Pile on those Platelets

As Dr. McLuggage mentions in his comment to the previous post, the platelet count is going up, an increase of nearly 20,000 in the last three days. Yay. Things seem to be moving in the right direction and we continue to take the sage clinical advice of the doc, "Be Careful."

And now for the sartorial news, $900 solar cargo pants that let you charge your smart phone in a pocket:

http://isneach.com/blog/?p=27239

One Drug Down, Sixteen to Go

The doc told Joe to stop taking the study drug since it seemed to be lowering his platelet count. Platelets are lower than normal, but stable. Puffy feet are getting better. The doc tapered the steroids further. Good stuff. We celebrated with an exciting trip to Ace Hardware. Yay.

And, now for the Beaver News:

http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/trejbal/wb/273944

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/17/132995163/beavers-stay-busy-at-ski-resort

Joe Unplugged

Doc said Joe was "on track". Yay. Lab results are lookin' good, we can back off the steroids (double yay), and Joe doesn't need to cart around the portable IV pump anymore. We raised our glasses to that last night. Joe continues to provide tasty meals (lamb shank, potatoes and green beans last night), which are medicinal for both of us (Coney doesn't mind it either). Joe will have his 60 day "anniversary", as they call it, next Wednesday, which we will celebrate with a visit to the clinic (woohoo), but I'm sure we'll celebrate with a tasty meal in the evening.

And, now for the Silly Corner:

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/01/07/5785883-man-with-a-lamb-cruises-havana-by-motorcycle

15 Minute Hospital Appointment? Impossible.

Instead of posting, I've been enjoying walks with Coney Dog in the cold and sunny weather, meeting up with Coney's doggie friends. Nothing like a game of tug with a discarded glove or gourd. All's well. The puffy feet and legs from the steroids are a drag, but Joe's doing a great job of managing that situation. Believe it or not, we had a 15 minute appointment for a CT Scan today! Gave us time to stop by Kerrytown to lay in some more provisions (meat!) and get a latte. We see the doc tomorrow.

And now for something completely different, a mini "Panda Cow":

http://www.thedailybeast.com/video/item/panda-cow-on-good-morning-america

Cruisin' Along ...

... that's what the doc said at our clinic appointment on Monday. Still moving in the right direction. After 4.5 hours getting labs, meeting with the doc, and waiting and waiting for med refills, we said, "Goodbye, Clinic" for another week. Did have a nice brunch break at the Northside and the sun even peaked out every once in a while.

And now for something completely different, polar bears "playing" with spy cams:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12070732

Happy New Year!

Had a nice low key evening, kinda like Arlo and Janis:

http://comics.com/arlo&janis/2010-12-31/

Happy New Year! All the best for 2011!

Take that, GVHD!

The GVHD was getting a little uppity, making the skin rash a Stage 3 on a scale of 4. So, we smacked it down with a big 3 day dose of steroids. At the Monday appointment, the skin rash was back down to a Stage 1. Take that, GVHD!

And, now for something completely unrelated ... 17 wonderful Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8up4Oj6l86Y