This past Monday, April 9th, promised to be another unusually cold and drizzly April day. Even though the travels to Duke are long and sometimes a bit furious with traffic, Lee and his son, Lee Jr. were glad they did not have to leave until 8:15 to keep an 11:30 appointment. They were both looking forward to maybe a shorter day since Lee would be getting one chemo infusion instead of two.
Unfortunately, that was not to be. It seems that everything on the schedule was delayed. The first appointment with the lab at 11:30 was delayed by 45 minutes until approximately 12:15. That worked O.K. since it still gave them both time for lunch before the 1:30 appointment with the PA.
The PA was running a bit behind schedule and had to consult the physician before counseling Lee, especially in regard to his platelet count. It was higher, but still low when compared to the fact that his had been 208 on March 26 prior to chemotherapy.
The PA discussed all labs, along with other important issues such as diet and increased caloric and protein intake. Lee's platelet count that had been 90 the previous week was now up to 113. That increase was enough to allow him to receive one of the chemo drugs but not two as had been discussed at an earlier date.After the PA consulted the chemotherapy doctor, it was decided that it would be in the best interest for Lee to go onto an alternating schedule as in every other week, and also alternating the drugs., So, for the time being, this is how it looks:
Yesterday: One chemo drug
Next week: Skip
3rd week: two chemo drugs
4th week: Skip
He will continue that pattern for the time being. All of this, of course, will depend on how well his platelet count is doing and will also allow for any complications that Lee might encounter. It may change on any given week; however, if he is able to continue the pattern above, he may continue his chemotherapy into June
Lee did well with his chemotherapy infusion and he and Lee Jr. were able to leave by 5:30. It takes a while to retrieve the car from valet, so they were finally on the road by 6.00 p.m.to begin the long 3-hour drive home. By this time they were both very tired and hungry so a stop at the K&W in Burlington was a must and greatly contributed to their renewed energy. They arrived home around 9:45 p.m.
Lee Jr., Todd and Doug have all volunteered to drive their Dad to all Chemo sessions. I am so grateful to each of them. Lee tells me how much he enjoys the one-on-one time with each of his sons. This has truly been a treasure for Lee as he is enjoying those very special conversations. In addition, they have given me the gift of rest.
Today I can say that Lee has had an excellent day. He had a good night's sleep, and enjoyed a high- caloric and protein breakfast of french toast. He had lunch at his usual hang-out here in the country, Shorty's Short Stop, and enjoyed seeing some of his neighborhood buddies. I saw him briefly around 1:30 as he was preparing to meet with one of his friends and help him gather a swarm of bees! Yes! Lee is doing just fine!
More later..........................................................................Brenda
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