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."