Hi all,
Dad had his third chemo treatment yesterday and he seemed to tolerate it well. After the last one he was nauseated for a few days and couldn't hardly eat anything so this time they started the nausea treatment right away to hopefully prevent that.
The hematology NP (Nurse Practitioner) and MD were happy with his blood results--it appears the leukemia is responding well to the chemotherapy. They are planning the next treatment for April 3rd. That will be his fourth and they are hoping to complete six treatments. He does not need any blood transfusion at this time but will need another gamma globulin infusion in about a week and they plan to do that in Jackson on the 24th. They will also continue to watch his platelet count and may need to give platelets if the count decreases anymore. He has kept his weight up and they are happy with that--in fact, Dr. Zent said Not to worry about the eating--he still has plenty of weight on him.
I asked what happens after these six treatments are done. Basically he will start to feel better and hopefully have a 2 to 3 to 4 year remission from these treatments. The Leukemia is never gone and he will continue to need to be followed here at Mayo every three months for the rest of his life. It is likely that it will flare up again at some time and he will need some type of treatment again. You can never tell how long the remission will be but hopefully he will get a few years.
David and Teresa (my brother and sister) came over and sat with him and Mom during the actual treatment which last about 5 hours so that was good--I think they appreciate having some one with them and it makes it easier for me to go back to work.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Thank you for the update on your Dad. I am glad that he is tolerating the chemo well and that all of the lab work is looking good. He remains in our prayers.
Thanks for the update. I hope he continues to kick its A__. Though I've noticed lately that I hear more stories about people beating cancer these days than the opposite (my Aunt beat a nasty lung cancer and a co-worker beat Stage 4 melanoma recently). So, modern medicine - and loving support from family - can work miracles these days!
Glad to hear your Dad has accepted the treatment so well - - -that's half the battle. We will continue to keep him in our prayers.
~Allison
I will keep your family in my thoughts.
You guys are so lucky to live hear each other to look after heach other.
Glad your dad is holding his own. This is very difficult for you and for your family. Make sure you take some time out for you, this is a lot of stress and the caretaker needs to take care of her self.
Thinking of you.
Mary, My thoughts are with you and your family. Lisa
Post a Comment