Day 42: Pruning pines and plasma

IgG: 1591 WBC: 4.6 Platelets: 404 Hemoglobin: 12.3 Red BC: 3.8

Richard's IgG level is just barely in the normal range for the first time. The goal of the stem cell transplant was to achieve normal plasma cell counts. The normal range is 700-1600, and Richard's count is 1591. We were hoping for a level of about 1000, but we'll take this.

The doctors will check the level again in about a month, with a more complete battery of tests including another bone marrow biopsy (which is painful, contrary to what the oncologist led us to believe the first time it was done in January). This time drugs will be Richard's friend during the in-office procedure.

Pruning plasma cells is not all that Richard has been up to. He also has been slowly pruning overgrown branches in the back yard. To make up for yesterday's sleeping picture, here is Yard Guy! Ever careful to guard eyes and lungs! Dragging cut limbs to the curb in single trips! Sorta.

We saw The Illusionist this week. Decent movie. We also saw The Benchwarmers on DVD tonight. Sophomoric movie with a message (a Sandler-produced film...enough said).