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1/31 - Friday
Chemo cancelled due to low blood counts. I got an iron infusion for two hours -
apparently the size and shape of my red blood cells is curtailing proper iron
absorption - so I'm anemic and needed some help.
All my major blood components were way down from this particular chemo regimen
- WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin and platelets. The ccritically low platelet count was of
special concern to the oncologist and they ordered a blood transfusion for me
the next day (Saturday). Apparently, the average platelet count is
150,000-400,000. At 70,000, a person is at risk of bleeding or bruising easily.
Below 20,000 you can spontaneously bleed internally and not even know it.
My platelet count was 11,000.
1/22 - 24, Wed - Fri
Chemo 3 days in a row, part of new regimen.
1/16 - Thursday
PET scans came back with the news that the cancer has spread up my esophagus to
just behind my adam's apple, with increased coverage in the lymph nodes
surrounding my esophagus. There is also increased tumor activity in the liver.
The last line of chemo didn't work as hoped. I'll need a miracle to make
it...but we knew that a year ago when we learned stomach cancer has such low
survivability. This is just one of those periodic jolts to our senses...sort of
like God grabbing me by the shoulders saying, "My work in you is not yet
complete, hang in there, I've got more to accomplish."
My oncologist is putting me on a third line of chemo tomorrow. He said he's
going to have to be creative with the mixture because he's never had anybody
with stomach cancer make it this far. We think it will be two drugs in
combination - Etopicide and Gemcitabine. He said we're entering unknown,
experimental chemo territory. Jen and I are surprisingly stable, steady and
unshaken. Since day 1 - our emotional and intellectual eyes have been fixed on
God's ability to see us through, not the strength of the chemo alone. So we're
hanging onto that as our foundation. Keep praying...I'll keep you posted.
I am otherwise healthy. Life goes on.
1/15 - Wednesday
Neurologist said the neuropathy (numbness) in my hands and feet caused by the
chemo is likely permanent.
1/14 - Tuesday
PET scan.
1/6 - Monday
Chemo #26 (#6 new line).
I've been feeling "full" lately - not a good sign if a tumor is in
your stomach...a signal that it might be growing. Its a point of concern we're
going to discuss with my oncologist. PET scans due next week might be moved up
a few days. We're being realistic and not running from it even though it might
mean another chemo switch...we need to address it head on with the doc right
away.
Faith and reality sometimes don't seem to mix well - but we know God's hand is
in all this. More news soon.
1/2 - 1/3 Thu-Fri
Coast Guard work days.
1/1 - Wednesday
Quiet day at home with Jen...went to a movie.
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