8th chemo - expecting good scan result

The El Camino Hospital Cancer center has become our most visited place since Jan. 2014.  We come here three days every two weeks, to do blood lab, to see our oncologist and NP, to receive chemo, to get Neulasta, and to get scans. However, this week we have made a few more trips because Gwohann's right fingers have been feeling numb.  Our integrative radiologist is certain that the Mediport did not block his nerves. A sonogram on his right arm reveals no abnormalities, now we are waiting for his brain MRI result this Friday.  Thus far, I don't see any unusual behaviors from Gwohann, except that he can't stop eating watermelon :-), so I am expecting a clear MRI.  We will explore other possible causes afterwards.

Chemo went well, Gwohann had a good nap.  The blood report is very good.  Every value is within normal range which is amazing, and the best part is that the tumor marker CEA continues to drop! Praise God!  The result makes the suffering feel worthwhile.

Powered by Dexamethasone, he went to attend our church board meeting in the evening.  Although I am worry, I let him go, because I know he is choosing life over cancer.

Next CT scan will be on Oct. 8.  We pray and expect a good result!

-- Jacqueline

7th chemo - good blood result

Every cubicle of the infusion center is occupied this morning.  It is a solemn reminder of the prevalence of cancer nowadays.  Some patients look new to the battle as they nervously fiddle with the infusion tubes.  We have been there.  Now we learn to settle in quickly so Gwohann can catch as much sleep as possible because he won't be tonight.  As I watch the seven drugs infused into his body drop by drop, I pray that every drop destroys his cancer under God's mighty name!

"The blood report looks great!", exclaimed our oncology NP Katie Khul.  "I have never seen such good report for the chemo treatment that you are on.  Keep doing whatever you are doing!".  Indeed, Gwohann has put in his famous disciplines in fighting his cancer.  He walks 10K steps a day and drinks the vege/fruit smoothies that I make regardless how disgusting they look or taste.  He learns to balance work and life.  He learns to relax, let go, and enjoy life.  We feel encouraged that our efforts make a difference.

Keep going! Gwohann. Let's win the battle!

-- Jacqueline

6th Chemo - feeling better

I got to tell you first that one week after the last chemo, Gwohann's chest started to feel clearer and he could breath better!  The tumor marker CEA index also dropped, reflecting the effectiveness of the chemo.  With a renewed hope, we started the 6th chemo with a lighter heart.  The infusion proceeded smoothly. When Gwohann woke up, he was delighted to see our friends who brought a feast of his favorite foods.  His appetite opened up so much that he refilled his plate three times! Enjoying the delicious food with the good company, we almost forgot that we are having chemotherapy.  Thank You to our wonderful friends for being so kind to us!  We are also grateful for those of you who keep us in your good thoughts and prayers.  

Gwohann couldn't sleep for the first two nights due to the dexamethasone (a steroid) that he received. We are prepared that he will be fatigued for several days, with bone aches, headache and a low degree fever.  Chemo is still hard, but we are hopeful because the drugs are working and his chest is feeling better!  

5th chemo - make it a party

We were mentally prepared to do four more rounds of chemo again, one every other week, before the next scan.  However, nothing prepared us better than a chemo party thrown by our old friends and relatives.  Foods made with love nourish our souls, humor and laughter lifted our spirits.  We are grateful for your love and support.

Also, thank you for your prayers, Gwohann's blood lab result is stable, with only two indexes out of the range which is expected from chemotherapy.  Please pray that the chemo will effectively control the cancer for a long time, and that Gwohann's body can continue to tolerate the treatment. 

We may be changed by the cancer, but we refuse to be reduced by it.  So we will have a chemo party whenever we can.  Join us!

Fighting on

Stable is good news.  The new CT scan tells us that Gwohann's cancer is under control, no new progression.  All scan impressions are stable.  Thank God!  The blood report also shows that Gwohann's body is tolerating the chemo well.  Therefore, Dr. D advised to continue the chemo, and that is what we will do tomorrow.  Fighting on!

4th Chemo - slow and steady wins the race

When the nurse presented two popsicles, Gwohann's eyes opened wide with delight, "Is this part of the treatment?" he playfully asked.  The nurse nodded with a big smile.  Evidently, ice or popsicles have helped reduce mouth sores in some patients who received Vinorelbine, the nasty drug that damages small blood vessels.  Gwohann gladly accepted the proposition while the nurse slowly and steadily pushing the Vinorelbine through his Mediport. Feeling blissful, Gwohann did not pause to finish eating one and open another one.  The nurse had to tell him to slow down so that he will not finish before she completed the infusion.  Popsicles make us a kid again.

Thank you again to our wonderful kids and friends who came to support us, we feel more relaxed and hopeful with them around.  Otherwise, it can be painful to watch/take the treatment and the resulting side effects. Through the procedure, Gwohann slept and awoke, his blood pressure went up and down, his face changed colors as six different drugs infused to his body one by one over the stretch of five hours.  It takes enormous strength to endure such treatment.  He truly is our hero!

The latest lab report shows that Gwohann's white blood cell (WBC) count has gone back up but is way over the normal range.  Bands count is over the range as well.  Therefore, our oncologist reduced the WBC booster Neulasta to half of the last dosage.  Please pray that every indexes will be normal by next lab test. A CT scan will be performed on Aug 13 to evaluate the effectiveness of the four chemo cycles and we will hear the findings on Aug 17.  Please pray for a great result!

Chemo is hard, but by going slow and steady, we will win the race!

-- Jacqueline

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