Round Two: Infusion #5 Days 7 - 14

As expected, lab tests on Monday indicated that white blood cells had fallen to 1.4; neutrophils to 0.5; platelets to 80; and hemoglobin to 10.1. No matter how many times I receive the lab results I always feel that it is good to know it is not all in my head - there is a reason for the fatigue. I have continued with the Lukine injections this week and on Friday will be tested again to see if I will need the injections over the weekend.



The fourth infusion resulted in a further reduction of the tumor markers; the CA 15-3 is now 23.6 and the CEA is now 1.3. Wow, the CEA began at 350 and with only four treatments it is now almost zero! I would have liked the CA 15-3 to have fallen more than it did but at least the tumor markers continue to fall and are within the normal range of 0.0 - 38.4.


Some tidbits: the numbness of toes and fingers seems to have been less - perhaps the vitamins I have been taking are being helpful; I gained a pound and now weigh 113; the hair on my head is still very short and sparse but continues to grow however my eyebrow hair is just now falling out; and for about three weeks or more the lower lid of each eye twitches often ... a lot ... everyday ... sometimes continously for a major part of the day ... and, as irritating as it started out being I've adjusted to the twitches.


Last week we discovered the 5-Hour Energy drink which is made up primarily of Niacin, B6, Folic Acid and B12. A few sips of the energy drink every 30 - 45 minutes gave me the energy to enjoy a visit with my sister-in-law Nancy and her mother Judy. I really did not get approval to have the energy drink until this week and that is not something I normally would do, but on the morning of their visit I woke up very fatigued and was willing to take the risk. Fortunately it turned out to not be risky, it worked, and we had a great visit.

Next Thursday, the 10th, I will have the sixth infusion - perhaps it will be the last or perhaps it will be the sixth of eight infusions. I'd like it to be the last but it will be okay if it is not.


Thanks for checking in on me. I don't really have anything inspiring for you tonight which is not to say that I am not inspired every day because I am; I am inspired by the people I read about in the Bible - those who endured such trials and even faced death for proclaiming God's message and I am inspired by people today who have overcome hardships and challenges in their lives. I think the theme of this week is Nike's challenge to all us .... Just Do It.