Round 2, Day 1

We're back at MMC today for the 2nd round of Matt's 5-day treatment (VP-16 and Platium). We checked in at 11:15 am and now, at 12:51 pm, Matt's fed, poked and waiting for the treatment to start. For this week he'll be sharing a room with Mr. RR, an older gentleman. Mr. RR has more hair than Matt.

Dr. G has decided to proceed with the treatment, HOWEVER, Matt's WBC (white blood count) is still low (avg. is 3.6-9.6: Matt is at 2.6). For chemo patients they consider it a good count to be at 1.5 or above. However, because the treatment causes the drop in WBC, they ususally wait for it to return to about 8.0 or so. Since Matt is in good health they've decided to do treatment anyway. They are going to give him a drug to help increase his WBC this round. Dr. G didn't do it last time because he didn't want to give it if Matt didn't need it. Unfortunately, it looks like Matt needs it this time around. (FYI: Last time Matt's WBC started @ 4.6, and now its @ 2.6. The doc wants to make sure that, after this three week round, it doesn't drop in half again).

Everything is going well so far. Matt will get his two treatments today, and I'm hanging out with him all day. All goes well and he'll be home again on Saturday :) If you want to contact Matt you can call the room, the cell (preferable - then it won't bother his roomie) or use email.

More soon!!