I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.

I mentioned yesterday my concerns about returning to the hospital, when I am feeling so good. Well, just let me suggest that you not go to the "dark place," as I call it when Jill or I over-react to unknown future events. 

I have had two of six doses of the consolidation chemotherapy that I will receive during this visit, and I feel great. My appetite is good and my energy is good, too. I expected to feel pretty awful by now. Nope!

Now, when I get home on Monday, my immune system will begin to tank, and my hemoglobin will drop, leaving me lethargic again, but I am not going to imagine how that will be, because I don't want to go to that "dark place." 

Although I have not actually inquired about the term, the staff keeps referring to this consolidation chemotherapy as "high dose Cytarabine." Here is what I have concluded. I am actually receiving a higher concentration of the same medication I had before, while I am plugged into Olive Oyl for my infusions, but each infusion only lasts three hours. They are being done twice a day on days one, three and five of my visit. Before, I was being infused 24/7 for a week at  a lower rate per hour. I suspect that is why that chemo seemed harder than this round. Whatever the reason, I consider it another of God's merciful gifts. 

So beware the "dark place" and "Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 16-18)

Comments

  1. Bob SAugust 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM

    Such great news Tom. Thank you for keeping us informed of your journey. God bless you and your precious wife, Jill. Donalynn :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. BadgerKAugust 13, 2021 at 3:10 PM

    Thanks so much for keeping us informed and I love the picture of you two at Garden Zen😃

    ReplyDelete

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