I received an early Christmas gift from Dr. Prystas' office this morning when they called to tell me that my CA-125 levels have dropped from 1191 to 412. This time around, before they started dropping, it was as high as over 2000--so this is really terrific news! I'm only going every other week for chemo now, & they are only doing the blood test once a month. It's always wonderful to get such good news when the side effects from the chemo are really kicking in & I'm starting to feel crummy. I was worried that not being able to do 3 treatments a month with this medication wasn't going to work very well, but am pleased that they have found a pretty good dosage & schedule. Mom is still coming up each week I do chemo (she's busy cleaning bathrooms & dusting as I write!), & I've been having different friends take me down for my treatments once a month. It has been such a pleasure to share this experience with these good friends.
Thanksgiving was marvelous! My entire family spent it at my Mom & Dad's this year, & it was just a great day! I was grateful to have the week off of chemo & be able to really enjoy the experience. Kali & Jarett were both home during the holiday & had friends over several times. It was just a wonderful weekend! As we sat around the table at Mom & Dad's & shared what we were most thankful for on Thanksgiving, I said that although I'm not quite sure I can say that I'm thankful for cancer (that's pushing it a bit!), I am so very grateful for the blessing cancer has given me of drawing closer to my Heavenly Father & Savior, Jesus Christ. I am also thankful for the blessing of being so loved & having my love also grow deeper for my family, relatives, friends, ward members, people in this beautiful valley, doctors & even strangers I've met through this experience. These past 14 months have given me such a profound appreciation for the power of love, compassion & charity in our lives. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all experience this each & every day of our lives? Thank you again for your love, prayers & faith--it means everything to me. Love always, Kim
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Just plugging along
It's been awhile since I last wrote, but I'm just plugging along. I went in for chemo on Oct 24th, but my white blood counts were too low & they weren't able to do it--so I ended up having that week off. My chest cavity has stayed pretty clear & I've been able to continue breathing easily--yea! I went in this last Monday, & my blood counts were good so I was able to go ahead with the chemo treatment. Apparently the chemo, Gemzar, is pretty hard on the bone marrow, so Dr. Prystas is "tweaking" the dosage so that I will be able to continue with the 2 weeks on/1 off schedule. The side effects this week haven't been as bad as they were the first three times. It's Friday, & other than extreme fatigue hitting me periodically throughout the day, I'm doing good. Mom was with me for most of the week--taking care of loads of laundry, cleaning the house & running boys to and fro. We've also had some wonderful meals brought in, & with having my lungs working better, it's easier to eat--I'm sure I'll be putting on weight again with all this good food! Here are some pictures we took when I went to my chemo appointment Monday. I want everyone to see these wonderful ladies who take such great care of me.
Dr. Prystas, Me & Kathy(the most fabulous nurse!)
Jeri, Val & Amy (what fun gals--always smiling & laughing)
Enjoying my "chemo cocktail" in the party room
It's not always a fun process, but I am so incredibly grateful for these wonderful ladies in my life. They are so compassionate and show their love for me and my family in so many ways.
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