A few pints later....

My last CBC showed that my hemoglobin had dropped to 7.6 again, so I went into the hospital today for a couple of units of red-blood cells. I had been fighting chronic anemia prior to starting chemo this fall, the chemo has just made this condition worse. I am feeling really good despite getting chemo yesterday. I go in tomorrow to get a shot of Aranesp, another multi-thousand dollar wonder shot that boosts my red blood cell production.

Take Care,

Andrew

Tuesday Doctor Appointment

Well, we had a good conversation with my Oncologist regarding the short and long term plan regarding the Gemzar/Taxotere chemotherapy that I am undergoing. I actually gained 4lbs over the last week! The most interesting thing from the conversation was that the weight symptoms that are causing my distress could be a result of my cancer just as well as the treatment. I am of the opinion that it is the treatment, however I have been losing weight steadily since last June when I wasn't on chemo.

Today I went ahead and started part two of my first cycle. This dose is only Gemzar which is the easier one for me to tolerate. My last treatment was Gemzar/Taxotere combo which was much harder for me to tolerate. I am going to delay my G/T treatment this phase for a week so I will be feeling good for Thanksgiving. It is important to me to be able to enjoy the time with my family and the holidays have always been important to me.


Have a happy Thanksgiving

A good man passed away this morning

Dave Panella, whose website is on my blogroll, reached the final stage of his race with cancer this morning. He survived pancreatic cancer for five years and inspired many people including me. Fortunately Amy, Liam, and I were able to meet Dave and his wife Kim at the Ride for the Roses. Rest in peace Dave, you will not be forgotten.

Please visit his site* to learn more about how he lived and how he fought his cancer. His website also includes a donation button if you are interested in helping the family with the tens of thousands of unpaid medical bills.

LiveStrong

Andrew

*Dave's site is http://www.davepanella.org/?page=home