Happy New Year!
Thank you to all of you who have sent cards and gifts! Wow… I have felt so loved and encouraged in these last couple of weeks. I know a lot of this was orchestrated by my sweet sister, and I am overwhelmed that so many of you took the time to send something to me. I received cards from near and far, from old friends and some I’ve never met, and even some from overseas. Again, wow! Thank you!
It may seem strange to say that 2015 was a great year, considering all that I’ve been going through these last few months. However, there is so much to be grateful for!
I won an incredible behind-the-scenes tour of Indiana University’s basketball facilities…
… Worked with an amazing staff of AU students…
… and RDs…
…Moved over to Martin Hall (with the help of some amazing friends!)…
…Welcomed my new niece into the world…
…Spent a great week at Camp Pyoca…
…Visited 6 national parks on an epic 5,000-mile road trip through the West (and Mandy, Nathan, and I didn’t kill each other! Thank you, Harry Potter audio books!)…
…Reconnected with my Great Escape family…
…Began working with another incredible team of RAs…
…and RDs…
As crazy as it sounds, I wouldn’t trade this year for anything, even if it meant doing all of the surgeries and treatment again! I am one extremely blessed girl! I’m looking forward to 2016 and all it has in store!
Back to Treatment
Last week’s half-dose treatments seem to be a success! I went in Monday afternoon, and my liver numbers were way closer to normal. Normal is 0-33 (no idea what units…). When I was feeling terrible after the first week, the number had spiked to the upper 200s. After my 10-day break from treatment, I was back around 60. My doctor was happy with that progress and allowed my infusions to proceed at half the usual dose.
Over the course of the week, my liver numbers actually continued to go down! By Wednesday they were in the 50s. I know that this drug will build up in my system over time, so it will be interesting to see where the numbers are after this upcoming week with 5 treatments (Last week the center was only open Monday-Wednesday due to the holiday, so I only had 3 infusions).
The half dose still gave me fever and chills, but my fatigue wasn’t quite as bad. Rather than the 14+ hours in bed per night, it was more like 10-12. I know that still sounds like a lot, but it is an improvement! My appetite was also improved, and I ate almost normally. There were a few times I felt a little nauseated, but never as bad as the weekend after my first week of treatments.
Thank you for your continued prayers! I’m looking forward to finishing these infusions and getting back to normal life!