We Now Pause For........

My visit to the doctor in Stanford turned into a fun social event which helped soften the blow that treatment has had to be suspended for now, due to the numbness in my feet and a WBC (white blood count) that is too low. Weekly blood tests will now commence, watching for the numbers to improve, and a bit more isolated life to avoid exposure to illness. When treatment resumes, my dosage will most likely be lowered in order to prevent further neuropathy and low WBC.

The WBC is actually the total number of all the different types of white blood cells, each having a particular responsibility in maintaining our health and fighting disease and infection. The one that is the primary concern during cancer treatment are the “neutrophils” and mine are too low to continue treatment until they recover and the number returns to an acceptable level. (For an explanation of neutrophils: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-neutrophils.htm)

The numbness on the bottom of my feet is baffling to them. They’ve never heard of a neuropathy situation presenting itself in such a manner in response to my particular drug. Other than a few little prickles a couple of times that were very brief during the first week of treatment, I do not have nor did I have, the usual symptoms of pain and/or tingling, prickly sensations. They just went numb. So, while we wait for my blood counts to improve, we are all hopeful that my feet will recover. If not, then I get to add another doctor to my long list, a neurologist, along with the decision of whether we see someone locally or someone at Stanford. Even though it is a long drive, for something unusual like this, I think I would prefer a doctor at Stanford. I seem to be very good at “unusual” stuff and now have quite a long list of specialists!

Since the drive to Stanford is usually 4 – 5 hours depending on the traffic, we decided to drive down the day before my appointment and spend the night. On Wednesday evening, we had dinner with my cousin Norman Ebersole and his wife, Phyllis, who live about 35 minutes from Stanford, depending on the traffic. We had dinner at a great restaurant next to our not so great motel. We had such a good time visiting over a leisurely dinner.

When Steve & I attended the Myeloma Symposium in November (see post: “One Step Closer”), we met a couple at our table. Nora was also newly diagnosed with Myeloma. The 4 of us visited for a little while after the meeting. Nora and I exchanged email addresses and have been corresponding ever since, sharing what we have learned about our cancer, our experiences with the journey toward diagnosis, and difficulties with insurance companies and treatment options. Of course, we have also learned a lot about each other as individuals and our families. Steve & I felt it was very providential that we had connected in November. Providentially, Nora was scheduled for labs and a bone marrow biopsy at about the same time as my labs and doctor’s appointment on Thursday. The 4 of us connected at the Lab and had opportunities to visit while going back and forth for our visits and procedures. We then enjoyed a nice lunch together at a nearby restaurant before Steve and I headed for home.

At my appointment on Thursday, I got to meet the nurse who I have worked with over the phone these past weeks. She is very efficient, friendly and knowledgeable, and I really like her. She even gave me a hug when she first came in the room and met me! My oncologist, Dr. Coutre, was not in the clinic on Thursday and so I saw his associate (for about 5 minutes!). But, my nurse, Stacey, was in touch with Dr. Coutre by phone so he was actually making the decisions. His associate just had to give me the quick once over to assess my physical condition.

My next appointment at Stanford will not be scheduled until treatment resumes. During this time of waiting, I’m going to get back on my herbal supplement regimen. In looking back, I think they contributed to my improved WBC in October when I first visited Stanford. Stacey, my Stanford nurse, has encouraged me to take multi-vitamins and minerals. They acknowledge that herbal supplements can have powerful effects on the body, but because they do not know what the interaction and effects might be with the herbals and the chemo drugs, they request they not be used during the first few cycles of treatment. After that, they are okay with one being added at a time. I have, however, continued with eating a very healthy diet that is organic as much as possible, and making fresh juices.

Thanks for your prayers last week. We had a safe and uneventful trip, and I had the energy to help drive. My platelet count (the cells that clot your blood when you have an injury) was my concern last week and those numbers were fine. Our claim for reimbursement for my drugs for last month is being processed, but we still haven’t received anything. We’re anxiously watching the mail everyday!

Thank you for your continued prayers for complete healing! Until that is evident, prayer focus for this week: 1) that I will be able to stay healthy in spite of my low counts; 2) that the numbness in my feet will clear up and not return; 3) continue to pray regarding our reimbursement for my drugs; 4) that all the arrangements for getting my weekly lab work done here will go smoothly; 5) that the Lord’s presence will be evident in our lives as we meet and encounter new people.