Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Disappointing Start

It is the third week of the first cycle of my new battle plan to defeat the recurrence of multiple myeloma. The cycle calls for Velcade twice a week for two weeks with no treatment on the third week. I am not off to an auspicious start.   

Week One:  I had Velcade on Tuesday and Friday. The treatment seemed to cause a low grade headache and I was pretty tired, but it was manageable.

Week Two:  On Tuesday I went in for treatment and my CBC showed that my platelets had dropped to 92 which required the nurse to get approval from the doctor to proceed with the Velcade injection which I had.  My next treatment was scheduled for Friday.  As I expected, my platelets had dropped again - to 68!  My WBC, RBC and Absolute Neutrophils (infection fighters) had dropped as well.  Much to my dismay, I was unable to have treatment that day. Managing chemo drugs and blood counts is like walking a tightrope, so I am thankful to have such a fine team of medical professionals taking care of me.

Week Three:  I am on vacation from treatment until May 14.  Vacation sounds like it should be a good thing, but I am feeling discouraged that I couldn't get through the first cycle without my numbers dropping below the threshold for treatment.  Until I can be assured that my CBC numbers have rebounded a bit, I will be keeping a low profile.  In fact, I just sent Brent off to the grocery store to do some shopping!

On a much brighter note, we have been having lovely weather.  Yesterday, Seattle tied with Phoenix for the highest big city temperature in the country - 87 degrees!  This warmer than usual weather has made for a glorious display of wisteria on our porch. The wonder of nature and the rebirth each spring brings is a boost to the most flagging of spirits.


Posted by at

6 comments:

  1. Lynn SeveranceMay 7, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    Carole Leigh - am disappointed with you that there has been this glitch in having to postpone your planned treatment regimen. True - it is for a good reason. I pray that while you wait for those counts to come back up you will not be fighting side effects and can rest.

    That said, it is hard. Hard for me to read and hard for you to be experiencing. May the wisteria inspire you. Not long ago, it was waiting to "bloom", too.

    Take heart, good friend.
    Love, Lynn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole LeighMay 11, 2013 at 4:57 PM

      Lynn,
      I love your analogy of the wisteria. It is blooming in all its glory and it is a reminder for me to be patient.

      Sending my love,
      Carole Leigh

      Delete
  2. AnonymousMay 7, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Carole Leigh-You are always on my mind, in my prayers. How disappointing this set back is, I know. Just stay strong and keep your faith. I'm sending you my love.

    Love you my dear friend,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole LeighMay 11, 2013 at 4:58 PM

      Hi Linda,
      You brightened my day with your comment. I am trying to stay strong and succeeding most of the time. Looking forward to Washington DC.

      All my love to you, dear friend,
      Carole Leigh

      Delete
  3. JulieMay 15, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Hi Carole, just stopping by to say hello, and wish you well! Sending hugs of support your way :) Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole LeighAugust 31, 2013 at 7:51 PM

      Hello Julie,
      I am looking back through some of my posts ( on Aug. 31!) and I found that I hadn't responded to your "hello" and well wishes. It is never too late. Thank you for the hugs of support. I hope all is well with you.

      Sending you hugs,
      Carole Leigh

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)