01/02/19 Day 86 , Cycle 5 of 6. Today We Start Chemotherapeutic Treatment

01/02/19 Day 86 , Cycle 5 of 6. Today We Start Chemotherapeutic Treatment

My appointment is at 9am. The first treatment of the cycle is the worst because it entails two bags of chemo. I am hoping to be done today by 2 pm. Before we can start with the chemo treatment a blood test has to be done. If we are not within tolerant levels everything stops.

I have been very lucky tolerating the chemo. Most do not and have to stop or reduce the treatment. The biggest problem that I run into is with the platelet count. The normal range is 140-400 and last week it was 82. It’s been dropping steadily over the past month. So an infusion of platelets might happen depending on the count. We will see when the blood test comes back.

Small cell carcinoma is what I have.

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) comprises approximately 15% of all lung cancers [1] and is a subgroup of primary lung cancer that is known for its aggressive and rapid growth and early metastasis. SCLC is associated with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options, particularly in cases with liver metastasis [2]. We present the first report of a rare case in whom diffuse liver metastasis of SCLC was diagnosed histologically using a transjugular liver biopsy while the patient was alive, despite the absence of any visible lesions when examined using contrast-enhanced CT. Unfortunately the condition of this patient rapidly progressed to acute liver failure before the indications for chemotherapy could be met.

I was able to have chemo therapy started just days before acute liver failure. I have read the report of the individual above. It is how I know how close I came and how accurate the doctors were when they stated 93 days ago “ you might have 2 weeks”. On a lighter side is a good thing that there is only [1],[2] because I don’t thing I could handle a [3]. [1] and [2] are bad enough.

I am younger and in better shape then most in my position. This is one reason that I am here and they are not. In their deaths they have moved / advanced the fight in cancers. I am better off for their sacrifice.

Cancer Immunotherapy

The disease starts when one cell in your body goes rogue. Researchers hope immunotherapy treatment will harness the power of your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer cells, just like it would with a germ, virus, or allergy.

Toward the end of this month I hope to be a part of this trial. I was approached a couple weeks ago. I have asked about trials before that and told flat out, no. The reason I think is because no one in our medical community thought I would make it this far. I am by far not a shoe in for a trial, but I am hoping. The end of the mont is a long way off and anything can happen. The fact that a trial has been brought up shows hope.

9:10 am
Blood has been taken and we are waiting for the results before any treatments.

9:50
All test are good and the start of chemo.

This should take about 5 hours to complete. I am going to fall asleep soon. The premed IV makes me tired every time.

Wolfhart