I know it has been a while since the last update. And I guess I should not be assuming that the infusions are so routine that it isn't a bit interesting to anyone. Of course there are other things about what's happening, and since we didn't get Christmas cards sent and no newsletter written, maybe this blog can be used instead.
We visited the oncologist, Dr. Gilcrease, and his nurse, Jamie, on December 5th before a scheduled chemotherapy infusion. He asked the usual questions. Here are my answers: no pain; no throwing up; yes, trying to be active but still have chemo fatigue; weight staying the same; decent appetite. Primary care doctor is managing the blood glucose; I'm doing that with meds and twice per day blood tests -- no insulin. Dr. Gilcrease did the usual listening to my heart, looking down my throat, and reviewing vitals. He advised us that he wanted to do another blood marker test and a CT scan in January. He again strongly encouraged more activity -- twice as much would be good. Because my blood counts are low, and I don't produce the red and white cells as quickly as someone not on chemo, I am supposed to really avoid sick people if possible. We're also on-line to participate in the clinical trial to use a drug to "re-program" my immune system so that it will stop overlooking the cancer cells and kill them. The cost to us is zero to participate. No, the drug is not just a prescribed pill, it is given by infusion --- so no vacation from driving to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
After a break from chemo for two Fridays, we had another infusion today. This will be the pattern-two consecutive Fridays for infusion followed by two consecutive Fridays of NO infusion (yahoo).
The infusion today (Dec. 26) was again reduced in dosage to compensate for another low white blood cell count. The white blood count had increased some, but not enough -- so today's infusion only had one chemo drug instead of the usual two. The drive there was a little snowy, but was pretty well cleaned off. Didn't need the 4wheel drive pickup.
During the treatment, I got a phone call from my friend Mac from Los Alamos. While I remain mostly upbeat and positive, the call made it even better. I marvel at the breadth of my support system and how caring and thoughtful they are. They do stuff. We had many Secret Santa treats and gifts, lots of cards, texts, e-mails, thoughts and prayers. While words of thank you seem inadequate, please know how much they are appreciated.
Last week Kath and I spent the weekend at my parents' home in Idaho. We joined together with my siblings and their spouses to go through things in preparation for putting the home on the market in a few months when the probate process is finalized. Some things went to the landfill, some were donated to Deseret Industries, and some went to descendants. Kind of an emotional and hard process.
We had a nice Christmas. Joined Julie and Dee to see their new grandson and Skype with their missionaries in Chile and Arkansas. Julie also made a luscious Christmas dinner and of course we visited. Thanks Julie and Dee and family.
That pretty much catches you up. Again, thanks for your support and the good things you all do. In the beginning of this journey, the doctor said there are two important things to do. First, stay as active as you possibly can. Think of yourself as a healthy person and do those things. And secondly, keep a positive attitude. Your support helps a lot with that one. Thanks.
