I'm sitting in a bed at Ellis Fischel, about halfway through my second unit of red cells for the day. I've been here since 8 a.m., and it's going on 4 p.m. Transfusions have become a sort of part time job. So far I've needed a blood transfusion about every other week. My platelets haven't been holding well -- I had a unit last Friday, again on Wednesday, and they're in the 30s again today, so I'm sure I'll need more on Monday. I get them anytime the count drops below 20 -- an average person would want to be 150 on the low end, just to give an idea. Anything below 50 is dangerous. A few weeks ago I hit my record low of 7. I don't want to get back there.
I met with Dr. Perry on Wednesday and we will continue with chemo next week as planned. Just like last time -- five days and then off for three weeks. At this point I haven't shown any significant GVHD so I expect to have another DLI 10-14 days after this round of chemo. I don't really have much to say as far as disease progression goes. The chemo drug we are using causes the counts to jump all over the place so there's no real way to tell what's going on at this point. I expect to have a bone marrow biopsy/aspiration after the three month point, sometime in May. Somedays I feel really good, and other days I'm wiped out. My husband compares it to pregnancy when people ask how I feel. I'm tired, nauseous and my iron is constantly low.
I continue to be grateful for each healthy day (outside of GVHD). We have focused on supplements that we feel aid my immune system and I've been thrilled to make it through the past three weeks of low counts without getting sick. I am continually reminded of the risks -- so many AML patients end up dying from something like influenza or pneumonia. If I can stay healthy, I have time to fight this. My absolute neutrophil count (ANC) had been sitting at about 100 but was starting to climb as of Tuesday. They like to see it at 1000 before starting another round of chemo.
As always, thanks for your prayers and for the many ways you bless us.
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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
9 comments:
I am praying for you, Amy that this round of chemo takes care of things for you.
Have a blessed Easter and praise God for his work on the cross and the gospel in our lives! You and Brandon are an amazing testimony. Praying for you so much.
I truly believe that by now they should have at least given you an honorary degree in Oncology!
Again, you communicate with such grace and courage, it's hard to believe that you are sick, and very sick at that. I told a friend the other day that if I could have half of the strength and peace that you seem to have through my trials, I would be thankful. But your strength and peace seems to be so much more than most of us are capable of possessing. May God continue to fill you with His supernatural strength.
I continue to pray for your healing, your good days, your good counts and the overwhelming blessing of remission.
Hugs!
May you al have a Blessed Easter.
I think you are one of the few that face this type disease head on, with courage and knowledge. My prayers are for your remission and a long, happy life. Happy Easter.
Thanks for the update, Amy! We are still praying. I pray you have a wonderful weekend as you celebrate Easter with your family.
Thank you again for the continued updates on how things are going with you. I rejoice each time I see a post from you. God certainly has you in His care. You are a blessing and a definite encouragement to me Sis!! You are in our prayers daily and we're expecting to hear more good news from you. Take care and stay focused on Him.
I don't comment often (if ever?) but I wanted you to know I have you on my blogroll and am praying for you and your family.
I wish the best for you. Thanks for this update on how you are doing. I check here really often for updates. God Bless!
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