Cycles – of Life and Chemo

Not to sound too philosophical, but life is made of cycles. The cycles of seasons, months, days, all are a part of our normal existence. The cycles of motor-development – rolling over, crawling, walking, running, tricycling, bycycling, driving a car, walker, wheelchair, crawling, rolling over. The cycle of aging -become 21,  turn 30, pushing 40, reach 50, make it to 60, built up enough speed that you HIT 70. After that, it’s a day to day thing – you HIT Wednesday, you make it to Thursday, etc.

200 mg of Treandra, at 4 grand a bag

I found out that Chemotherapy is done in cycles also. I just finished my first week’s cycle of the Treanda/Rituxan treatment for my Follicular Lymphoma. These two chemotherapy drugs do different things to the cancer cells. Rituxan is a Monoclonal Antibody that somehow (they still don’t know how) attaches itself to a cancerous cell and destroys it. The Treanda (a nitrogen mustard derivative), unlike most chemotherapy drugs that act upon a cell when it is dividing, actually is active against both dividing cells and resting cells. The bad part is that it kills both cancerous cells and healthy cells. Because of that, the Treanda needs more time during its cycle of destruction to work against the cancer. Therefore, my 28 day cycle of Chemotherapy which I have now.

My Vitals on Monday. All you Health Care People; is this good, or what?

I have made it through the first phase of side-effects, which usually lasts 48 hours after the infusion of the drug. During that time, I had to drink plenty of fluids (water) in order to keep the kidneys flushed from the bombardment of dead cells that the body was attempting to discard. My main side-effect the first week was nausea, and the mention or thought of food was repulsive. In a few days, my body craved “comfort food.” I existed on bland food that took me back to childhood – Quaker Oats, fruit juices, chicken noodle soup, etc. Any solid foods turned my stomach and I would have to take another anti-nausea pill, of which the pill’s side-effect would make me sleep.

Last Monday, Tumor on Right Side of Jaw (Before Picture)

The next phase is coming slowly, and will hit me sometime on the 14th day, and last until the 21st day. That is when the blood count will bottom out and I will be most susceptible to infection or germs. A fever of 100.5 F would require me to call the hospital, day or night, and immediately get in touch with a doctor, who would tell me to come to the emergency room and get the infection taken care of. This is the time to avoid crowds and wash my hands every 15 seconds or whenever I would touch my face, whichever happens sooner. I cannot cut myself or even shave with a razor. Even a soft toothbrush needs to be used to minimize bleeding.

Today, Tumor on Right Side of Jaw (After Picture)

The recovery period is 28 days. Then comes another treatment. I know, it’s a horrible way to live. So far, since I have my appetite back, it is not too bad. I can get a lot of studying done, some writing, and am well rested. My schedule is not nearly as hectic as normal, and I have to deal with the feelings of being non-productive as well. Furtunately, it is winter here in the cold north, and life is slower during this season. Also, fortunately, our winter has not been very severe. I believe that I have shoveled my driveway twice this winter. Another time, a man with a riding snowblower saw me shoveling and did my drive in a few minutes for me. The other times, Jody Smith, a teacher in our church, has brought his plow and shoved the snow off the driveway.

Last Monday, Large Tumor above Voice Box (Before Picture)

The good news is that the tumors are shrinking. Is that worth being put through all the side-effects and problems with the drugs? That is still to be seen. At some points, Heaven sure does sound sweeter. At others, we fight and persevere for our loved-ones’ sakes.

Today, Tumor on Throat, Much Smaller (After Picture)

Next Monday marks the 14th day, which starts the lowest of my blood count. This will last until the 21st day, where the blood counts will start back up. I am learning again to adjust to cycles. Monday, I will HIT rock bottom; then barely MAKE IT to Wednesday, start PUSHING Friday, and begin recovering on Monday so I can start the cycle over again for next month. I will have three more months like this one before the treatment stops, and I am re-evaluated.