In the meeting with the oncologist, we learned that the platelet count had fallen below a benchmark 10,000 level. The red blood cells were trending toward my needing a transfusion every month. I really didn't want another transfusion in December. So we agreed. Stop the chemo. Give the body a rest. Try an alternative. Hope that the red blood cells regenerate and the platelet count comes back up.
The oncologist recommended a hormone based treatment called Aberaterone. It will not be as hard on the red blood cells as the chemo. It was just recently FDA approved. We picked it up last Saturday. Since this is a pill, I won't need to get a chemo infusion every 3 weeks. Maybe every 4 weeks for a bone strengthening infusion.
Having been on the chemo for 18 months, I can say that it was God's provision for that time. I was considered one of the longest users in the country for that treatment and had few side effects normally associated with it. It allowed me to work and have a reasonably normal life.
Please pray that the new treatment will prove effective. I believe your prayers will be a key to the treatment's effectiveness just as they were for the past one.
Pray that the red blood cells and the platelets will regenerate.
Thank you for upholding me during this time of transition.
-Cal-
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Prayer for evaluation
We had a good summer, with a getaway week for our entire family. But in October I felt tired. The red blood cells indicated that I needed a transfusion. I was a little concerned. I had had one in September. Now I needed another one a month later. I was used to one every six months. But the infusion put me back on my feet, so I was grateful.
In November the indication was that I needed another transfusion. Three in three months! The oncologist explained that the chemo beats up on the red blood cells. Since I had been on this treatment for 18 months, this could be expected. He has patients that need transfusions every month. I may be getting to that point.
So, we need to evaluate. Degrading of the red blood cells is serious; it could be permanent. I could continue this regimen, or come off it and try an alternative. The oncologist said there are alternatives, although how the body responds to each treatment is an unknown, and each one has its side effects. I will go through a series of scans this week. Based on the results, the oncologist will have some options. But we need wisdom to know how to choose.
Would you pray for us as we consider these options. We need God's insight to make this decision.
Thank you so much for your prayers. I'm convinced that the prayers are just as essential as the chemo in keeping me functioning.
Gratefully,
-Cal-
In November the indication was that I needed another transfusion. Three in three months! The oncologist explained that the chemo beats up on the red blood cells. Since I had been on this treatment for 18 months, this could be expected. He has patients that need transfusions every month. I may be getting to that point.
So, we need to evaluate. Degrading of the red blood cells is serious; it could be permanent. I could continue this regimen, or come off it and try an alternative. The oncologist said there are alternatives, although how the body responds to each treatment is an unknown, and each one has its side effects. I will go through a series of scans this week. Based on the results, the oncologist will have some options. But we need wisdom to know how to choose.
Would you pray for us as we consider these options. We need God's insight to make this decision.
Thank you so much for your prayers. I'm convinced that the prayers are just as essential as the chemo in keeping me functioning.
Gratefully,
-Cal-
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