We were back in the waiting room yesterday for FL’s monthly check-up at Haematology.
The news? No news. Because last month they forgot to send his blood to Birmingham / Glasgow for the free light chain assay. So we know nothing more than we did last month. Except that if they remember to do it this time, the blood test result will be crucial in deciding whether or not this is his last round of chemo. The clinical trial allows a maximum of 9 rounds of the drug cocktail: dexamethasone, thalidomide and cyclophosamide. FL is now on Round 7. If his levels have dropped further since the October test, he will have to continue to Round 8, and maybe even 9, because they aim for “maximum response”. But if the levels have stayed the same, they will stop the treatment. It just occurred to me that we didn’t ask what would happen if his levels had gone up! That scenario is not to be thought about.
It was totally hectic in the waiting room because there is no clinic next week and they were trying to fit in everyone before the holidays. However, this meant they had planned ahead and were being incredibly efficient – we were in and out in only 2 hours – a record! And half an hour of that was spent in Pharmacy waiting for the prescription to be made up.
We were so quick, I didn’t finish FL’s Christmas hat – that will be tonight’s project!
It is the Koolhaas pattern (by Jared Flood) from Interweave Holiday Gifts 2007. The yarn is PoshYarns Helena organic merino aran in a dazzling colourway called “Zany”. The colour was a bit of a shock, to be honest. What was I thinking?! FL blinked and blinked again when he saw it, and blinked even harder when it dawned on him that it was a hat for him! But it is exceptionally soft and warm to the touch, and undeniably cheerful. And once it is on he doesn’t have to look at it! OK OK I admit it – he doesn’t like the colour! But if it fits the bill for practicality (covers his ears, keep his rapidly-balding head warm enough) I will make him another in a more subtle shade.
We were trying to find words to describe the colour. I came up with “toffee apple”, “tomato chutney”, “salsa”, or “chilli surprise”? Oops!
The news? No news. Because last month they forgot to send his blood to Birmingham / Glasgow for the free light chain assay. So we know nothing more than we did last month. Except that if they remember to do it this time, the blood test result will be crucial in deciding whether or not this is his last round of chemo. The clinical trial allows a maximum of 9 rounds of the drug cocktail: dexamethasone, thalidomide and cyclophosamide. FL is now on Round 7. If his levels have dropped further since the October test, he will have to continue to Round 8, and maybe even 9, because they aim for “maximum response”. But if the levels have stayed the same, they will stop the treatment. It just occurred to me that we didn’t ask what would happen if his levels had gone up! That scenario is not to be thought about.
It was totally hectic in the waiting room because there is no clinic next week and they were trying to fit in everyone before the holidays. However, this meant they had planned ahead and were being incredibly efficient – we were in and out in only 2 hours – a record! And half an hour of that was spent in Pharmacy waiting for the prescription to be made up.
We were so quick, I didn’t finish FL’s Christmas hat – that will be tonight’s project!
It is the Koolhaas pattern (by Jared Flood) from Interweave Holiday Gifts 2007. The yarn is PoshYarns Helena organic merino aran in a dazzling colourway called “Zany”. The colour was a bit of a shock, to be honest. What was I thinking?! FL blinked and blinked again when he saw it, and blinked even harder when it dawned on him that it was a hat for him! But it is exceptionally soft and warm to the touch, and undeniably cheerful. And once it is on he doesn’t have to look at it! OK OK I admit it – he doesn’t like the colour! But if it fits the bill for practicality (covers his ears, keep his rapidly-balding head warm enough) I will make him another in a more subtle shade.
We were trying to find words to describe the colour. I came up with “toffee apple”, “tomato chutney”, “salsa”, or “chilli surprise”? Oops!
2 comments:
love the colour:) Just what FL needs for the winter months to brighten the trips out:)
Didn't get the holiday gifts issue, lost in mail and no replacement. Did I miss much else?
BTW thanks so much for the fabulous card. I love papercuts:)
Happy Solstice
That will be a beautiful hat! Best wishes for your FL.
Merry Christmas!
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