CHEMOTHERAPY #2 RECOVERY WEEK

It seems as if no sooner than you finish a chemo battle, lick your wounds, and get back a bit of strength; it is time to do battle again.

We are on Chemo #2 of a 21 day cycle. On days 1 through 5, the Laird is in full armor and at the hospital joined by Red Devil and his generals.   Days one and two are good war days for our warrior, but by days 3 through 5 the hard combat has taken its toll and he is battle weary.  Days 6 through about 12 are the recovery time.  The wounded, on both sides go back behind their lines to recover. Hopefully more of Ewing’s Sarcoma’s cells are dying than the toll this is taking on the Laird. 

Most of the bad symptoms, fatigue, nausea, fever, usually more pain, etc. occur during this recovery week.  Also our combatant, weakened by battle, is more likely to get an infection since his immune system has been weakened by the chemotherapy.  Days 13 through about 21 are the better days of this cycle.  Our cancer warrior is slowly gaining strength, and preparing for the next assault.  All too soon it seems, the Laird is back at Piedmont for another assault; not really fully recovered from the earlier battle(s).   

Recovery week #2 was about the same as for Chemo #1, but better in that we avoided a trip to the emergency room, but the symptoms and their timing were about the same.  The Laird had a fever again.  We kept it under control with ibuprofen, but that may have been the wrong strategy.  Mario’s oncologist said that the low grade fever is likely caused by intestinal bacteria interacting with a weakened intestinal cell lining.  It is not an “infection” as such, but an indication that his defenses are very weak.  Blood work showed that Mario had a very, very, very low white cell count and borderline red blood cell count.  Mario received, much as in the emergency room for Chemo # 1, an intravenous anti-biotic. On a positive note, this time rather than the emergency room.  We had the proceedure at the nice chemotherapy salon at Piedmont West with the wonderful view of the Atlanta skyline.  

For Chemo #3, Butler, Nurse and Laird will get an earlier appointment with the oncologist around Day # 9 to coincide with the start of the fever and get an earlier reading of the blood cell counts.  We are still trying to work out a strategy for the recovery week symptoms which seem to be fever and declining white blood cell counts.

Cards and Well Wishes

Bobbie, Jeff and Brandon; Jim and Ellen; Ann and Fritz, and Jeanne and Bill sent cards and well wishes.  Again we got a wonderful array of images and sentiments.     They included chickens swimming in a chicken soup swimming pool, a Diva complaining about high hospital bills, a tranquil seaside view, and inspirational messages from the Bible. 

Both Laird and Nurse appreciate the words of encouragement, humor and support.