HI, everybody.....After my incredibly positive posting for February, I am bummed to report that March wasn't so great after all. It felt like two steps forward and one step back.
I started Cycle 4 of the clinical trial and had to stop the second week of March (about 9 days in) due to a precipitous drop in platelets and red blood cells. I was incredibly tired and weak...spent one day from 2 pm in the afternoon until 8 AM the next day asleep! I ended up going in to BMC. We thought that I was going to have to have a blood transfusion but instead the medical team opted to give me a medication called "Procrit" which boosts red cells. I was supposed to wear a mask if I went out due to lowered immunity and I had to be careful what I ate (no salads, fresh fruit, rare meat, etc.) After about a week, I was feeling less tired and we actually went to some friends for supper. As I got to feeling better, we had some lunches with pals and socialized a bit more. Still, nothing like February. And I'm still not driving.......
We went back to BMC earlier this week for another shot of Procrit. The white and red blood cell counts improved and I got the word that I can start another round of the clinical trial starting tomorrrow. Good News!
Last night all the kids and grandkids came over and we had a riotous game of Mad LIbs and just hung out. Had an early dinner at Jalepenos Mexican restaurant in Walpole and had a blast. Sarah and Matt had a birthday cake for the March and April birthdays (Brooke, Carrie, and Steve). So we did the famous Weatherbee "Happy Birthday" song....it's "famous" because no one has a good singing voice in our family (sorry, kids!) so it always sounds dirge-like. Great food and a good time. It felt good to be out and about and ready for another round of chemo!
Even though we had a coating of snow on April 1st, it feels like spring is here. Our crocuses are up and are a pretty contrast against the Christmas lights that are still entwined in the front bushes. I think we can untangle those tomorrow and put them away. :)
Thank you to all my family and friends who came to do "Cilla Care" while Steve had to work in March. The meals from our church family continue twice a week and are incredibly helpful.
Wish me luck for April! I hope to do a full round of the Clinical Trial and have some good numbers to show for it by early May.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Cilla
Cilla - I always tell my patients that healing comes in cycles...often two steps forward and one back.....just keep moving forward. I love hearing that you are honoring your body by resting and allowing it ti catch up with you.... and that you are having some fun! Many blessings as you journey to healing! oxoxoxox Cathy Ripley Greene
ReplyDeletebest of luck with the next round of chemo cilla!!
ReplyDeleteyou are in our thoughts & prayers,
meg, dave, jason & foster
Hey Cilla,
ReplyDeleteTwo steps forward and one step back...it sounds like a Texas Line Dance and we know how much fun those can be. Your continued determination and positive attitude are an amazing gift. You continue to be such the amazing woman you are in our midst. Thank you for that gift of strength.
Hugs, Love and Prayers,
Kathleen
Hey Cilla, Glad to get the update! Nana Larsen said it best. Your determination and willing attitude will see you through this chemo trial. I will keep praying for your strength and positive results as you head down this road. We are all rooting for you! It might be a long road but it will be lined with spring flowers and warmer weather to enjoy on your walks:)
ReplyDeleteAir Hugs,
Cheryl K
Hi Cilla, Cyd and I are thinking about you all the time.We wish you all the luck with the trial and hope that we can see you sunny face soon.
ReplyDeleteAll out love,
Ceil and Cyd
Cilla, where can we send you our notes? I'm a ClubNet member coached by Roibin. I think my last note I sent to your ReMax office on Main St, but not sure you got that. You can email me at homes@melindaflynn.com if you prefer not to publish your mail address here. Win the Day!
ReplyDeleteHi Cilla and Steve,
ReplyDeleteMy daughter Kate helped me figure out how to be a "follower"! I wonder where in NC the woman from the support group is from. What a long way to travel. Jet Blue has an easy, inexpensive, direct flight from Raleigh to Boston. I travel often to visit my sister who lives in Pittsboro, which is outside of Chapel Hill.
Love you xoxo, Susan