And the hits just keep on comin'...
My "weekly" Test-within-a-Test #5 is low white blood count (leucopenia) and more importantly very low neutrophils (neutropenia). Chemo drugs affect all rapidly reproducing cells: cancer, hair follicles, bone marrow, etc. The latter produces neutrophils, which is the primary cell of the immune system. My neutrophils are 15% of "normal," which makes me very vulnerable to infections. Dr. Chen Rx'd five self-jab injections of Zarxio to jolt my bone marrow to produce some additional white blood cells.
The diarrhea continues unabated. Atropine hasn't affected it. So next week's potential sub-test is C-diff. Dr. Chen is skeptical the diarrhea is a chemo side effect (although it's one of the main side effects of 5FU). Mary took my "contribution" to the lab Tuesday morning so we should have the results by next week. I have to endure three days of the BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) to help stem the flow. Yum!
The meds seem to be helping with the other sub-tests. My red blood cell count is low (as it has been at least since June 2021) but stable. The edema is reduced above the waist but not in feet, calves or thighs, so the Nurse Practitioner (NP) doubled the dose of my diuretic. The brain fog and shuffling walk are gone so the hypothyroidism meds appear to be working.
As I've written before, God heals three ways: spontaneous miraculous healing, our divinely designed immune system, or naturally derived substances and pharmaceuticals.
From my perspective, the unfolding sub-tests mimic the Book of Job. *There's nothing new under the sun.* A friend (a believer) who also went through intense testing concluded profoundly, "There is a difference between believing God and trusting God." That's the real test. Fortunately I have not had to endure the "advice" Job received from his three foolish friends. And Mary has been steadfast in support, unlike Job's wife who suggested he curse God and die.
I 'm certain some reading this think me foolish for opting for chemo instead of "natural" treatments. Integrative chemo includes natural treatments while also relying on "the nuclear option" of pharmaceuticals. But most important, God has a different Plan. "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28 (NET)
Follow the Plan.
For those of you who have been supportive, even if you disagree with my decision, thank you. It helps.
This chemo session lasted a couple hours longer due to an impromptu appointment with the NP and to drip calcium and albumin to boost low levels in my blood.
[This is “Herman,” Lee’s little friend who follows him everywhere…]
Plus we managed to be trapped on I-90 in a one-hour conga line on the east side of Snoqualmie Pass summit. That required another late, in-the-dark blitz home, arriving about 9:30 PM.
Mary’s comment: I prefer not driving at night, but I am in persistent prayer with God as I drive to protect us and the other travelers on the road. God provides what we need one day, one week at a time.
This time we got to see a gorgeous full moon, driving straight toward it most of the way home.
The Mormons are building a temple in Moses Lake. We get to observe the construction progress every week. It is a spectacular structure.