12/2/2009 - Numbers Going Down

It has been a few days since I was discharged from the hospital. Thanks to your prayers, I did not experience any major side effects. There were moments of nausea, but none so bad that I had thrown up or needed to take medication. I was prescribed medication to prevent sore eyes, anti-viral medication to prevent chicken pox, anti-fungal medication to prevent yeast or other fungal infection, and antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection. The fight is far from over. Over the next several days, my body will continue to get weaker until it hits the bottom (nadir is the medical term for it). It takes a couple of weeks to get to that point. That is how long it takes the body to get rid of the toxicity from chemotherapy. After it hits bottom, the body should be able to get stronger, including having better blood counts and getting itself out of neutropenia.

I get a blood test twice a week with potential blood and platelet transfusion as needed, and a consultation with the doctor once a week. Yesterday was my first blood test. As expected, my blood count went down. What I didn't expect was how low it could go. My white blood count was 0.6. The normal range is 4-11. The platelet also went down, so I got a platelet transfusion yesterday. This should help my blood to clot up should there be any bleeding. The hemoglobin was low, but not low enough to require a blood transfusion. The BMT doctor did not give me a shot to boost my blood count after the chemo. She wanted my body to recover on its own. Needless to say, I am very much neutropenic now, so I am being extra careful.

Please continue to pray that there will not be any side effects from this round of chemo. In particular, that I will not have to deal with nausea, mouth sores, digestive problems, problems with the kidney or liver, and infections of any kind (bacteria, virus, fungus). The flu season is getting into full swing now, with many people coughing and sneezing. I avoid them like the plague! Please pray that my family and I will not be infected with the regular flu and the deadly H1N1 flu virus.

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17). I consider myself blessed to have many true friends who have shown their love during this time. I am doubly blessed to have 6 siblings who are pulling for me and helping in their own way. My sister, Verna, is back in Manila. She was a big help to us the last 3 months. She had denied herself the comfort of her life in Manila to come here and help us out. She prepared food for us, took care of dropping off the kids and picking them up, accompanied me to my appointments, and cheered me up with her company. Although I didn't abuse her kindness by letting her cook all the time (I do most of the cooking when I feel well), she was always willing to help. Coming from someone who didn't have to do any chores or take care of anyone else at home - I am deeply touched by her generous spirit!

That is all for now. I will have more information about bone marrow transplant in my next blog. It is quite an interesting topic on its own. Please pray that God will make his will concerning bone marrow transplant very clear to us. Please continue to pray for my complete healing, that God will guide the doctors in providing the care that I need, and that my family and I will continue to be happy and positive throughout this journey.

Thank you for your continued prayers and may God bless you and your family!