Steve and Terry went to the nephrologist's and to Dr. Hu's appointment today. They called me with the good results. Both doctors were very happy and Terry used the word "ecstatic" to describe how the doctors thought Steve was. Some of the details:
Steve's creatinine level is now 1.5 and finally borderline normal. They are aiming for 1.0 like last February's lab value for a goal. The next nephrologist appointment is in two months.
Blood platelets are now 123,000 (normal levels are 150,000 to 450,000), but this is expected due to Steve's recent chemotherapy.
As usual, Steve's neuro exam perfect.
Because Steve did well on his first, lower dose of maintenance chemotherapy, his next Temodar dose will increase to 200 mg. This one starts on June 26th for five days.
The plan for maintenance chemo is for 12 monthly cycles. That's the five days of chemo and twenty-three rest days.
His next MRI will be July 20th.
Both doctors said Steve was doing fantastic, "that was their word, fantastic". Yeah! Because the glioblastoma diagnosis is so awful, there is no remission. However, Dr. Hu said "we don't anticipate cancer at this time" which will have to suffice.
Steve continues to feel well. He had a rare sugar treat just before we talked and he was basking in the flavor.
Adam graduated elementary school. Steve attended the ceremony :)
They have a family vacation coming up to the Grand Canyon. Whoopee!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
No Chemo Side Effects
We are now a week and a half after chemotherapy and all is well. Steve is still feeling pretty well, similarly to before the maintenance chemo. His BP is back to normal, as it had been marginally high before and now the Norvasc is doing it's job without stressing the kidneys. He continues to push fluids as his kidneys slowly improve. His next check is coming up Friday when he has his next appointment with Dr. Hu.
He no longer is losing weight and is stable at 244 pounds. He is still taking Zofran (back to twice a day), prune juice and meds to prevent nausea and constipation. He is eating well with some occasional stomach upset. He tried some Mexican food but couldn't eat it without nausea.
The next week or two will be when chemo symptoms typically occur, if he is going to have any on this lower maintenance dose.
Summer is here and they are looking forward to a short family trip to the Grand Canyon. I hope they get some great photos.
He no longer is losing weight and is stable at 244 pounds. He is still taking Zofran (back to twice a day), prune juice and meds to prevent nausea and constipation. He is eating well with some occasional stomach upset. He tried some Mexican food but couldn't eat it without nausea.
The next week or two will be when chemo symptoms typically occur, if he is going to have any on this lower maintenance dose.
Summer is here and they are looking forward to a short family trip to the Grand Canyon. I hope they get some great photos.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Maintenance Chemotherapy Update
Today is day five of maintenance chemotherapy and Steve is doing fine. He has not had any new problems or side effects from the Temodar and he has continued his normal work and activity schedule. He did increase his Zofran to three a day (two pills at night, half an hour before his chemo pill, and then one mid-day the next day) just to be sure and it seems to be effective.
We know the Temodar takes time build up in one's system and so it takes time to see any side effects. We heard most folks feel the worst around week two after the chemo. We'll see how Steve fares. He is on a lower dose than before and it's only five days, so we are hoping for the best.
They are looking forward this summer to a planned trip to the Grand Canyon, the kid's first time there. I hope Steve continues to feel well so he will have energy to really enjoy himself and the family. Adam's birthday is coming up. They are planning a pizza party Tuesday for group of Adam's friends with confetti cupcakes and, on the weekend, they will have a family dinner in his honor. I'm thankful that Steve is feeling good and enjoying these days.
We know the Temodar takes time build up in one's system and so it takes time to see any side effects. We heard most folks feel the worst around week two after the chemo. We'll see how Steve fares. He is on a lower dose than before and it's only five days, so we are hoping for the best.
They are looking forward this summer to a planned trip to the Grand Canyon, the kid's first time there. I hope Steve continues to feel well so he will have energy to really enjoy himself and the family. Adam's birthday is coming up. They are planning a pizza party Tuesday for group of Adam's friends with confetti cupcakes and, on the weekend, they will have a family dinner in his honor. I'm thankful that Steve is feeling good and enjoying these days.
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