Monday, March 12, 2007

Day One

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.

32 comments:

Kim said...

I'm praying these things will work!

I pray your side effects are minimum,also.

Kim

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you daily, Amy!!

Anonymous said...

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

Andrea said...

Thanks for the update. I will pray for you during your treatment. I'll also pray for your brother as he goes in again.

Anonymous said...

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

Cornerstone said...

Amy - you are so strong - both physically and spiritually.. We continue to hold you up in prayer!!

dillyweed said...

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

Anonymous said...

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...

AW said...

I'm praying Amy. I wish I could do more, but this I can do and do often!

Carey said...

Im praying for you, for you to have the strength to fight, and to have minimum side effects.

6Pigtales and A Buzzcutboy said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

lightshines said...

Amy, I think of you often. Continued prayers for you and your family.

Deidre said...

Praying you experience no side effects. Stay strong!

Linds said...

Hang in there, Amy. We won't stop praying.

Anonymous said...

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

Teresa said...

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

Anonymous said...

You are always in my prayers. I love the picture you posted of your beautiful family!

Lauren said...

Praying for you, Amy.

My God give you strength.

Lauren

Lacey said...

Thanks for the update. Still hoping & praying for your miracle.

What a cute family photo! :)

Lacey - AL

Rachel said...

Thank you for the update! I'm praying that this works. Hang in there and God Bless!

Sis. Julie said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Unknown said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

We'll be praying about the mouth sores and nausea...Hope your spirits are good!

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Heather Anne said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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,