We have been quite busy this last month trying to get our outside work done after the neglect of last summer. Even though we had help several times, it still got away from us. We have been pulling weeds-no shortage of them at all! We have also had several Dr. appointments between the two of us, and then of course we have to go to Portland to see Cher, Todd and Phoenix, even though they were here for Mother's Day weekend. Just can't spend too much time with a new grandson : ).
Leland has been sick all this week, beginning Sunday morning with a scratchy throat. Lots of vitamin c and sunshine and sweat in the garden did not halt the progression. He was running a low grade fever by the time we got to Seattle for his appointment. We were planning on staying with Chaunda at her new apartment, but with Leland being sick, felt we should not expose her, so we went to the hotel. It was disappointing, but we will see her at the beach Father's Day weekend.
Leland had to wear a mask at the clinic, hopefully to avoid sharing his germs with anyone else. He was feeling quite tired and miserable; Dr. Chen thought he should have an antibiotic since his immune system is compromised with the cancer, so we agreed, and he began them that afternoon. He is feeling a little better, but still has a nasty deep cough, so will be staying home this weekend.
His blood tests were the best since he was diagnosed. PSA 4.7 down from 8.9 last month and 52 in March. His Alkaline Phosphatase (a marker of abnormal bone activity) is down to normal limits, from a very abnormal high when he began treatment at the center. He has no pain anywhere (except from this flu ) and has been quite busy helping with all kinds of chores at home. He is not as strong as before, and tires a little more quickly, but all in all, things are as good as they can be with a diagnosis like he has. Praise the Lord-we are very grateful!
We are planning to do a little travel this summer, beginning with a trip to Boise to see my sister who is very ill, and in a rehab center. Then in mid June, Ft. Stevens near Astoria with the kids, in July, Raspberry Cottage near Bainbridge Island with Mark, Tina and Grant, then in August Crater Lake, the family reunion 2nd weekend, then we will be off to Yellowstone for the first time ever. Grant will go with us, Chaunda will fly to Boise where we will pick her up, and then we will meet Norm and Judy there as well. Leland has been planning all this with great anticipation, making reservations and planning the routes. Such a contrast to last Summer!
I reordered his Zytiga today, and the person with whom I spoke told me they have several patients on Zytiga who are doing as well as Leland, and one of them who has been on it for two years, and is still doing very well. That is very encouraging, I am certainly hoping Leland gets a good long run out of it also.
