Not alone in the dark valley

It is certain that the third chemo is harder than the previous two.  Gwohann felt fatigue two days after chemo for five days, spending most of Saturday and Sunday in bed.  Friday cell group meeting has been one of his favorite activities, but we had to cancel it because he was feeling so tired.  He did however, enjoyed a good mahjong game with friends on Saturday.  The game distracted him from coughing.  It was nice to see him laugh and playful.

His bones are sore because of Neulasta, we see it a small price to pay for boosting the white blood cell counts.  Good thing is that he is sleeping well after the steroid/cortisone wore out and he has very good appetite.

Recently, more friends and relatives are visiting from afar.  We are encouraged and feel blessed because we are not alone walking through the dark valley.  

"He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.…" Psalm 23:4

Looking forward to a pleasant and active weekend before the fourth chemo on next Tuesday, Aug. 4.  

- Jacqueline

3rd chemo felt short

Before the three chemo drugs were infused, Gwohann first received anti-histamine, Tylenol and cortisone to reduce his body's defense reaction to the forthcoming potent chemo drugs. Within 15 minutes, he felt drowsy and fell asleep due to the side effects of anti-histamine. 1.5 hours later, he woke up to Christina and Jimmy's relaxing guitar music and singing.  All the while, U Channel film director Sean Fan diligently recorded every scenes. With our friends and family around, this chemo treatment felt short and tolerable.

Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers, the lab report today showed that Gwohann's liver functions have restored to within normal range.  It was a relieving news.  However, his white blood cell count has dropped to below the normal range, and Lymphocytes and Monocytes are over the range.  The NP Katie said that the abnormality is expected during chemotherapy. Consequently, she prescribed Neulasta injection to boost the white blood cell production.  Gwohann had received Neulasta last year when he was on Cisplatin treatment, it worked wonder and we hope to achieve the same result this time.  At the mean time, we need to avoid crowded area to prevent infections.

After we returned home, the cortisone kicked in, Gwohann became energetic and hyper.  It reminded me of the old days before he was ill, when he was full of vitality and vigor.  Regardless, we are going to enjoy our time whenever we can before fatigue set in again.

-- Jacqueline

2nd chemo was smooth sailing

                                       

                                            Medi-port makes injection easy

Relaxing in daughter's music

Surrounded by love

With the Mediport, the infusion was reduced from five hours to four, and there is no pain in the vein!  Relaxing in daughter Christina's guitar music, the chemo feels easier this time.  A yummy In N Out burger for lunch also helps boosting the good mood.

Today's blood report shows that all key indexes are within range except the liver functions AST and ALT which went up after last chemo.  Please pray that the chemotherapy effectively destroys and controls the tumor cells, and will not damage his liver.  Thank you!

- Jacqueline