PET scan, results on Monday

Not much to report other than Holly's counts were low last Monday (as expected).  She had a PET scan this morning, and hopefully we'll have results on Monday during her 3rd (of 6 to 8) chemo sessions.

Hopefully we'll have positive news to report Monday.

Keep your fingers crossed.

1st week doctor visit after Chemo #2

Holly went back in to have her levels checked this past Monday, Feb 17th.  Her WBC (white blood cell) count was low, but her ANC count (better measurement of immunity) was within normal range.  Since this was the second cycle and her counts were similar to the same time after the first cycle, we could establish a pattern of when and how she will react to chemo.  This helps a great deal so that she’ll know when she’ll feel bad, when she can go out and when she needs to stay in.  So far things really are going much better than expected, treatments will get a little more harsh each time, but she’s off to a very good start. They will be scheduling a PET scan the end of next week and we should get results back on Monday March 3rd, it’s just a progress check, they are still expecting for her to have 6 to 8 chemo sessions.

This is what her pattern looks like it’ll be, at least for now, Day 1 is chemo day on a Monday:

Her remaining chemo days are: March 3rd, March 24th, April 14th, May 5th.  If 8 cycles are needed: May 26th and June 16th.

Day 1-3 (Mon-Wed): ANC is up and she feels pretty good these days, just a little tired and food tastes and smells weird
Day 4-8 (Thu-Mon): ANC is up, but these are her worst days as far as how she feels
Day 9-12 (Tue-Fri): ANC is up, these are her best days because her ANC is up and she feels good
Day 13-19 (Sat-Fri): ANC is rock bottom but she feels ok, just a little tired (and isolated)
Day 20-21 (Sat-Sun): ANC is back up and she feels good

The highlights since the last blog are that Holly got to see her grandbabies the other weekend.  It had been about a month where she was used to seeing them several times every week. She said it was wonderful getting all her baby hugs!  Not only was she able to see her grandbabies, but we were also lucky to have our baby (Julia) come home from UT last weekend.  It had also been a very long month since the last time she was home.  We enjoyed every minute of it, and Holly got lots of hugs and kisses, almost enough to last another month before she sees her again.

Note, we thought there would be a PET scan this week, but they said they won't do it until after the 4th treatment, and Holly is scheduled to do between 6 to 8 sessions of chemo.

Chemo #2, done.

Grabbing some pre-chemo breakfast

Sorry for the long delay in between posts, but there hasn't been much to report other than a rash that has been slowly clearing up.  Today we did our second round of chemo, all in one day this time.  Everything went as expected with no ill side effects to report.

On the positive news front, Holly's white blood cell count has made a roaring comeback and is in the normal range.  It is still lower than it was prior to first session, but that was expected.  The staff was pleased to see her numbers looking well.

On the negative, the hair loss has started in full force last week, and we've been trimming it today.  Holly's obviously very sad to see her hair thinning so much, but as my brother said, you have to think of each hair that leaves as a cancer cell that dies.  Though, that's small consolation to the person losing their hair.

Chemo Session #2

Later this week is the PET scan and we get to see how well the treatment is doing against the cancer.  We've got our fingers crossed for positive progress.  The nurse was optimistic, saying that lymphoma reacts very well to this kind of treatment.

Oh, and since her immunity is stronger, at her request, we are celebrating by going to get dinner at Thai Siam, our favorite Thai place.

White Blood Cells Low

Yesterday, Holly's Monday appointment revealed that her white blood cell count was near zero.  Or to be exact, 267 out of a normal 12,500 (I think).  Anyway, its very low.  No visitors or trips to the mall for the little lady for the next little bit.  Oh, and no flowers please.  She has to stay away from flowers or any unpeeled fruit for awhile.  She is the most vulnerable right now until her white cell count increases.

We also found out that an extremely painful rash around her neck area turns out to be a yeast infection of her skin, and they prescribed something for it.  Kristin had already guessed it was a yeast issue when the steroid creme made it worse.  Hopefully it will improve in the next day or two.  It is extremely painful for her and she won't cook for me until it is resolved.  Please keep this fix in your prayers.  I need food.  :-)

Speaking of food, Holly's colleagues sent her over $600 in Schwan's gift cards.  She was blown away by their generosity, as well as all the other gifts she has received from friends and family.

FYI, Next chemo session is next Monday (2/10).  Hopefully her white cell count will be high enough to start the next round.