Round Two: Infusion #1 Days 9 - 14

Yesterday was the seventh Leukine injection and today I have labs and a check up. I feel sure that the white cells are higher and I am hopeful, but not certain, that the count will high enough so that I will be released from isolation.

Today is day 14 and in the chemo cycle this should be the point where the white blood cells begin to climb on their own. By next Thursday, the 18Th, the cells need to be high enough in order for me to receive infusion #2.

The Leukine injection is given in the fatty area behind the upper arm; since my left arm cannot be used I have seven little bruises on the back of my right arm. The injection itself is painless; I wish I could say the same for the side effects. Advil, vicodin, a heating pad, and a warming blanket made the side effects easier. The side effects of the last three injections were more tolerable, the pain and aches were more focused in my hips and legs and there less pain radiating from the spine. After each injection I would have approximately one hour before the side effects would begin and then the discomfort would be with me for a few hours before it would subside. Later in the evening the side effects would return only to a much smaller degree.

During my chemo orientation I was told that if I required the injections I should be prepared to have the injections following each infusion thereafter because my body would become "lazy". I have talked with some people however who only needed one or two courses of the injections. I hope I only need this one course. By the way I have found the most delicious way to have the protein powder is in a milk shake, as the Barefoot Contessa would say, "How bad is that"?

For the most part my daily schedule for the last week has focused around the injection appointment followed by the rest of the day spent in bed dealing with the pain and aches. Needless to say the days sort of blended together. Most of the time I laid in bed watching the Food Network and looking forward to having the energy to cook some of the delicious food I have seen!

The thrush is gone and my mouth has returned to normal, I am so very thankful! I still continue with the routine of brushing and rinsing with salt water following each meal or snack and I am careful to not eat food that is spicy or acidic.

Today's check up includes a follow-up on my cough which thankfully is gone. If I did not mention it in the previous post, last week Dr. Seninning increased the dose strength of the antibiotic I was taking and that has worked.

This morning I noticed that my hair is beginning to fall out; it is time for me to get my hats ready. I have mixed feelings of course because on the one hand it will be so much easier but of course on the other hand it makes this so much more real. I do still have moments of not believing that this is happening again.

I have found that I have less fear the second time around and that is of course because I have some knowledge of what to expect. I have been tested before and I know that God will provide all the resources necessary for me to endure this time of testing. I may not be confident that my white cells are high enough yet, but I am absolutely certain that God will provide the resources I need to deal with whatever comes my way.

I will close today with some of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:11-13:

"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers; I count each of you as a gift from God - a part of the many resources and blessings He has provided for me.