Well, it has been a while since my last update and that is because nothing much was really happening until yesterday. Since my last update I have had two IVIG infusions with no consequences. Yesterday after my IVIG infusion I did have an appointment with Dr. Kipps, and it was the first time I had seen him since December. I had my normal blood work drawn and he gave me the results after my physical exam. My white count only went up slightly, from 17.4 to 17.8, my Red Count was still in the 15's and my platelets actually went up a little. So that was the good news. However, after my physical exam he noted that my lymph nodes (in various places) and my spleen have increased slightly in size. He indicated that he didn't like that change and it probably means that the CLL cells are on the move again. He wants to see me in 6 weeks to see if there have been any changes in that period of time. At that time he will decide if I should begin another treatment. As I already knew, it is not a matter of if I need treatment, but when it should be initiated. When I asked him what he had in mind, he gave the normal answer, 'it depends'. He wants to study all of my genetic markers from my last bone marrow biopsy, and also look at some other blood test results to try to figure out which treatments I would respond the best to. He really wants to be ready for this so he can begin treatment when I am still feeling well. The great thing is that when I get to the point of treatment I WILL have a plan and it will be proactive instead of reactive. He did say that if I needed treatment after my next visit he would like to begin late spring or early summer. I do know that most of the treatments that he is considering are much harsher than what I have had so far. So the waiting continues. It seems I go on like this month to month. It is a hard way to live your life, but as they say, I guess it beats the alternative.
On a more exciting note, our oldest daughter Aimee got her transfer from Orlando to Los Angeles (she works for Delta Airlines). So last week, she and her boyfriend drove across county in a 26' truck towing her car. After unloading most of the stuff (thanks to Greg, Jeff and Kristen) in a storage unit, she has settled back in the HB homestead after being gone for over 10 years. We will see how we all get along, but it should be fine.
A short update on my Dad. He is still slowly progressing towards a complete recovery. He is able to get around using just a cane (don't stand in his way), and he is slowly regaining his strength. We went up and visited him in mid February and unfortunately he had a stomach bug of some sort while we were there, so it wasn't the best of times for him, but it was really great to spend some time with my dad and his wife Lois, and my sister Rebecca and her partner Cherese. We also got to see a lot of Matt while we were up there, so it was a pretty good visit.
Not knowing what the future may hold for me in the way of potential treatments, we are taking advantage of the time that I am feeling good. We spent some time in the Desert in February, as well as some time in Seattle. In March we are going back to Palm Desert for about a week, and then on to Carmel for 4 days, and home by way of Fresno to see my aunts. Unfortunately I am also trying to schedule my cataract surgery for some time in April. It seems that the steroid treatment that I was on helped accelerate my cataracts. My right eye is especially bad, and I have to get it done sooner than later.
All for now
Terry
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