Good news bad news

VivianLee5689
VivianLee5689 Member Posts: 546
edited December 2012 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Ok so last night went better with the exception of his hiccups and constant staff being in the room. This morning we found out the cancer js responding to treatment. His absolute plasma cell count was .22 down from 2.58. The goal was 1.29 by the 10th day following the start of chemo so we have already made the treatment goal. The bad news is his red and white blood counts are low. WBC is 1.6 and hemoglobin is 7.4. We were told more transfusions on the way. Davids system is still very acidic and his glucose level is 138. All these are caused by the chemo, but concerning non the less. David tells me he feels like he has the flu, but he is happy to have another day here on Earth. Sometimes I think he is just going to be fine and I keep praying that way. The problem is so much is stacked against him. If he gets through to bone marrow transplant, he still has a hip to deal with and residual H&N cancer. I am trying so hard to stay positive, but not seeing any light at the end of the tunnel is hard. I need to start looking into the compassionate care allowance for the leukemia. I am so afraid I will lose my job and I need him taken care of.

Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
    Hang in There...
    Actually it sounds pretty good.....

    The blood counts should be easily brought up with meds.

    Keep on pushing forward...

    Best,
    John
  • Billie67
    Billie67 Member Posts: 898
    #3
    Skiffin16 said:

    Hang in There...
    Actually it sounds pretty good.....

    The blood counts should be easily brought up with meds.

    Keep on pushing forward...

    Best,
    John

    Good
    This is good news. With transfusion his levels should return to normal limits. Stay positive, I know easier said than done but do try. I will continue to pray for you both. I woke up at about 2 this morning and thought of you and offered up a prayer.
    Please keep posting so we know how things are going. If I hear of any resources to help you financially I will let you know.
    Be well,
    Billie
  • VivianLee5689
    VivianLee5689 Member Posts: 546
    #4
    Billie67 said:

    Good
    This is good news. With transfusion his levels should return to normal limits. Stay positive, I know easier said than done but do try. I will continue to pray for you both. I woke up at about 2 this morning and thought of you and offered up a prayer.
    Please keep posting so we know how things are going. If I hear of any resources to help you financially I will let you know.
    Be well,
    Billie

    Thank you
    Again I am overwhelmed by the support of my head and neck family. You guys have been here for me through all the emotional ups and downs. I know all my posts have not been easy to read, yet you read and support me in this chaotic life I am leading. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know you guys/girls before this nightmare began. I know I keep telling you how thankful I am for each of you, but now knowing how each day is precious and how at any moment I could lose any of you I want you to know exactly how I feel about you and how much your time in my life has enriched it. I wake up every morning and tell David I am happy we have another day together.
  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #5
    Positive thoughts....
    Keep them close to you...even if you're doubting it. With all that David is dealing with, you have to take one issue at a time. And as you said you are thankful for each day, then you take one day at a time also.

    Thinking of you both constantly. Your in my prayers....

    ~C
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #6
    Vivian...it sounds to me like there is more
    good than bad...Hurrah that he is responding to the chemo...that is HUGE!! The low blood counts...well, anyone getting chemo gets those, it's part of just the way things are. They can help him with that.

    From what they told you when he began this treatment, how incredibly hard it is on the body...the fact that he feels like he's got the flu is understandable...and from my perspective, not as bad as it could have been.

    I think there are way more plusses here than minuses.

    p
  • NJShore
    NJShore Member Posts: 429 Member
    #7
    VivianLee5689 said:

    Thank you
    Again I am overwhelmed by the support of my head and neck family. You guys have been here for me through all the emotional ups and downs. I know all my posts have not been easy to read, yet you read and support me in this chaotic life I am leading. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know you guys/girls before this nightmare began. I know I keep telling you how thankful I am for each of you, but now knowing how each day is precious and how at any moment I could lose any of you I want you to know exactly how I feel about you and how much your time in my life has enriched it. I wake up every morning and tell David I am happy we have another day together.

    A very loving wife...
    You are an amazing woman, so loving, so caring, a beautiful wife. I send my prayers for you and David every day, several times a day. Cherish each moment of every day, one day at a time. David seems very strong himself and I pray that he rises to the challenges ahead of him. Your love and support and patience are your beautiful gifts to help him. And you are such a good role model for the rest of us caretakers...

    My best to you and David,

    Kari
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #8
    In My Thoughts
    and prayers. You and David really need a break. Some positive results and a little vacation from the treatments. Hope that is in your future. Rick.
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #9
    Wow
    You all blew that plasma cell count goal out of the water! Wonderful to hear for a fact that the cancer is responding to treatment. Hoping for more progress along these lines. One hurdle at a time. Keep it up!
  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #10
    go with the good
    Vivian,

    I’ll hang my hat on the good news. I am always hoping for the best for both of you.

    Positive thoughts,

    Matt

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