I'm ready for tomorrow and infusion #4. The Procrit and Lukine injections did a great job ... in fact the white blood cells ended up being too high and guess what, that caused fatigue! By Thursday and Friday of last week I could tell that the cells were coming up and staying up and then on Saturday I did not feel quite as strong and by Sunday I felt terrible. In fact on Sunday I did something rare for me ... I had a pity party; it seemed to be so unfair that I was feeling worse instead of better.
On Monday I had a CT scan, lab tests and a Echo followed by a check up and then I learned that the white blood cells were higher than normal and too many white blood cells also cause fatigue. So to Randy I said my usual Monday comment, "It's good to know it's not all in my head!" Whew!
Monday evening I did get to have dinner with two girlfriends and since my appointment is not until 1:00 tomorrow we are having breakfast with April and the grand kids and today I went to the Library all by myself; it's been an enjoyable three days.
Tomorrow the cycle starts all over again - I wish it was infusion #6; I am so ready for this to be behind me. BUT, it is infusion #4 and I will focus on being grateful that three infusions are behind me and I am getting closer to the finish line.
I will end today with something a friend sent me, some comments by Rick Warren author of The Purpose Driven Life.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. (Let me, Jan, just insert at this point that I believe Rick is not saying that God does not care about our happiness.)
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
Until next time, don't forget to count your blessings.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Round Two: Infusion #3 Days 7 - ?
Yesterday was my weekly check up; white blood cell count was 2.3, neutrophils 0.2 and my hemoblobin is 9.8. So, Lukine injections continue and I started on a weekly injection of Procrit to bring up the red blood cell count. I also had the weekly B-12 injection and since the cells should stop dying off by Thursday I hope to have a big bounce in my energy level by the weekend.
I did get the results of the other tumor marker test, the CEA showed that after the completition of the second infusion the tumor markers dropped to 14.3 (normal is 0.0 - 5.0). I am very encouraged and hopeful that the CT scan I will have next week will indicate positive results as well.
Today I was particularly exhausted so I have no inspirational thoughts for the day; everything is ok and that's good enough for today. Thanks for checking in on me and an extra thank you to my friends that I worship with for bringing dinner twice a week.
I did get the results of the other tumor marker test, the CEA showed that after the completition of the second infusion the tumor markers dropped to 14.3 (normal is 0.0 - 5.0). I am very encouraged and hopeful that the CT scan I will have next week will indicate positive results as well.
Today I was particularly exhausted so I have no inspirational thoughts for the day; everything is ok and that's good enough for today. Thanks for checking in on me and an extra thank you to my friends that I worship with for bringing dinner twice a week.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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."
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."
Friday, July 10, 2009
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).
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).
Monday, July 06, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Round Two: Infusion Two Days 9 - 12
BIG SIGH ... ten days of Lukine injections and the white cells are still not high enough, overall white cell count is 2.5 and neutrophils is .8; four more days have been scheduled.
BIG SMILE ... I am grateful to know that the fatigue I feel is not in my head; I am grateful the cells did not bottom out; I am grateful for Lukine; I am grateful for the wonderfully delicious food my co-workers prepared for us; I am grateful the treatment is working; I am grateful that God continues to send His blessings.
BIG SMILE ... I am grateful to know that the fatigue I feel is not in my head; I am grateful the cells did not bottom out; I am grateful for Lukine; I am grateful for the wonderfully delicious food my co-workers prepared for us; I am grateful the treatment is working; I am grateful that God continues to send His blessings.
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