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I felt pretty good today. I seem to have put the low-grade temperature behind me.
I had my chemo this afternoon. My white cell count was about 9,800; well above the 1,000 it was last Wednesday. However, my platelet count was low so they cut my treatment from 1550 mg to 1160 mg of Gemzar. Both my Red Cell and Hemoglobin counts are also on the low side so they gave me a shot of Aranesp. Here's a link that gives you the side effects of the Gemzar.
I feel like I’m starting to run out of body.
I didn’t get a Neulasta shot nor am I scheduled for one. I told them I was not a happy camper. I didn’t want to be wandering around with a very low white cell count. I couldn’t talk directly with my oncologist so I’ll send him an email tomorrow. It won’t really be an email, but a fax. But it’s about the same from my side.
Right now, I’m starting to feel pretty tired. I think the chemo is already starting to whack my feet.
I’m off to bed.
Posted by The Vorlon at May 22, 2006 8:49 PMI was reading an article yesterday and thought it worthy of mention. It was in May's issue of Dog Fancy. Now, before you sigh and turn away, hear me out. They do a lot of testing on animals before they do that same testing on humans. Some of the drugs they give us are the same drugs that worked on the dogs. Some are not exactly the same, due to physiological differences. Now, the article was about cancer in dogs. One of the treatments that has been garnering a fair amount of success, at least in extending life when they did not use other treatments (i.e., chemo, radiation, etc.) was a protein diet. They have, apparently, found that cancer likes carbohydrates. The idea, therefore, is to starve the cancer and feed the body. Normally, I don't go for the Adkins diets, etc., they just don't seem very balanced to me. However, on the other hand, I have never heard of anyone being harmed by it either. Like I said, for what it's worth.
I hope today goes better than yesterday . . .
Nora
Posted by: nora at May 23, 2006 8:25 AMWell, Dr. Armstrong, you are working very hard to manage all the different medications that are being used. You do an admirable job in keeping track of your situation, but, oh what a job it is. So tough for you to be aware of all the side effects that might be affecting your white cell count and your hemoglobin. It is like an out-of-body experience I would imagine.
Just keep giving yourself really high-fives for all that you contribute to your own care. It is awesome and I truly admire you for all that you are able to do, tiring as it may be.
God strengthens you everyday as you continue on this journey and will continue to guide and protect you as you two travel together during this most difficult of times.
You are just awesome!
Your buddy, Ruth
Posted by: Ruth Berlien at May 23, 2006 11:09 AMNora,
Two thoughts: Dogs probably have a higer protein requirement than humans. They do come from wolves. But the same principle may still apply for humans. It's sad news for someone like me with a sweet tooth.
Ruth,
Thank you. You always brighten my day.