Cycle 1, round three....checked off, done....now a week off for my bone marrow to try and catch up. At yesterday's round 3, I just squeaked by; there is a blood test called Absolute Neutrophil Count that indicates how well your bone barrow is doing producing new white blood cells. You have to have a value greater that 1.2 to procede with the infusion. My value was 1.3. PRAISE GOD! Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to a week off, but I am also praying to stay "on schedule" and get this chemo wrapped up by the end of the summer.
I am praising God for many other things too. Let's start with this beautiful spring weather, warm enough to sit on the patio and feel the sun warming my head, which, PRAISE GOD is no longer bald, but is growing a nice little cover....about a half inch long, no color or curl changes apparent yet. PRAISE GOD, my digestive system is kicking back into gear. I am still careful what I eat, and how I eat it, learning what foods give me trouble and still need to be avoided. I learned from a ten year survivor, (10 YEARS!!!), that I will always be dealing with these issues, I just will get much better at anticipating, and that sometimes it is OK to go ahead and eat what you want, knowing the consequences. That was refreshing to hear. I am working hard to get my calorie intact up so that we can cut back on the TPN. I was unaware that TPN is hard on your liver, so I hoping to be off it within the next two weeks. We began tapering yesterday, getting IV every other day instead of daily. If I can hold my weight, we will continue for two weeks and then be done with that too. Another PRAISE GOD!
I would greatly appreciate you joining me in praying for continued digestive improvement, being able to eat enough to wean off the TPN, renewed energy....I still nap every afternoon and am looking forward to getting out and getting some short walks in, and increased bone marrow function. With a white count of only 2.3 I really cannot be out in the community, and of course have to be exceedingly careful being around anyone who is sick. We had a little scare with some family members but that seems to be resolving and we are moving past the "contagious period".
We have been celebrating birthdays this month and will continue celebrating this week and into April. It is so nice to have "normal activitities" on the calendar to look forward to. While we can't go to church to prepare for Easter, we are greatful for the ability to participate in worship over the internet. We look forward to celebrating the Christ's Resurection with family. PRAISE GOD!
God continues to be so gracious. To be surrounded by such a "great cloud of witnesses", of prayer partners, of encouragers, is a blessing I am so undeserving of, but so grateful for. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
In Him,
Annie
