So I realize it’s probably not the best time to write an update when you’re on day 3 of a rather difficult round of chemo… but I haven’t posted much since returning from Paris, so it’s time. Here goes.
We got home from Paris where everything was magically perfect. Perfect health, perfect food, perfect companionship, perfect pace to see perfect exhibits at amazing museums. Such a lovely break away from cancer, chemo, and decision-making on this nasty disease. We loved the trip so much, for Mother’s Day, I took Christy to a French restaurant near our home that got great reviews. I don’t know though. It just wasn’t the same. (And none of that crispy, crunchy bread to much on?? Every meal in France had a fresh baguette at the table!)
We realized the vacation is most definitely over. Thank God for all the wonderful memories though. Perfect. (April In Paris)
So on to the news.
The first blood test back from Paris had my highest platelet count (98) since last winter. Something worked over there! By the second day, it had already dropped into the 70’s. Got a round of chemo which went okay, and platelets hovered between 50’s and 60’s.
A week later I found out that they also ran tumor markers on that first week back. My primary markers have fallen from a high in March of 2700 to somewhere in the 900’s now. Both other markers they are tracking have also dropped which is of course all good news.
This week, I went in for treatment and platelets were again in the 50’s. I got a slightly higher dose of chemo anyhow, and the past three days have been the worst. No energy, no appetite… just feeling sick and wondering why I’m doing this at all. I went to the doctor’s today to get the home pump off, and of course they were all concerned. Got a liter bag of magnesium via IV, and two kinds of anti-nausea meds, plus a prescription for another to take tonight. Basically, I just feel all chemical-ed up and sick & worn down just about everywhere.
My next counseling appointment is on Tuesday, and we’ve had numerous talks about staying on treatment and how that affects quality of life. Needless to say, we’ll have much to talk about this week. There’s a big part of my mind that does not want to ever repeat these last few days. Lots to think about this week.
So I’m thankful for being so blessed in travels last month, and I’m also thankful that the tumor markers have fallen over the past few months of treatment. Up until this week, I really felt I could handle all this and keep up with treatments. What I need prayer for now is renewed strength to first, get through this terrible feeling, and second, to make sound decisions about what to do in the future. God’s guidance would sure come in handy right about now!
Thanks for your prayers, love, and compassion. So very much appreciated.
Dominique
05/19/2016I am defintely praying for you. I don’t have cancer but I do understand feeling absolutely horrible.
Love you and lots of hugs.
Patti Villavicencio
05/19/2016Ernie and I will continue to pray! God bless you and your family Sandy. Sending our love and prayers, Patti & Ernie
Mariamne Irish
05/19/2016Oh Sandy, we love you so much and hate to see you suffer! I remember how awful the chemo was for my first husband twenty eight years ago. It does not seem like much has changed in all those years even though they say they are making great strides! We are praying for you and whatever you decide we love you always! Our pastor had prayer for you on Sunday!
Pat & Barb
05/19/2016Sandy. We are always praying for you. God bless you and give you strength to get through this. Know we love you.
Pat & Barb
Joan Schaffer
05/19/2016So sorry to hear you’re feeling so icky. I’m praying for a return of your strength and a calming of your nausea. If there is anything you need or anything i can possibly do to help, just let me know.
Daveen
05/19/2016Sandy you know I pray for you always and I will never take off my purple bracelet until you beat this cancer. You and your family have some decions to make and I am right there with you in spirit!
Terrie &Chaz
05/20/2016Praying for the peace that passes all understanding to fill you to overflowing. May satan have no victory in stealing your joy or your confidence in making the right choices for you each step of the way!!! I understand not thinking You can go through that again. But your getting through it record so far is 100% 🙂🙂🙂 He WILL give you whatever you need when you need it to get through whatever it is. And we know He will be right there with you every step of the way. Love and prayers from the Yandalls
Bernie Plimpton
05/20/2016Hello Sandy! Bernie here! you know that you are in our prayers in fact I put you on the prayer list at church. I would love to say that you will be healed tomorrow but of course that is in Gods hands, all we can do is pray pray PRAY! May God be with you now and in the days ahead! Please tell Christy that we have not forgotton her either. please keep us updated if you can! BP&JP
mandy
05/20/2016Sandy, You are always in my prayers, and I can only feel the pain of watching you go thru this. I can not even begin to imagine how hard this is for you. Dig deep for strength, I am sending you strong , healing thoughts and prayers as always. Love you. Mandy
Sandy
05/20/2016Thanks everyone for your love, encouragement and prayers. So much appreciated… especially this time around. Still feeling quite drained on day 4, but slowly making progress. This has most definitely been a trying cycle.
Ron Bechard
05/20/2016Sandy: I know I don’t talk much on here, but I wanted you to know, You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers every single day. Stay strong in the Lord. There’s a lot of us who love you out here.
Donna
05/22/2016Sandy hang on to those wonderful Paris memories that are from God.
Claim His strength, peace and wisdom. We are all praying for you and Christy and your family.
kathy
05/23/2016I will definitely be praying for you as will my family..