It has been 6 weeks since my last round of transfusions, during which time I had a great road trip. I drove from Seattle, down through eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, eastern Nevada, Arizona, and southern and eastern California. I put over 3,700 miles on the truck. I visited many friends, and did a good deal of hiking. One day I hiked 10 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain; two days later I hiked 6 miles and 2,600 vertical. Then two more, each a bit less, before I want to California: 5 miles with 1,500 and then 3 miles, 1,300 feet. In California I did three hikes, from 4 to 6 miles, with up to 1000 feet of elevation. Since I was 5 weeks into my 6 week transfusion schedule, I was pretty worn out by the hikes. The last week I spent driving home.

When I got my labs, my hematocrit was down to 25, lower than it has been. But my doctor is pleased that my M protein, iron and other labs remain unchanged, if not a little better. I guess vacation and hard exercise pay off.

So we have agreed to continue as we have been. He wants me to get the next transfusions at 5 weeks rather than 6. Since I have a Mexican vacation coming up at the 5 week schedule, I will get the next ones at 4 weeks. I guess I am doing as well as I can hope for.