Although my monthly appointment at Stanford was on April 1, it was no “April Fools” to see the lab reports that show my blood counts are continuing their slow but steady climb back up toward a normal level. Even without the evidence of the lab results, I know that my energy level slowly increases each week and is an indicator that things are improving. What we can’t assess without lab results are the cancer levels; but as the blood counts improve it is an indication that the cancer levels are dropping and allowing normal blood cells to be produced. We won’t have the results of the cancer portion of the labs until Friday afternoon.
This is my week off cancer treatment and during this week I receive my monthly gamma globulin infusion. These will continue to be necessary until the cancer is under control and my immune system recovers sufficiently to manage on its own.
My sleep pattern continues to be affected by the high-dose steroids (Dexamethasone) I take on the weekends, so I typically don’t get much sleep for several nights, even with the aid of sleeping pills. Sleep will be even more of a challenge this weekend with the small additional dose of steroids required for my infusion on Friday. However, my weeks are beginning to have somewhat of a known routine. Tuesday is usually my worst day as my body adjusts back to normal after the steroids. I’m typically very tired and shaky, and this continues into Wednesday as it tapers off. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are typically good days, but by Saturday night the challenge of sleep is on again.
The neuropathy continues to slowly spread in my feet each month and is now beginning to affect my fingers. It seems that I easily drop things now and I’m trying to determine if it is the loss of sensitivity or the shakiness that contributes to this. I’ve also noticed that my hands and arms easily “fall asleep”, but so far they quickly recover with movement. But I try to ignore these inconveniences as much as possible and just keep going. Fortunately, I am still able to play the piano, which I have enjoyed adding back in to my life now that I have more energy.
In the midst of this ongoing trial are many happy days enjoying my family, the preparations for Jen’s upcoming wedding and especially my beautiful grandson, Ty. It has been particularly energizing to be able to do choir again even though I am limited to two choirs at this time. I am really enjoying the creative process, teaching and just being out and involved with my students and their families again.
Although there is not as much to report on a weekly basis as in the beginning, I will continue to keep you informed of my progress. Until the Lord’s complete healing is evident, this will be my life – ongoing treatment. We feel so blessed to have so many who continue to hold us in their hearts and prayers for the long haul.
