Kevin has made it through four rounds of the infused chemo, Oxiliplatin. The good news is that the tumor markers dropped 48% after just three rounds, which indicates that the chemo is having the intended effect of shrinking the tumors and preventing new cancer cell growth. When Kevin goes in for round five tomorrow, they will first run blood tests to see what the tumor marker results are after round four. We pray the markers continue to drop.
While we’re grateful that the chemo is killing “bad” cells, good cells have come under fire as well. A cumulative result of the four infusions that Kevin has had so far is that his platelet count is down. If it goes too low, the doctor may want to hold off on the two remaining chemo rounds until Kevin body’s had a chance to recover a bit. Understandably, Kevin does not want to have any treatment delayed; he just wants to get these six rounds behind him so he can really recover. After each successive round, the peripheral neuropathy has lingered longer and now the fatigue is more intense and is not lifting between treatments as much as it did in December. Kevin also has a bad case of cabin fever, as it’s been too cold for him to even sit on the balcony. Spring – and the sixth round of chemo -- can’t come soon enough!
Please pray for protection of the healthy cells in Kevin’s body, especially his platelet count, and of course for the chemo to continue to be effective against the cancer.
Roni
Hey guys...hang in there. Sounds like chemo is working. I couldn't be happier for you both. Know that Brianna and I think of you everyday. Love, Aimee
ReplyDeleteOne prayer coming up.
ReplyDeleteAlmighty and Eternal God,
You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You.
Hear us for Your servant Kevin.
for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy,
that being restored to bodily health,
he may give thanks to You.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Best of luck with the chemo - sounds like it is working!
ReplyDeleteThere is a medicine called Epogen that can help bring his blood platelet count back up. If Kev isn't already on it, talk with his doctors about it.
Again, best of luck!
Rebecca (a friend of a friend of a friend...) =)
Kev,
ReplyDeleteLong time no see. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you forge ahead in treatment. My late wife's grand nephew who is only 21 has a rare, rare lung cancer that is being treated through the Mayo Clinic. We get regular updates through his mother. His is related to his DNA so it tends to try to grow back after it's removed. They are hopeful and so we all continue to pray... I believe I saw you at Rolling Thunder. I was there with a few forum members and other military folks... My wife, Jane, died in an automobile accident on 08/31/08. The kids all thought we'd die on motorcycles but that didn't happen after 19 years of riding.. My Best to you and your family. - Walt Kern
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteLong time, no see. Another prayer on the wind for you. Keep fighting.
Uncle Jerry