I have a plan

Let me start off by saying I slept a lot better last night. Am thankful for that. When I went to bed I was anxious cause I didn't know what the night would bring.
Went off to work feeling so much better than the previous days.

Got a call from the Pittsburgh oncologist's office that they had scheduled a visit with the local dr. for 2 p.m. today. Perhaps followed by chemo. Geez, I didn't have time to get nervous. Took a short lunch and went to appt.

The plan of attack is gemzar. A chemo drug that is given intravenously through my port. And yes, it still works after months of non use. Never realized that you were supposed to "flush" it out monthly. Oh well. I will go every week for 3 weeks, and then off the 4th week. Gemzar's side effects do not include hair loss. But it's hard on the body's blood counts.
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This is from gemzar's own website:


You will have regular blood tests before and during your treatment with GEMZAR that will monitor you for the following side effects. You may also have symptoms that you should tell your healthcare team about.

Low white blood cell count (neutropenia/leukopenia)
White blood cells help you fight infection. A low number of white blood cells is called neutropenia or leukopenia. You will most likely have a drop in your white blood cell count beginning several days after you receive GEMZAR therapy. About 7 out of 10 patients experienced a low white blood cell count.

During this time, you are more likely to develop an infection, and should avoid crowds and those with colds. You should call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection, such as a temperature over 100.5°F, or chills. There are medications to help with low white blood cell counts.

Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Red blood cells help transport oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. A low red blood cell count is called anemia. If your red blood cell count is low, you may feel tired, get tired easily, appear pale, and become short of breath. About 69 percent of patients experienced anemia in the clinical trials of GEMZAR plus paclitaxel. There are medications available to help with anemia.

Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Platelets help your blood clot. A lowered platelet count puts you at more risk for bleeding. If your doctor or nurse tells you that you have a low platelet count, you will be asked to take some precautions, including avoiding injury, using stool softeners, using soft-bristle toothbrushes, etc. It is important that you call your healthcare team if you see any signs of bleeding, such as bruising or blood in your stool. Of the patients who received GEMZAR in combination with paclitaxel, 26 percent had a low platelet count.

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Barry had this same chemo and did experience the low counts. Fatigue is very common. People who have had other chemo treatments have not tolerated this drug as well. I may need the treatments reduced if I should need.

It will take only 1/2 hr. to get this treatment done. And tomorrow will be my first treatment.

Tim left on his bus trip tonight. An emotional time for me today. With seeing him off and just the whole cancer thing. But tomorrow will be better. And he'll be fine. Thank goodness for friends.

Am tired now. Off to bed. I go for chemo. Barry goes for CT scan. Just another day.