Day two after third cycle with Taxol and Carboplatin, first cycle with Erbitux
How is Chevy doing?
Last night, Chevy had some intermittent facial flushing. She also developed a warm, red, non-itchy rash on her entire left arm. No, this is not the rash that we have been praying for yet, i.e., not the rash from the third chemo drug (Erbitux). Instead, this is still the allergic reaction to Taxol. She has been continually taking antihistamines. Tonight, praise the Lord, the rash (and warmth) is much improved! She has had a good appetite all this time after her third chemo. She hasn't even felt nauseous. This is indeed wonderful news, as she has had some nausea with the first two chemos. Chevy went to church today and attended the Christmas party there. We had lechon, which is kinda like a national dish here in the Philippines -- roasted pig! And I mean, ENTIRE PIG! Wish I had a pic to share! :o) Chevy is having tingling and numbness of her upper extremities again, from the Taxol. Please pray that they will remain mild. And lastly, I am pleased to report that Chevy's cough is finally better! The family has definitely noticed an improvement since her third chemo two days ago. Praise God! We continue to hold on to his promises day by day, to cling to litlte sparks of hope that He brings us...He gives us enough grace to go through each day. Isn't the Lord marvelous?!
What is the situation at home?
Mama, who is the Executive Chef in the Lim household :o) is down with an upper respiratory infection. My husband David, who just got here from a ~36-hr trip (he missed his connecting flight bec. of airline delays) is also down with a cold. My brother Michael seems to be immune to it all right now. As for me, I am starting to develop allergies again (very occasional itchy throat and eyes, as well as postnasal drip). I hope this doesn't trigger my asthma. Our helper also has a cold. I have my Mom on antibiotics to be on the safe side, as there is some doubt about whether this is only a cold. David definitely has just a cold. And I am pushing my nasal sprays and Advair! :o) We disinfected the master bedroom and we have Chevy temporarily "quarantined" there, at least when she's at home. Everyone else wears masks and does frequent hand-washing. Chevy wears a mask when she leaves the room. I alone have gone into her room to give her food, etc. My aunt offered her room to Chevy, but Chevy didn't accept it, as my aunt did not have high-speed internet! :D (Nah, there's other reasons, such as construction work right next to her house.) Chevy said, we'll just pray, besides, Mama (who is sick) is the one preparing her food! :D I was telling my aunt earlier that I praise God that everyone is sick now when Achie's counts are still relatively higher. Next week, her counts would be lower, and we hope that everyone would be free from infection then (Please pray for this). Chevy has the tiniest of sniffles and the oh-so-occasional sneeze, so I don't know if she has a mild cold or allergies.
What about the Port-A-Cath?
Chevy visited a cousin's aunt today to see and feel her Port-A-Cath, which she had placed when she battled breast cancer 4 years ago (She hasn't had it removed yet). Chevy hasn't decided yet. I told her there is no rush. My aunt suggested waiting for three weeks to see if she will get a rash. See, if she gets a rash from Erbitux, then it means the Erbitux is working and it will be continued. If she doesn't get a rash, then the Erbitux will be discontinued. Erbitux is given WEEKLY, while Taxol and Carboplatin are given every 3 weeks. It is because of the weekly administration of Erbitux that Chevy is considering the Port-A-Cath placement. This will definitely lessen the needlesticks to her hands and arms! The doctor, however, only wishes to use the Port-A-Cath for infusion of meds. She doesn't want any blood draws from the Port-A-Cath bec. this apparently increases the risk of thrombosis.
What about the G-CSF or granulocyte colony stimulating factor (Generic Filgrastim, Brand Neupogen)?
We all pretty much want this now, i.e., prophylactically, but Chevy's oncologist is holding off. Please pray that in her so doing, Chevy won't miss her next dose of Erbitux, which is next Friday 12/26 (i.e., if her WBC is really low then, she won't be able to get the Erbitux). Chevy and I have already discussed this with her several times, but she still wants to wait and see what Chevy's counts will be next Friday. So we are trying to be patient and to trust her. Please pray also that Chevy won't develop another bacterial infection again as a result of her WBC dropping too low. Apparently, having mouth sores is already an indicator that the white count has dropped very low. We trust in the Lord's unending goodness and mercies, and we know that everything will work out for good to Chevy no matter what bec. she loves the Lord!
With gratitude for your fervent prayers,
Cheryl
