Thursday, January 08, 2009

Results From Today's Follow Up Appointment

I had my second follow up appointment today and it went really well. My WBC and RBC levels were almost double what they were on December 26. In fact, my white blood cell count is almost normal. Basically my blood work this morning was perfect, so again I didn't need a blood transfusion or platelets (which made for a shorter visit, which made Brett happy.)

They want me to stay on the vitamin A pills (ATRA medication) that I've been taking for another two weeks, and we scheduled my admission date for Round 2 of chemo for Tuesday, January 27. That will give me a two more weeks at home. For round 2, the chemo meds will only last 5 days and I should be in the hospital a total of 3 to 4 weeks again. We were told with each round of chemo, it's a little harder for the body's immune system to "bounce back". Each round will be shorter (5 days, then 3 days, then 1 day) but the recovery time will be longer each time.

I asked a lot of questions today and learned that in all I have 3 more rounds of chemo. Technically, I am in remission right now, but obviously you don't cure cancer with only one round of chemo. The nurse told me that my last bone marrow biopsy was very good in that there was evidence of bone marrow (meaning my body is making it again after chemo) but no evidence of cancer blasts. That is all very good news.

Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers! We're still KCA!

16 comments:

Vajana said...

that is so very awesome, Kelly. Always thinking and praying for you!

Brooke (CrazyRN) said...

Love how you're showin' cancer who's boss! Great update Kelly!!

Tonie Auer said...

That is awesome!!! I have lots of people praying for you here!!! Keep it up sweetie!

Bonnie sayers said...

That is good news. Sure was interesting with that earthquake earlier tonight. I thought I felt something when typing.

Laura said...

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Danielle said...

woooooooo! KCA 2, Cancer's Ass 0

Anonymous said...

Wahoo! What a great early birthday present! Have a great celebration -- I know what you'll be wishing for!!

Hugs and best wishes!!

Allison

Anonymous said...

Hooray that the you are kicking cancer's ass.

Marcie
(From CN)

Anonymous said...

Go Kelly, GO! Thrilled to hear your count is better. Keep fighting!

Me said...

Wow - that's awesome news all the way around!

Anonymous said...

Great news, Kelly! Stay strong and keep KCA!!!!

Janel

Anonymous said...

So great to hear, Kelly! I'm thinking about you everyday! Delta Love and all of mine!

Fantastagirl said...

Fantastic news on the blood work! Stay strong and Keep KCA!!

Anonymous said...

Such good news, Kelly! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. I will be praying for you until C has no more A in your body, for good. Barbara

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly!
Thinking and praying about you - glad to hear things are looking UP!

One piece of advice from my friend going through cancer with her son - don't hesitate to get the transfusions - she has learned that they keep him from getting sick between treatments even if he is not quite at the criterion number - Louise Valente and Family

Bogart said...

Sweet news...and it sounds like you will be out after round 2 just in time for pitchers and catchers to report.

Bonus!