Round Two: Infusion #3 Days 3 - 6

I think I have settled into a fairly dependable pattern, days one through three are great because of the steroids and then I begin to feel the effects on day four. The effects that I have felt on day four with infusions two and three are thankfully far less than what I experienced with the first infusion; basically I feel as if I have a very mild case of the flu on days three and four.

When I first awaken on day five I feel better than I did on the previous day, however within a short time the feeling of exhaustion begins and grows worse as the day goes along. Yesterday, day five, I had a check up and sure enough the white cells had already begun to fall. It is interesting what we can become accustomed to, I never imagined that I would look forward to receiving an injection but yesterday I was hoping the injections would begin and fortunately they did. I am scheduled to receive a daily injection of Lukine for the next two weeks and a weekly B-12 injection has been added. I was told that the B-12 would give me just a bit of a boost for a couple of days and I believe that I may be experiencing the boost now.

By day six my mouth is sensitive and almost everything tastes salty - even water. This is when the magic mouthwash comes in handy, a good swish and small swallow of the mouthwash allows me to eat without discomfort. It is also when I have to be careful to brush my teeth everytime I have something to eat followed by a rinse of saltwater. Usually my lips peel, the corners of my mouth crack, and my skin is extra dry so I use chapstick and lotion often.

Fortunately the Lukine injections have become less painful, I think this is because my ribs have had more time to recover and because I finally have listened to Randy and I take a whole vicodin instead of trying to see if one-half of the pill will work.

Yesterday I received good news, the tumor marker test CA 15-3 indicated that after the second infusion the tumor markers dropped from 126.0 to 40.0 and the liver function tests indicated that my liver is almost at the point of normal function. I do not know the results of the other tumor marker test because I forgot to ask for the printout however, I was told that I was being beaten up but that the beating was working. I guess if one is going to take a beating at least let it be a beating that "works".

According to the gospel our trials and tribulations can be profitable depending upon how we handle them - it's a matter of choice. I am going through a tough time but I don't kid myself, there are many others who have far greater challenges and fewer resources than I do. I am blessed and I try to take nothing for granted because I know that my circumstances could change at any time. I will close with something Lance Armstrong said, "I take nothing for granted. I now only have good days or great days."

Round Two: Infusion Three Days 1 - 2

I think my blog has been spamed and until I can figure out what to do about it you may notice that the side bar is a mess of words overlaying my content. I have created a post in the Help section to find out how to get rid of the unauthorized material. It appears as though I am going to learn something new!



Yesterday went perfectly; I was premedicated with the full amount of Benadryl and steroids and I did not have a reaction to the trial drug - the third time was the charm. I did have a wonderful steroid high for the rest of the day and evening and along with it a tremendous appetite, I gained 1.5 pounds in one day! Since I did not have a negative reaction to the trial drug I will move beginning with infusion four to receiving all of the drugs on one day.



Today I received Herceptin followed by premeds (more steroids and anti-nausea drugs) and finally the chemo drug. I feel great and am appreciating this time before the side effects begin. I will have labs and a checkup on Monday to see how the white cells are; I hope to also receive a report of the tumor markers.



This week I received a Treasure Box from some of my friends where I worship. Each one wrote a message to me on one side of the card and most then wrote a scripture on the other side of the card. This is definitely a special gift and I plan to read one card a day - two or more if it's a tough day!



Today's treasure is a song shared with me by Susan:



Teach me Lord to wait, down on my knees, till in your own good time, you answer my pleas, teach me not to rely on what others do, but to wait in prayer, for an answer from you. They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their stength, they shall mount up like wings on an eagle, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint. Teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait.



I continue to be blessed beyond my needs. Thank you for taking time to check in on me, for your prayers and continued encouragement.


Here is a picture from July 4th. Connor, our youngest grandson, is not comfortable with my bald head and he will tell me it's crazy and to put a hat on. I thought that perhaps a bandanna would be cooler since we would be outside, little did I know the impression it would make on Connor. He thought I looked "cool, like a pyra-rate" (pirate).

Round Two: Infusion Two Days 13 - 19

It took fourteen injections and numerous bowls of yogurt with protein powder but as of today the total white blood cell count is 9. and the neutrophils are 6.2. Both counts are great and in fact this is the highest count since I began treatment; a normal count is 4.1 - 10.9 and 2.0 - 7.8 respectively. The total red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelets are still a bit low but not drastically and the counts should continue to rise over the next few days.

I am on schedule for infusion number three on Thursday and Friday; if I only need a total of six infusions I will be almost at the halfway point!

In the meantime, I am really looking forward to the next couple of "free" days to be around people and go anyplace I want.

The comparison between the treatment of 2006 and the treatment now (Round Two) has remained the same, in all aspects Round Two has been easier except for the white blood cell challenge. And now I will say, the white blood cell challenge has been HUGE. Exhaustion, exhaustion, and the next day more exhaustion - that's what it has been like.

My blessings: a husband who takes wonderful care of me; co-workers who shopped and cooked to prepare several meals for us (I'm so glad I said yes to their offer!); your prayers and encouragement; and a loving Father who has provided for all of my needs.

I am doing just fine.