The good news is that Cheryl is feeling fine and probably will for the next week. The bad news is the reason -- her platelet count was too low to get her chemo treatment today. While it is great she is feeling good we are becoming more and more concerned that lack of treatment is allowing the cancer to grow again. We don't know for sure what is really going on and won't until another CT scan is done sometime in the future, possibly in four weeks.
When we came back to KC and set the treatment plan, Cheryl was to receive 4 doses of Gemcitabine by last Thursday. Instead she has received only 2.5 doses because her platelet count has remained too low. It was 56 today (normal is 140 to 440) and needs to be 80 to get her chemo treatment. Other blood counts were: hemoglobin 9.0 (normal is 12 to 16), white count 4.0 (normal is 4.0 to 11).
There is basically nothing you can do to make your platelets increase. The nurse told us today that there are shots to help with white cells and red cells but nothing for platelets. It is such a helpless feeling, knowing that you need chemo to have a chance and not being able to get it. We see the doctor next Thursday and hope he has some ideas.
Since it is beyond the capabilities of modern medicine to increase Cheryl's platelets, we must rely on the ultimate power. Please help us pray. Ron
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So sorry you couldn't get the treatment today. I could hear it in your voice as we talked a few minutes ago. Keep your chin up and we'll all talk to God and ask him what his plan is for you. I think he is using you as an example for all to look back on when the miracle occurs. I'm going to keep believing that and I want you to also. Love you.
ReplyDeleteI so hope your your platelet count increases and that you will be able to begin the chemo soon. I'm thankful, though, that you feel well, Cheryl, as you wait for it to increase. I'm not very good at praying, but I will. I think of you often. Sending hugs, Marion
ReplyDeleteBummer!!! But I'm glad you feel decent. I suppose some meds are messing with your platelets?? Did I mention how cute those little twins are??? Takes me back every time I think about it. I saw Phyllis in the hospital today. Hope they can fix her soon. She is precious!!
ReplyDeleteHello Once Again!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the hottest place on earth! I can't tell you how awful it is down here, and those cool days in Soldier last July seem like an eternity ago! I have not been venturing out much, but I have had several doctor appointments and I quickly came back home after each one! We helped Scott move in to a new apartment over on the eastside of town this afternoon. Cheyenne is spending the night with us so there will be plenty of action around here. It looks like I will be coming back to Soldier to be with Mom as they see what can be done to remedy her situation. My plans now are to fly in on September 7 (Monday) as they plan to do her epidural on the 8th. If they do decide to do surgery on her back, I will stay until she has recovered and I am hoping to bring her down here for a while and then come back to Soldier for the holidays. All this could change, and I'll try to keep you up-to-date as we go along.
Please know I have been praying for Cheryl's platelet count to go up and for the cancer cells to go down at the same time. I know it must seem so frustrating waiting, but we have to remember that it is all in God's timing and not ours. Perhaps there is a reason why Cheryl's body needs this little break before beginning another treatment. As the writer of Proverbs says--"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." He is the One who knows and He is the One who holds Cheryl in His hand--we are the ones who need to trust. May you feel His comfort and peace today . . . Love you so much! Barb