Slight Change in Plan - January 18, 2011

Despite the snow that was falling when we went to bed and the bitterly cold temps overnight it really wasn't too terrible this morning. It warmed enough to change the snow to drizzle and though the roads were slick in spots, the ride into the city went smoothly. Fortunately people kept their wits about them and for the most part heeded the reduced speeds as posted.

We arrived at the Cancer Center pretty much on time and went up to the 6th floor. A3 got a blood return from the new port and started a slow fluid drip until the results came back and she got the "OK" from A to start the chemo.

A came in and discussed the side effects of today's chemo, Carboplatin. She went over today's blood test results, noting that Pete's platelet count was 130, somewhat lower that the normal 150. This low platelet count combined with recently finishing radiation and getting a double dose of the Carboblatin today suggested that it would be wise to hold off on the second dose that he was going to get tomorrow. She said that they didn't want to compromise his body's ability to produce platelets which would, in turn, result in delaying the next round of chemo. It would be more effective to just give the one big dose today and then do the two days three weeks from now.

She also said that any CT scans or MRIs will be done around that time because this chemo in combination with the radiation, even though those treatments have finished, are synergistic and the full effects would not be seen until that time. She gave Pete a script for the Neulasta and told him that he would not have to come back in for the bloodwork; he could have it done by the oncologist in Little Silver. That certainly will make things a lot easier and there will be a lot less driving, especially since the forecast is calling for more snow and nasty weather on the way.

So that's it. We had arrived in the city around 10 AM and left around 4 PM. Pete's feeling pretty good and we don't have to go back for several weeks.