Friday, May 21, 2010

Life is GOOD today!

It's been a fairly uneventful two weeks since my last post. I've felt pretty good, although I did come down with a cold that landed in my chest. I'm ramping up on Vitamin C and sinus rinse, so all that remains is a bit of a lingering cough. I haven't been able to get my walks in as much because of the rainy season we're in, but am trying to get out as much as possible. I am so looking forward to sunny weather...as I'm sure everyone is.

I saw my oncologist on Thursday morning. Blood work results came back very good. There are so many counts on that piece of paper from the lab, and I don't understand all of them, but I do know that my white blood counts are up to 2200. This means that the Neulasta (bone marrow stimulant) shot is doing it's job. It's been two weeks since my last chemo treatment, so if the counts were going to be low, they would be now. At this point, we don't expect them to drop. I am just slightly anemic, but not enough to be concerned.

My next blood work up and appointment is scheduled for June 3rd. If all is well, I will have treatment on that day as well. This will be treatment #3....leaving me with only 3 more to go. I would expect to have a MRI probably in June or July since that will be the halfway point in my treatment.

My doctor is so pleased with my results....it's about time!!! I haven't exactly been a textbook patient. I haven't reacted negatively (so far!) to the Carboplatin. I'm not on steroids, except with my treatment. (Doc told me she has many patients that can't come off of steroids at all...I'm feeling very lucky!) I'm strong neurologically, physically and mentally....well usually strong mentally. I've had a couple of meltdown moments recently. But everyone has their days...right? It's all just part of life and dealing with the crosses we have to bear.

It brings me to tears to realize just how blessed I am to have so many friends thinking of me, checking on me, praying for me. GOD has called me to carry this burden. I have accepted it and am faithfully doing what HE wants me to do. I am in HIS arms and HE carries me everyday.

I make my way through this experience bravely and courageously because I am not alone. I am wrapped in the blanket of God's love, lifted up and cared for.

Many Blessings to all,
Sandy

Thursday, May 6, 2010

"Thus far has the Lord helped us." Samuel 7:12

I had blood work this morning and the results were better than on Monday. The Neupogen shots worked to bring my blood counts up to the point that I was able to have chemo today.

I had a full dose of the Carboplatin. I came home and slept pretty much all day, but haven't had any other negative side effects at this point. I'm remaining optimistic that all will continue to go well. I go back for one more shot on Friday morning. This time I will get Neulasta, which is a longer lasting bone marrow stimulant that is supposed to keep my blood cell count from dropping too low.

My next doctor appointment is May, 20th. I'm looking forward to that appointment because I'm curious how the Neulasta will keep my blood counts stable.

Thank you for your continued gifts of prayers. You all are in my daily prayers as well. I am amazed everyday that I am so blessed.

Touch me with your hand Father, and use me to pass on your touch to others.

Peace,
Sandy

Week of Monday, May 3, 2010

Today is a new day, a day I choose to lay down my fear and stress, a day in which I needn't be worried or concerned.

So it's the normal drill...I had blood work and doctor appointment on Monday morning. I think I am beginning to wonder what normal really is?

My lab results showed that my white blood cell count continued to decline over this past week. Last week it was 940, this week it is 830. Unfortunately, I can not take chemotherapy when the white blood count is below 1000.

To work on that, I have to take Neupogen shots. Neupogen stimulates the bone marrow to generate red, white blood cells and platelets. Side effects of this drug are slight to severe bone pain and fever. I had my first shot yesterday, second shot today, and will have another shot on Wednesday. I'm feeling some moderate bone pain, so I'm taking Tylenol. Unfortunately, since I am asthmatic, I can not take ibuprofen or Advil. I'm praying the pain won't get any worse than it is now, but if it does, oh well...in my mind the benefits out weigh the pain! I can do this!

This drug is fairly quick acting, so Thursday I will have bloodwork again to check my numbers. If the stars are aligned and the moon is in the 2nd house, and of course.....if my counts are back up, I will have chemo on Thursday, full dose this time. If chemo happens, I will go back on Friday for a shot of Neulasta, which is a longer acting bone marrow stimulant to try to keep my counts up so I can stay on time with my treatments.

Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. Things could be worse. Fortunately I have God on my side and he is carrying me everyday!

Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. 1 Chronicles 28:20

I will keep you posted. Enjoy your day!

Peace,
Sandy