Try again early next week

Sherrie heard from the doctor today: they want her to take more Neupogen shots over the weekend and have a CBC on Monday for a possible chemo attempt on Tuesday.

She feels quite discouraged because the Neupogen doesn't seem to be working very well. She is worried that each of the final two rounds will have a similar story, and extend her even longer.

We'll obviously be consulting with the doctor on this next time we see him.

CBC still too low

Sherrie had a CBC this afternoon and got some discouraging news: the total count was 1.2. That's too low for chemo. The results were faxed to the doctor, and we'll wait to hear from them what they want to do next.

Needless to say, Sherrie is discouraged. It's frustrating for her to want to be done, but to be held hostage by her body's inability to keep up.

No joy today

Sherrie was denied chemo again today. Her blood count was too low (1.3 total white count), and her infection fighters were especially low (0.4). So, she's going to get Neupogen shots for the next three days, and then try again with a CBC on Wednesday for Friday chemo.

She took it in stride, though she's disappointed. She really was hoping to be all done by the time school starts, but that doesn't look likely right now.

As the doctor said, it's much safer not to do chemo with such a low count, even if it pushes the schedule back.

Report on latest chemo round

Sherrie began another round of chemo (number four!) on Monday of this week. Like clockwork, she threw up around 9:00 that night. She seemed to get a bit behind on the nausea on Tuesday and Wednesday (maybe because her scrip for Compazine ran out?), and had a rough couple of days.

She went on her morning walk this morning (Thursday), and seems to be feeling better. Hopefully she'll bounce back quickly.

The oncologist ordered Neupogen to start Tuesday the day after chemo. Maybe it will work well enough that she can get part two of this round next Monday.

Chemo cycle number four

Chemo cycle number four starts today. Sherrie had a CBC on Friday, and her white count was only 3.4 or so. That's not very high, but I think it will be high enough to start (hopefully; unless it has gone down more since then).

Sherrie has lost almost all of her eyelashes and eyebrows. I'm sure that whatever is hanging on will be gone within the next cycle. I know it's kind of a big deal to her, but I think she looks great, and she needn't worry about losing them.

Chemo report

Sherrie's blood count was high enough yesterday (10.0), so she had the 5-FU chemo yesterday. It went quickly and well, with no surprises or issues. She felt a little queasy later last night, but seems to be feeling okay today.

She was going to take herself to the doctor today (non-cancer related visit), but her eyes were tired and she had trouble driving, so I took her instead.

She's on Neupogen shots again for the next six days, and she'll have a CBC next week to make sure her white count is high enough.

Sherrie is now officially halfway through chemo; three more cycles to go!