As I sit here in my hospital bed I am surrounded on this night with such a sweetness. The walls have been decked with cards, pictures, notes, and markers of my life, which so all of you have had a part in creating. And on this night as I think of the elements of my life, encompassing, I want you to know I am happy. The tears that I encountered in the onset of this have changed from fear to a knowledge of such love. I hope you all know that my heart swells daily as I re-read, these passages, as I look at the pictures of you, and I as I realize that the most powerful thing about this sickness, is its ability to show me the goodness of my life. I hope that things are well with each of you, and will try to write individually, right now is just a bit busy between all of the crazy events of the day.
So I have been on a chemo regiment for about a week. The routine lasts 22 days, and each month will change a bit. The induction month I am in, is compounded with all sorts of drugs, and treatments to set me off in the right place. I started last week which means, I am for the most part now, nutripeanic, or without an immune system. However after all the anti biotic I have been on, I might as well have a little bubble around me, they have this down to a science.
In the first hit of chemo, i got a fever etc, but after the drugs, really not too shabby. Lets be honest its designed to make ya pretty sick, I guess they figured this would detour me. However, then they introduced me to a little thing called prednisone. This little steroid I am on makes me hungry like a moose. Since the introduction of this I have also been previed to a full menu for each day, both Childs and adult. So everyday, I pick what, how much, and when I would like, all this pretty tasty, food. And since I am on a steroid, I eat about 5000-6000 calories a day, and still keep my girl ish figure. (but don't get excited or afraid and send donuts, its all like no bacteria food, unlike I am used to preparing, no past date stuff ya know…. Good thing I am not cooking.)
My nurses and doctors are stellar. For knowing me a week they sure are loving, and I feel like I really am where I need to be. It is such a blessing to know that I am in a place, that not only knows what they are doing, but in a big way, pioneers the field.
So I will be here a few more weeks, then for the next 6 or so months will come in for my treatments of chemo in an outpatient facility. It will be accompanied by various tests, er visits etc, but really all do able. My energy and fatigue will wax and wain I suppose, and I am not unrealistic about the severity of every cancer battle, but I just feel so much peace, I know that I am headed in a good direction.
So perhaps an update on my prognosis would be good. So at the onset of my treatment I was told that a bone marrow transplant would probably have to be used in the first 90 days. This is a very tricky option for a few reasons, but a common enough occurrence. Basically they get you really really vulnerable then introduce the other marrow. Anyway . I spoke with my doctor this morning and he said that my body is handling the chemo better than they even expected. The blood results and labs are showing that my age is really helping. My white blood cells, and marrow are responding very quickly.
Today I was told that a bone marrow is not something that they are even considering. My doctor said we are going for complete remission with just the chemo. The bone marrow transplant will be reserved as a back up if anything should resurface in my future. I just want to thank you again, so much for your prayers, and love. Miracles do happen, and today in my world I felt one in a big way. May God be in your hearts as he has been in mine through each of you. Thank you , and love always- chad
So I have been on a chemo regiment for about a week. The routine lasts 22 days, and each month will change a bit. The induction month I am in, is compounded with all sorts of drugs, and treatments to set me off in the right place. I started last week which means, I am for the most part now, nutripeanic, or without an immune system. However after all the anti biotic I have been on, I might as well have a little bubble around me, they have this down to a science.
In the first hit of chemo, i got a fever etc, but after the drugs, really not too shabby. Lets be honest its designed to make ya pretty sick, I guess they figured this would detour me. However, then they introduced me to a little thing called prednisone. This little steroid I am on makes me hungry like a moose. Since the introduction of this I have also been previed to a full menu for each day, both Childs and adult. So everyday, I pick what, how much, and when I would like, all this pretty tasty, food. And since I am on a steroid, I eat about 5000-6000 calories a day, and still keep my girl ish figure. (but don't get excited or afraid and send donuts, its all like no bacteria food, unlike I am used to preparing, no past date stuff ya know…. Good thing I am not cooking.)
My nurses and doctors are stellar. For knowing me a week they sure are loving, and I feel like I really am where I need to be. It is such a blessing to know that I am in a place, that not only knows what they are doing, but in a big way, pioneers the field.
So I will be here a few more weeks, then for the next 6 or so months will come in for my treatments of chemo in an outpatient facility. It will be accompanied by various tests, er visits etc, but really all do able. My energy and fatigue will wax and wain I suppose, and I am not unrealistic about the severity of every cancer battle, but I just feel so much peace, I know that I am headed in a good direction.
So perhaps an update on my prognosis would be good. So at the onset of my treatment I was told that a bone marrow transplant would probably have to be used in the first 90 days. This is a very tricky option for a few reasons, but a common enough occurrence. Basically they get you really really vulnerable then introduce the other marrow. Anyway . I spoke with my doctor this morning and he said that my body is handling the chemo better than they even expected. The blood results and labs are showing that my age is really helping. My white blood cells, and marrow are responding very quickly.
Today I was told that a bone marrow is not something that they are even considering. My doctor said we are going for complete remission with just the chemo. The bone marrow transplant will be reserved as a back up if anything should resurface in my future. I just want to thank you again, so much for your prayers, and love. Miracles do happen, and today in my world I felt one in a big way. May God be in your hearts as he has been in mine through each of you. Thank you , and love always- chad
