'Twas the update before Christmas...

Today was Mike's 36th treatment. There wasn't any traffic on the way in which was nice. We didn't wait long for his lab draws and his port worked today. Lately his port hasn't been working (which is not uncommon) and has needed a medication called TPA. TPA is a chemical which dissolves the fibrin sheath and clears the catheter. Typically, a small amount of TPA (just enough to fill the catheter but not go into the bloodstream) is injected and left in the catheter for about 30 minutes, then withdrawn. 

When his port doesn't work it makes for a longer day and another unwanted arm stick to get his blood work. Thankfully it worked today. We grabbed some lunch and headed up to his appointment with his oncologist. Again we didn't wait long and got right in. His labs showed his platelets were low as well as his red blood counts. He was safe enough to have treatment today in hopes that his numbers would go up again next week on his week off from treatment. There's a possibility we may end up going back to a similar schedule like his old treatment where he would have two weeks on and a week off with a higher dose of treatment instead of three weeks on and one week off. After the holidays we will figure it out. If his treatment wasn't so late in the day today he would have been able to get a blood transfusion but it wasn't necessary and was too late in the day to start the process. If he is feeling crappy next week we can arrange for that if needed.

Ava is looking forward to a visit from the big 'ol jolly man. We have been busy decorating the house, making gingerbread houses, shopping and wrapping presents and watching her crazy elf, Twinkle fly around. 

Here is a photo of Mike and his amazing oncologist Dr. Rubinson. We have a lot to be thankful for because of him and his care team at Dana Farber! Just a photo of two young 38 year olds. Goes to show you cancer doesn't care how old you are, if your skin is white, black, or purple, if you have children, if you are otherwise healthy or how much money you make... Cancer can strike anywhere anytime. So remember to be grateful for your loved ones and your health.

From our family to all of yours Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Donate to Mike's Fight... all donations go directly to Mike & I. Click Here

Each Bravelet that is purchased through this site donates $10 to Mike's Fight.
To purchase a Bravelet Click Here