Another Bump in the Road

11/19/08 – You know what they say about “the best laid plans”. Well I had every intension of waking up and getting my CT and PET Scans today but instead I woke up with one of my dreaded fevers and had to rush over to the hospital. At the hospital my fever was 102.5 and I was admitted. I have tried so hard to remain upbeat throughout this process but I have to admit that I am now officially discouraged.

11/20/08 through 11/24/08 – The big objective with my hospital stay will be to get my fever down, eliminate the infection and see why the infection happened again. Out of my 4 treatments I have had infections with 3 of them.

When I started treatments I have a Porta Cath surgically installed. This would be used for receiving all my chemo treatments, for drawing blood, and for a number of other things. It certainly keeps me from getting poked and saves my veins from getting overused. It was decided that the port had to come out and that it most likely is the cause for the infections. The removal procedure was quick and easy.

Once my fevers were under control with new antibiotics the next step would be to have a PICC line installed. This will be where I get my treatments and have blood withdrawn.

I was given the good news that tomorrow I will have the PICC installed and then I will be released from the hospital. This, of cause is great news. It means I will be home for Thanksgiving.

11/25/08 – I had the PICC line installed. Again this is a very quick procedure. The PICC requires much more care then the Port did but if it prevents future infections I will give it a try. While I am home I will be on 4 weeks of intravenous antibiotics.

I am released and sent home. Hopefully my next stay in the hospital will be to receive treatments.

11/26/08 – I am home enjoying time with my family.

I still look forward to having my scans to see how the treatments are progressing.

I am now about half way through my treatments. I need more than ever to focus on being positive. I must attack my disease and not let it to get the best of me (mentally). I also need to remember the little prayer my pastor gave me when this all started:

"Jesus, I believe in you and you will take care of me.
Jesus, I believe in you and you will give me peace"


Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families

More to come…


http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Follow-up Appointments

11/14/08 – I had a follow-up appointment today where my blood cell counts were checked. All my counts look good.

11/18/08 - I had another follow-up appointment and again my blood counts look good. My White blood cell counts are low (.4) but that is expected at this point. Also, my test for the C Def infection came back negative so I guess the antibiotics are working.

Tomorrow I will have a CT Scan and a PET Scan. This will show what progress has been made with the shrinking of my tumors and how close to full remission I am. The results will most likely determine if I need 6 or 8 treatments (I am in treatment 4 now). It seems Dr. Goy is already leaning toward 8 treatments but you never know. I will, of course, follow whatever he decides.

I have had a few days in a row where I am feeling strong. I hope this continues through Thanksgiving. On that note, I ask you to remember that the word “Thanksgiving” is a word of action. I am very thankful for all the people who are supporting me, praying for me, and keeping me in their thoughts. Even with my illness I feel I am very lucky.

More to come…


http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Home from the Hospital (Treatment 4/Cycle 2B)

11/12/08 – I came home from the hospital today and I am feeling well. I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Goy on Friday 11/14. With me being kept on antibiotics throughout my treatments I am hopeful that I stay clear of infections and keep on track with my treatments. If all stays on track my next chemo treatment will begin Friday, November 28th.

Cycle 4 (2B)

11/5/08 – I had my colonoscopy today. Initial results showed all is clear. Some biopsies were taken. I will get the results in a few days.

11/7/08 – I met with Dr. Goy to review the colonoscopy results and plan my next treatments. All the biopsy results were clear and Dr. Goy decided to have me receive my one day outpatient chemo treatments today. This means I will be checking in the hospital tomorrow for 5 days of chemo treatments. This will be cycle 4 (2B).

Being nothing significant was found that could be the cause of my recent infections I will be put on antibiotics throughout my chemo treatments to help prevent future infections.

I am back on track with my treatments.

More to come…


http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/