Another Delay

Well...with great anticipation of # 9 this morning, my blood counts were again too low to be given chemo. There is a response in my bone marrow, but not enough mature white cells to sustain another cycle. Chemo is producing varied effects on different systems.

Now...with disappointment, # 9 will be delayed another week. Hopefully, by then, I will have reached a level where I again can have chemo. I felt so good yesterday, Don and I were guessing what the numbers would be. Feeling good does NOT equate to adequate blood counts.

With Don's BIG birthday today, Mark & Cinda's 15th Wedding anniversary, and just plain summertime, our entire family is assembling in Michigan for celebrations. This is the first time that everyone will be together. That will be 22 people in all! Twelve adults and ten grandchildren from age 11 to 1. Logistics from food to sleeping arrangements are interesting. More about that later.

Again, we are reminded that our timings are not necessarily of our making. May the Lord continue to give direction and oversight as HE has in the past. Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." We again claim HIS promises.

#8 and Storms

It is Friday evening July 2nd. I was disconnected from my pump about 5 hours ago now, having completed Chemo Treatment # 8. While my blood counts were still on the low side, they were adequate for me to be treated. That is a huge praise!

It is nice to not be tethered to the pump, but it has become so much a routine, that I am not bother with it, asleep or awake.

Each treatment seems to have its unique aspects. This time, only one IV bag was infused initially rather than two. It seem that Leukovorin is not available at this time in the United States. There is no supply to obtain this drug. While it is not an actual chemotherapeutic drug, it does potentiates the effects of the other two. There was a manufacturing 'glitch' which cause the supply to be depleted. Glaxo, Smith, Kline feels they will be able to supply more by the end of July. Interesting.

Two weeks ago, on Friday, a huge storm came through. We lost power in Western Springs for about 8 hours. However, the next day it again went out.....and this time stayed out for over three days. 78+ hours. We ran a generator to supply our refrigerator and freezer, light candles and flashlights, and went to bed at 8:30 at night. Even with the generator, we lost over half the contents of our freezer.

Mark and Cinda were up in Michigan. Power went out there as well for about three days. Our area in Michigan sustained extensive damage with many old, large tall trees uprooted. While we lost trees, there was no damage to our house. Our neighbor, however, had two trees and an limb go into his roof. One really had to see to believe.....thus will share some pictures.

The power of nature is awesome. Our God is in control.

Chemo # 7 - Mongolians Return

With white blood cells still low, especially my ANC - Absolute Neutrophil count of 1.1. , my dose was reduced by another 15 % from the initial dosage. Thus I am getting 70% dose. I have the 5-FU infusion until about 5 pm tonight. Again side effects were different this time.

It has been a delight to have Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby with us. They have explored museums, sorted through items that were left here, and enjoyed several ethnic Chicago foods. They will be heading down to Missouri and Arkansas for the next few weeks returning to Chicago area mid-July. They are ticketed to return July 24, however, word came a few days ago that the Mongolian government might not be reviewing visas until July which might delay their return.
Timing again, is not always ours to set.

Thank you everyone for your intercessory pray on out behalf. How encouraging it is to learn of people that are praying in the middle of the night from Singapore to Niger to Mongolia to the midwest. Your friendship and concern is a real treasure.

Delay with # 7 Chemo

The expected #7 treatment could not be given today as again my blood counts were too low.

Treatment will be delayed one week, blood counts evaluated, and infusion restarted with the possibility of another reduction in dosage at that time.

We remain in God's hands. The timing and healing are not ours. May I completely "Trust in you, O Lord; You are my God," My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies" Psalm 31:14

JOY - Disappointment - JOY

JOY - Wednesday June 2nd

Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby arrived from Mongolia via Seoul, Korea...24+ hours of travel. Ulanbataar, Mongolia to Seoul is now 3 hours as they have to avoid North Korean air space. After two years, it was absolutely wonderful to see everyone. Annika and Toby have both grown physically, but still have their sweet spirit. They are very resourceful children. Their return to the states was prompted by visa requirement. We are delighted! Aspen, their dog, seemed to remember them. They certainly were glad to see her.

Disappointment - June 2nd

Following Chemo #6, I have felt quite good. Probably the best of any week immediately after the infusion. I had a positive attitude, ate quite well, and had period of 'energy'. Prior to the going to the airport, I had blood drawn. My white blood cells count was at the lowest it has ever been. WBC....1.9 for those who are interested. My ANC was 0.03. Lesson: feeling good does not necessarily translate into quality blood counts. Again, my risk of infection is heightened. I was given another dose of Neupogen to help boost my production of white cells. Also placed on antibiotics with signs of an infection brewing.

JOY - June 3rd

Thursday, repeat blood drawn showed white blood counts which have never been higher!!!
Thank you Lord for Neupogen, that I do no have pain as my marrow is stimulated, and that it has been effective for me. WBC jumped to 7.7 and ANC to 4.5! Blood draw again next week before #7 hopefully will continue to show positive effects of the drug.

Thanks to so many who lift up my situation in prayer before the Lord, for those that have helped with yard work, with food, with comments and letters, and in multiple other ways. We appreciate each of you.

God is Faithful

It has been quite awhile since I wrote last. I do not want to bore anyone with the details of chemo side effects. They are there, sometimes more intense than others, sometimes present in the morning, sometimes appear at night. I can have some energy for a while, and then a veil of exhaustion come over and you will find me on the couch or in bed. I want to be able to anticipate these times, yet there is no pattern.

Chemo #6 was infused last Wednesday and for the most part, I have felt quite well. Don and I were able to enjoy several days relaxing in Michigan.

This past week has been eventful. #6 for me....yeah! Last Friday, our daughter Becky had a complete thyroidectomy done for nodules that suddenly appeared this spring. Dr. A. Gawande was able to do her surgery...one of the top endocrine surgeons in the country. We prayed that her vocal chords would be spared.......she is able to talk; we prayed that her para-thyroid glands would be spared......all four of them were! While she has experienced days of discomfort and pain, each day brings a bit of relief. Thankfully, the other set of Grandparents, Dan and Jean Williams were able and willing to drive out to care for 2 year old Eleanor. They have visited parks, farms, and taken many walks in Boston, keeping that little sweetheart occupied while Becky recovers.

Now this week, Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby have driven in the capital of Ulanbataar, Mongolia. They leave tonight at midnight flying through Seoul and onto Chicago.....a 24 hours + journey of time. They have to leave Mongolia due to visa status that will change when they return. They will be in the states for about 6 weeks. We pray for a peaceful flight with periods of sleep.

Since we like the medical community, Sarah and Peter's oldest son will have an operation on Thursday to remove his adenoids.

We so much appreciate your comments, your interest, and most of all your prayers for God's continued care.

Chemo # 5 - Day 5

Number 5 Chemo infused last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Dose adjustment took place to the appropriate dose for the response of my bone marrow. Side effects continue, but one learns to deal with them. Sometimes that means extra hours on the couch from the constant fatigue.

Have been watching a Mother Robin build a nest outside our dining room window. She faithfully sat for weeks on that nest. There seems to be a Mom and Dad combination as two adult robins are usually seen nearby. This past week two little heads popped up in the nest. It has been fascinating watching the parents bring bits of food....worms?....to them. The baby robins grow so quickly. Talk about being faithful as a Mother.

Had to include a picture of our Aspen. She is a delight....well most of the time. We get used to her snoring, her cough, her routine.....and she to our routine as well.
Mark, Cinda, Annika, and Toby return to the states from Mongolia on June 2nd...16 days, but who is counting. Aspen is power sleeping until then.