What a big day and a big milestone.
Dad completed Chemo Series #1 of 3 today and we received good news. It appears to be working!
They track a chemical called ALK PHOS as the amount of this chemical in your body is a sign of cancer growth. Dad's was very low before cancer (old blood tests) and skyrocketed once he was diagnosed (the new blood test). It is now trending downwards (slowly but surely). Not much to get excited about but we'll take all we can get (remember the fight isn't with cancer, it's to live every day to the fullest) and celebrate the small things.
So to celebrate I took dad out to get some fresh Tereyaki Shrimp and Chicken, and we had a beer and watched a movie! nice!!!
We had some questions going into this treatment and here are the results of those Q&A
1. dad has gotten a little louder at night (lol, sleep apnea)..is this a problem..No
2. The previous sessions blood test showed abnormally high sugar levels close to being diabetic...is this a problem...No, while it was high it isn't diabetic high and is most likely a result of taking the steroid dexamethason.
3. His voice and sinuses are acting up constantly...is this a problem...no, his white blood cell counts are up which is normal for cancer patients so he's probably fighting a small infection/flu/cold/allergy etc..most people wouldn't be affected but due to the chemo he is weakened and therefore is impacted
4. Dr Kim is leaving this month so when will our last appointment be and who will be the new doctor...today was the last appointment with Dr. Kim, Dr. Churchilla will be the new doctor and he met with her today...very nice
5. what are the next steps since series one is completed...get imaging done...confirm results...start series 2 adjust fire as needed
6. when will the imaging be (two weeks from now)
7. when will the next series begin (three weeks from now, same schedule as right now)
8. Blood work results...hemoglobin was very low, White Blood Cells was very high, Red blood cells were low....as a result Dad was administered a drug that helps the blood marrow develop more hemoglobin on it's own...if it works he won't need a transfusion like before
9. Due to the good news and the lowered pain level dad was directed to start weaning his way off of the drug meds, he is now down to only two 5mg prescribed Oxycodones per day (remember only 6 weeks ago he as at 20mg, 3 x a day.
Dad had great spirits today and was giving the nurses a hard time, all in fun. Laughing and enjoying the environment and people as best as he knows how.
That's about it. Thanks to all of you for your prayers...keep them coming...we serve a great God, scratch that...we serve and AWESOME God!
In Christ,
Jeff
Dad completed Chemo Series #1 of 3 today and we received good news. It appears to be working!
They track a chemical called ALK PHOS as the amount of this chemical in your body is a sign of cancer growth. Dad's was very low before cancer (old blood tests) and skyrocketed once he was diagnosed (the new blood test). It is now trending downwards (slowly but surely). Not much to get excited about but we'll take all we can get (remember the fight isn't with cancer, it's to live every day to the fullest) and celebrate the small things.
So to celebrate I took dad out to get some fresh Tereyaki Shrimp and Chicken, and we had a beer and watched a movie! nice!!!
We had some questions going into this treatment and here are the results of those Q&A
1. dad has gotten a little louder at night (lol, sleep apnea)..is this a problem..No
2. The previous sessions blood test showed abnormally high sugar levels close to being diabetic...is this a problem...No, while it was high it isn't diabetic high and is most likely a result of taking the steroid dexamethason.
3. His voice and sinuses are acting up constantly...is this a problem...no, his white blood cell counts are up which is normal for cancer patients so he's probably fighting a small infection/flu/cold/allergy etc..most people wouldn't be affected but due to the chemo he is weakened and therefore is impacted
4. Dr Kim is leaving this month so when will our last appointment be and who will be the new doctor...today was the last appointment with Dr. Kim, Dr. Churchilla will be the new doctor and he met with her today...very nice
5. what are the next steps since series one is completed...get imaging done...confirm results...start series 2 adjust fire as needed
6. when will the imaging be (two weeks from now)
7. when will the next series begin (three weeks from now, same schedule as right now)
8. Blood work results...hemoglobin was very low, White Blood Cells was very high, Red blood cells were low....as a result Dad was administered a drug that helps the blood marrow develop more hemoglobin on it's own...if it works he won't need a transfusion like before
9. Due to the good news and the lowered pain level dad was directed to start weaning his way off of the drug meds, he is now down to only two 5mg prescribed Oxycodones per day (remember only 6 weeks ago he as at 20mg, 3 x a day.
Dad had great spirits today and was giving the nurses a hard time, all in fun. Laughing and enjoying the environment and people as best as he knows how.
That's about it. Thanks to all of you for your prayers...keep them coming...we serve a great God, scratch that...we serve and AWESOME God!
In Christ,
Jeff
All Good news!!! So encouraging!!! Such a blessing to see our prayers being answered!!! Making each day count is what it's all about - We are so thankful to "The Only One Who Makes the Moon Reflect the Sun!" We know Him as our God and Father - Thank you Jesus!!!
ReplyDeleteWe had a very enjoyable evening with Sherry last night, so loved having her here so we could surround her with love and support. Lifting the whole family up in prayers daily.
In His Time and our love ~ Sue & Jeff
This is GREAT news! I am so glad you all are feeling encouraged and things are moving in a positive direction. We continue to pray daily for Uncle Jim and family. We are in this with you!!
ReplyDeleteLoves,
Jenny
Hello Jim so glad to hear you are doing well. God truly is awesome and I will continue to pray. A customer by the name of Daryl asked me to tell you he will be praying and he said to tell you hi. Take care Anita
ReplyDelete