure to correct this which is done under general anesthesia and generally does not involve a hospital stay. (that's what they said about my parathyroid surgery). I will think long and hard before I get it done, but if I get it done, it'll have to be before the next reunion with my buddies because I'll never hear the end of it if I go with a high pitched squeaky voice.

Looking forward to getting away from here in less than 3 weeks. I love our house and its location in the hills, but after being cooped up here this past winter, Arlene and I just need a change of scenery.