A Strong Immune System is Soooo Important!
After I completed round 1 of KISQALI I asked the oncologists to reduce my dose from 600mg daily to 400mg daily because I watched my immune system numbers drop and was scared of what that meant for my ability to fight infections. However, both convinced me to remain on the higher dose, so I did. Well, now after round 2, my neutrophil count is in the dangerously low levels and both oncologists want me to take a total break from the KISQALI! My WBC is 1.5 and I am Grade 3 neutropenic at .74. I am fighting infections. I am totally exhausted. I nap three hours a day. I feel like I have mono. I have oral and throat thrush. I am being tested for a possible kidney infection. I have a bizare cyst or enlarged lymph node they want to do an ultrasound on. I have mouth sores. The medicine sometimes is worse than the disease. I knew early on the huge dose was too much for my body and finally I am being listened to, better late than after a potentially life threatening event. I read that Stage 4 is supposed to be about quality of life as much as extension of life and I will just keep reminding my doctors of that. Today, I had my second ZOMETA. I drank a gallon of water ahead of time, asked them to give me IV fluid before and after and extend the drip from 15 minutes to 30. They did happily and I am grateful. We are our own best advocates. Our bodies are amazing. I am thanful my body is doing such a good job with all that is happening to it and I remember to say my prayers of gratitude each night.

“Our bodies are amazing,” you say.
ReplyDelete“Your brain is amazing,” I say.
“Your spirit is amazing,” I say.
Bless you, Roxanne.