Cardiac arrest, heart failure, cerebral hemorrhage, pneumonia...the list of side effects on the drug information sheet I received this morning were sobering to say the least. I fought the aspect of chemo that is rarely mentioned -- psychological -- wanting to run but knowing that this poison holds potential life for me. Fighting to live, once again. Praying that this time it will work.
Meanwhile, the disease continues to rear its ugly head, and my blood work reminds me of how sick I really am. Friday's transfusions provided a much needed boost in my hemoglobin and platelets. I'm mostly concerned about my neutrophil count, which was around 800 today. I'm used to seeing those numbers after chemo, not before. This is my first time dealing with low counts outside of the hospital.
Thankfully treatment went well today. I have yet to experience any significant side effects. I'm fighting mouth sores as a result of low counts, and I had some nausea today, but was able to keep everything down with some help from zofran and compozine. Nausea seems to be the most common side effect with decitabine.
I'll be receiving a T-cell or lymphocyte "booster" the week of the 26th up at Barnes, where I received my transplant. The goal is to infuse another 5-7 million cells. I have 3.5 million frozen, so my brother will be going in for more pheresis. I appreciate his willingness to go through it again. I'm nervous about a possible GVHD flare, but it holds some promise of remission, so I'm willing to try.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
About Me
- Brandon Wilhoite
- Amy was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia subtype M4 on July 2, 2006. For your convenience, Brandon & Gary can be contacted via email through amysblog@mac.com.
Timeline
- August 2007 - Clofarabine & Cytarabine with possible second transplant
- August 2007 - Intrathecal Methotrexate
- June - July 2007 - FLAG w/ mylotarg
- April 2007 - AML M4 MLL-ELL Diagnosis
- March - June 2007: Experimental DLIs
- March - June 2007: Decitabine 5/28
- November 2006 - Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (brother)
- September 2006 - Salvage Regimen - MEC
- July 2006 - Reinduction - Cytarabine & Daunarubicin 5/2
- July 2006 - Induction - Cytarabine & Daunarubicin 7/3
- July 2, 2006 - AML M4 Diagnosis
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, 'I believed, and so I spoke,' we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:5-18
32 comments:
I'm praying these things will work!
I pray your side effects are minimum,also.
Kim
I am praying for you daily, Amy!!
Thankful that the day has gone as well as it has and thank you for the update. Glad you have a plan of treatment to follow through on.
We continue in prayer for you all.
May the Lord continue to give strength, and wisdom to you and the doctors.
Our Love To You All,
Don and Lilan
Thanks for the update. I will pray for you during your treatment. I'll also pray for your brother as he goes in again.
Amy, in your first paragraph you give great hope for your miracle to happen: "knowing that this poison holds potential life for me". To receive a miracle, you have to look for it. You certainly are looking for it- good for you, Amy. Keep up the good work. We love you! Meam
Amy - you are so strong - both physically and spiritually.. We continue to hold you up in prayer!!
Amy,
May the good Lord give you strength and bless you through this. I'm praying for you and think of you throughout each day. I'm inspired by your faith and want you to know that you are loved by so many (many of us who will never meet you, but love you as our sister in Christ). God bless you and your family this week.
xo, Briana
I woke up today and immediately prayed for God's presence in your treatment. I will also pray for your brother since he is so valiantly once again participating in your treatment.
Hang in there, Amy! Prayers and blessings for you and yours...
I'm praying Amy. I wish I could do more, but this I can do and do often!
Im praying for you, for you to have the strength to fight, and to have minimum side effects.
You have such a strong spirit, and what a strong woman you are. You give me inspiration each I read your blogs..We have been and are praying for you each and everyday.
Heavenly Father, please bless Amy's body, mind and spirit and bring complete health, wellness and wholeness to her very soon. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have brought to Amy thus far, I believe Amy will receive the things we have requested. In the precious name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen
Amy, I think of you often. Continued prayers for you and your family.
Praying you experience no side effects. Stay strong!
Hang in there, Amy. We won't stop praying.
Amy,
I am glad to hear of minimal side effects from the first treatment. That is what we are praying for.
God has you in the palm of His hand and He will protect you!
Love you,
Gina
Dear Amy,
We have your family posted on the fridge so we have a "constant" reminder to pray for you. I am praying today for strength and a joyful day.
Teresa
You are always in my prayers. I love the picture you posted of your beautiful family!
Praying for you, Amy.
My God give you strength.
Lauren
Thanks for the update. Still hoping & praying for your miracle.
What a cute family photo! :)
Lacey - AL
Thank you for the update! I'm praying that this works. Hang in there and God Bless!
We are continuing to pray for you Sister!! I'm thankful for each post you get to post updating us on things. Thank you for taking the time to do that for us.
Dear Amy,
I found you via Robin and you are at the top of my prayer list. I, too, had mouth sores and found two things that helped:
Carafate which if I remember, is a prescription. I think I spelled it correctly. I'll go back to my records to check for sure.
Also, there is an Oncology Rinse made by Prevention and you can find it at Wal-green's. Not all drug stores carry it. It is so soothing. It won't necessarily make the sores go away, but it will relieve the pain somewhat. It's in a large white bottle with red lettering.
Stay positive and find things to laugh about. Studies prove that patients who laugh have a higher survival rate.
Dear Amy,
I just posted three Colorado sunrises for you. To me, a sunrise represents a new day and a new beginning. May your day be blessed and full of hope.
The sunrises follow a story I had already written and posted, but I added the photos for you.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Amy,
I went to our church thisx evening and please know that Pastor Karen prayed for your healing. She has God's ear, so I know He heard her prayer. Stay strong...we will keep praying for you, Brandon and Gary.
Uncle Cliff and Aunt Karen
My dear girl, I found your site through another's site and read your entries. We will be praying mightily for you and that the Lord in his mercy touches you with his healing hands and surrounds you with his unfathomable peace. Wish I could give you a big hug and a bowl of chicken soup.
Hi Amy ~
Have you seen the movie "Facing the Giants" yet? I know you would receive great encouragement from it - a truly inspiring Christian movie - urging us all to expect miracles - "to prepare our fields for rain". I'm praying for your miracle and that you continue to stay strong in your faith!
We'll be praying about the mouth sores and nausea...Hope your spirits are good!
Hello from Owensboro, KY.
We go to church with Rachel Davis and have been keeping up with you through her email updates. We are praying for you. May God do more than we can ask or even imagine in this treatment you are receiving.
In Him who is able to do ALL THINGS!
Linda and Rich Scholtens
Amy, glad to hear that you are enduring more chemo...I agree that it is another chance of hope, and the T-cell booster... I hope that works miracles...I pray for you countless times a day..you still consume my thoughts hourly, you have taught me so much, most of all to God be all the Glory!! I am awaiting your miracles, our God is still mountain moving, every second of every day..with my love,your sister in Christ
April Martin
I just found you through Mountain Musing's Thursday Thirteen, and I've read through many of your posts. What a challenge you and your young family face. I was so blessed to read of your deep faith, for I know from experience how essential total reliance on God is - trial or no trail! I will pray for you the prayer that never fails - "Your will be done Lord". Isn't is wonderful to know that He is our strength and works through our weakness.
Amy,
Please know you are in my daily prayers! You have an army of people praying on your behalf!! God is with you every step of the way. God bless you,
Post a Comment