Monday, October 28, 2013 - Where do we go from here?

Follow up labs and an appointment with my Oncologist today. Sharon rides shotgun to be my second set of ears. Here's where we are. The results of my CAT scan are mixed, but, much better than I originally expected. The largest nodule, 4 centimeters is no longer visible (bye-bye) two other nodules are also gone (adios), two additional nodules have decreased in size and two nodules have slightly increased in size. Of course we would have loved to have received all positive results, but I'll gladly take today's results. Also, there are no new nodules and my abdomen remains clear.

Today's red cell count was 29, they like you to be at a minimum of 30. Prior to my transfusion my red blood cell count was 21. Usually transfusion takes place when you hit a count of 28.

Where do we go from here. For now, I will continue on with the Etoposide but at a reduced dose. Currently I am taking 150ml a day, now I will be taking 100ml. I have another blood draw next Monday which will dictate if I continue treatment the following Tuesday. I need to continue to remind myself that this is a six cycle treatment program and I am only at the half way mark. If I can tolerate the Etoposide for three more cycles I will have a CAT scan at the end (early February) so we can see what my body has done. If need be there are other options on the horizon...options are good.

Sunday, October 27, 2013 - Weekend Update

Friday, October 26th - Mike (bro) takes me to the outpatient lab at Providence hospital to be type/matched for Saturdays transfusion. The waiting room is packed and my butt is dragging. I asked the woman standing in the doorway...are you waiting? She replies...no, but you will be. Alright then.

Saturday, October 27th - Mike and I leave my place...off for my transfusion and Mike starts in about the monkey blood I will be receiving today...grin. We arrive back at Providence just before 9:00am and Tammy, my nurse for the day tells me I will be in room #9 and to get comfy because I'm going to be there for approximately six hours...I truly am receiving three quarts.

First blood pressure reading of the day 100/40...Whoa. After one and a half quarts it was time for a potty break...ah, how nice to stand up and not feel like I was going to buckle...walk down the hall and back and not be gasping for breath. Finally at just after 4:00pm I was done. My engine serviced with a complete flush...of monkey blood. On a serious note...I send a big thank you out to all those who donated their blood to help me.

Saturday afternoon...Cindy quasi watches a world series game and takes a two hour nap.

Saturday night...Cindy sleeps 14 hours.

Sunday...Cindy feels like a new girl. Still off my game, but so, so much better.

Friday, October 25, 2013 - What a Difference a Week Makes

I must say this past week has been one of my most difficult weeks since starting treatment in 2011. So light headed when I stand, shortness of breath with any movement...taking a shower is like running a marathon...even brushing my teeth tires me out, muscle aches, and the fatigued, holy Mary. I put a call into my triage nurse yesterday since I was unable to stay in a standing position and was gasping for breath...she had me come in for an unscheduled CAT scan and blood work. They wanted to rule out blood clots in my lungs...which, I felt confident I didn't have but, they are the professionals. I waited for the results of the blood work and found out that pretty much everything is crazy low...white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, etc...so low, I will be receiving a blood transfusion tomorrow morning. Seems the chemo is working double time and has taken my counts too low.

This morning I received a call from my triage nurse with the results of my CAT scan...it came with mixed results...but as a dear friend reminded me, mixed results are better than bad results (thank you Brian). Some of the nodules have decreased in size while some have increased. So the chemo is working, but it isn't?

I have follow up labs on Monday and then an appointment with my Oncologist to discuss what has happened and where we go from here.

I am not looking forward to the transfusion tomorrow, I understand that I'm to receive three quarts. Really? But, I am looking forward to feeling better and apparently looking better since my triage nurse asked me...have you looked in the mirror lately? Gotta love her.

Thursday, October 17, 2013 - Oh My!

Queasy, vomiting and dizziness...oh my! Yes boys and girls, that about covers my life these past few weeks. Had a fairly rough time with queasiness and vomiting for two days...I now have a better understanding how some people call time...meaning they stop treatment. Now don't worry, I am as committed today as I was when I got on this crazy merry-go-round. I called my triage nurse and we mixed up, doubled up my anti nausea meds and Cindy got some much needed relief.