After my Caribbean sailing vacation, I returned home and it was time to get another transfusion. The normal 3 units. I was actually only 5 weeks since my prior transfusion, due to schedule around vacation and the holidays.

My hematocrit had dropped only to 27 this time vs 26 last time. My t protein is gradually climbing. Two years ago it was 2.2, now at 4.2. A level where treatment is getting close. Also the transfusions are causing my iron levels to rise, which can be hard on the heart and liver.

He says even so, there is no compelling reason to start chemo yet, and will probably wait until after the Mexico trip in March. Probably the best I can hope for.