Duke Trip Two (Cycle 2 Update)
On Monday, Mike received his first treatment of GemOx Cycle 2 and had an appointment with the doctor. We received promising news and know a little bit more about future plans. Mom is receiving her midway PET scan as I type this update, so we’re anxious to see those results.
First, Mom’s Progress
As is typical for any cancer treatment, the further along you go, the more cumulative the side effects become. Mom is more weak and tired this cycle than she has been in the past, and her water retention in the lower extremities is more pronounced and hanging on a bit longer. Her blood counts are low, but not dangerously so, and in the normally expected range for this stage of her treatment. I suspect she may be looking at a blood transfusion in the next couple of days, which should make her feel much better.
She’s receiving her updated PET scan as I type this update and we’re anticipating good progress based on her most recent tumor markers. The proof is in the pudding, however. Those results usually take about a week or so at our local hospital, so we have more waiting to do on that. As it stands right now, she will be admitted for Cycle 5 (of 6!!) next Tuesday. She’s almost to the finish line!
Mike’s Current Progress
We were quite encouraged by the oncologist at Mike’s appointment on Monday. He was very pleased with his response to the current regimen and Mike’s blood counts had recovered nicely from the last treatment so he was ready to go with another cycle. Additionally, his tumor markers were outstanding and he had more energy that morning than he has had in months!
Mike’s tumor markers were lower than they’ve been since May of this year and it shows in his activity levels. While he still needs a rollator-style walker to take frequent breaks due to fatigue and low blood pressure, he has much better endurance and he’s able to go further distances than he has in a long while. He’s working hard to regain strength and I’ve been filling him full of as many nutrients as possible. He got lots of home-cooking in our two weeks before traveling back to North Carolina. Of course, we’re doing the best that we can while traveling. Sometimes BoJangle’s wins the fight, though!
Understandably, he’s had some fatigue since his treatment on Monday, but he’s resting often and weathering the side effects relatively well, all things considered. He will return on Monday for his second and last treatment of this cycle, then we will return home on Tuesday.
Future Treatment Plans and Testing
At the appointment on Monday, we learned that regardless of the upcoming PET scan results, Mike will be having one more cycle of the current GemOx regimen. Assuming his progress remains positive and the PET scan shows the disease under control, he will receive another cycle while everything is put into place for the stem cell transplant. There are preliminary tests and preparatory medications besides chemotherapy that must be completed in order to be ready for transplant. While all those pieces are being put into place, his oncologist doesn’t want him to be without treatment so that they can keep the disease under control. So, another cycle is 99.9% a probability.
About that PET scan . . . it is currently scheduled for November 27th, but he’s on a cancellation list to move it up a bit sooner; ideally, November 22nd. Please be in prayer about that. It would be best for it to happen before he starts that third GemOx cycle currently scheduled to being on the 25th, but we’re at the mercy of the radiology schedule.
Thanks so much for all your prayers as we travel back and forth to North Carolina! We feel your prayers! We’ve had relatively uneventful and safe travels and we know it’s the direct result of prayers from all of you! Please keep them up. We cherish your love and support.
