Week #4 Update
This morning Bryan and I had our Week #4 check-in with our neuro oncologist. It was a great appointment overall. Short, sweet and to the point. Every two weeks, in addition to meeting with our neuro oncologist, Bryan has his blood drawn (or "has his labs done" as the nurses would say) to make sure that the chemo and the radiation aren't wreaking havoc on his system. Our doctor checks the results and specifically, looks for any abnormalities in Bryan's white blood cells, platelet and ANC (absolute nutritifill counts) levels.
Here are Bryan's numbers:
1. White Blood Cell Counts: 3.9 (normal is 4.0, but 3.9 is a good number)
2. Platelet Counts: 235 (normal is between 150-400)
3. ANC: 2.6 (normal is 1.5 and above)
Our doctor said Bryan is doing great and that his labs look good. All of his numbers are in the "normal" range. They asked us all the typical questions about his symptoms, about his eating habits, his drinking habits, etc. Everything was normal and they weren't concerned about his symptoms getting worse, as this is what is to be expected during weeks 4-6 of radiation. To be fair, Bryan's symtpoms are no "worse" than they were when we started this whole journey one month ago (we can't believe it's only been 4 weeks!). The fact is that during the first two weeks of radiation, the symptoms started to go away, but now they're back. Not worse than before, just the same as before. So, it's more annoying than anything. It's harder for Bryan to take the stairs, harder to use his left side to balance and harder to walk in general. But, the fact is that he's got me to hold his hand when he walks and takes stairs, we've got a really comfy couch and bed for when he feels like relaxing and not walking, and most importantly, he's got only 12 more days of radiation until he starts to feel better. So he's not getting on the "woe is me" train...he's just simply annoyed that during his bachelor party this weekend, he'll be the only guy getting kicked out a casino for stumbling while sober.
When our doctor asked us if we had any questions or updates for him, Bryan didn't have any pressing medical questions or health issues. But he did have one main concern: his bachelor party. He leaves on Friday for Vegas and comes back Sunday. The weekend is action packed with about 13 guys and Bryan is beyond excited. It's really going to be an awesome weekend for all the guys (as well as us girls left behind!). The problem is, Bryan's kind of stumbly right now and tennis shoes are really the only "shoewear" that work for him. While he's never been much of a "flip-flip" kind of guy, we got him a pair of flip-flops last week and it takes WAAAAY too much concentration for him to keep it on his left foot. It's kind of funny, actually, as it's like his left foot plays hot potato with the flip flop. Right when he puts it on and starts to walk, it flies off the front of his foot. It will inevitably get easier once he's done with radiation, but in the meantime it's probably not the smartest thing to be wearing a rogue flip flop out by the pool in the Vegas heat. I suggested that he wear his tennis shoes all weekend, regardless of where he goes. If any hoity toity restaurant host or club bouncer give him problems about dress code, he's just going to have to say, "I have a brain tumor. What's your excuse?"
I figure if shoewear is the most pressing of our concerns right now, we're in a good spot. Personally, I just don't want Bryan taking a header on the wet concrete by the pool or lazy river. But the guys going with him wouldn't allow that. They're the best group of guys I know and they'll have Bryan's back (or foot, or leg, or whatever) every step of the way. I hope one of them doesn't mind holding his hand. :)
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