Good News

Back on January 16th, we did the periodic bloodwork and CT scan to see how things are progressing.  During the chemo infusion on the 23rd, we saw the doctor and got the results.  The CT scan showed smaller lesions and fewer of them and the blood maker was down.  This means that the chemo is still working.  The doctor said that he doesn't often see these kinds of positive results after the preliminary rounds of chemo, so we will be continuing with more chemo until it is no longer working.  We will also put off the clinical trial of immunology until at least summer.

Because my white blood counts continue to be low, we will also try an injection of neulasta the day after chemo.  This means another trip to the Huntsman Center since the insurance requires that it be administered at the clinic before they will pay. These injections sometimes cause some "bone pain", but there are no reactions in others so I am hoping that it is pretty uneventful for me.

I also saw the primary care doctor earlier this week regarding the diabetes.  After looking at results of the A1C test, he said I could again reduce the frequent glucose testing to a couple of times per week.  Things are well controlled by the pills and by self regulating the amount of carbohydrates that I eat.  I am blessed that this is easing, as I feel like I have enough to worry about without the constant reminder of testing and insulin injections.

The oncologist continues to emphasize the three "A's"--  Appetite, Activity and Attitude.  Keep all three of these in good shape and the outcomes will be better.  I continue to struggle with the activity part.  The chemo fatigue is hard to keep motivated to overcome, but I try.  Your thoughts and prayers are an important part of keeping the "attitude" on a positive note.  Thanks for all you do.  It's kind of amazing to think of all those praying for me and sending good thoughts.  I'll continue to do my best.  Thanks again.

The Whole Enchilada

Yesterday was another chemotherapy infusion at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.  After we checked in at 7:00 am, we were escorted to a bed located in one of the separate rooms of the Infusion Center.  We had been advised in the beginning that this could occur, but after numerous infusions in the various chairs it felt like a surprise.  They assured us that it was just a random choice and nothing to worry about.  After doing it this way today, I prefer a reclining chair.

The port was accessed without any problem and when the bloodwork results came back, it showed the blood counts being in normal range and I could take the full prescribed chemo drugs.  That was the first time that happened in several months.  I guess forgoing one of the chemo drugs last week resulted in my blood being back to strong enough for chemo.  So I got the whole enchilada today instead of a "less than full strength dosage."  The downside is that after being home just a few hours, I could already tell that the "chemo fatigue" will be a little worse this time.  Guess everything has its trade-offs.

Also saw the oncologist yesterday and reported the usual things: no pain, no swelling of hands and feet, just fatigue.  We scheduled the next CT scan in a couple of weeks.  We'll go over the results of the scan when I see him again at the end of the month.  He did say that the latest blood marker test was down from the previous test again, but it is hard to say it is really a trend with so few data points.

In summary, I am doing as well as expected.  Lots of that is due to my awesome support system.  Thanks for making it easier to stay positive.  I know that all the thoughts, prayers, e-mails, phone calls, text messages really help.  I really appreciate it.  Love you.

More Chemo and Other Things

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.