Friends,

Today, I just have a brief update.

My 3^rd round of chemo started with an infusion yesterday. For the first few days of a new round, I’m on some extra medication that counteracts some of the negative side-effects of the chemo agents.  So while I’m on those medications, I’m actually feeling really good!  Those medications will run out on Sunday, so starting Monday is when I start “Fatigue Week”, which for me has been just sleepiness.  Until then, I’m actually feeling good and can do my normal 2 short walks a day, and even do my stair exercises.  “Fatigue Week” has generally lasted just from Monday to Thursday or so, and then I’ve been turning a corner on Friday, which I expect to happen this week as well. 

I caught a very mild viral infection this time, and had to be more strict on having visitors.  Fewer visitors, and always meeting out on the patio from now on.  Despite that, my White Blood Cell count remained fine for a person on chemo, so my 3^rd round started on time.  I also finished my radiation treatments on Friday, November 8^th, so I’m very happy to be done with that.  Now it’s just chemo, and immunotherapy starting with my next chemo round in early December.  People tolerate immunotherapy very well.

Because I’m halfway through chemo, Kathy remarked that it felt like “Wednesday”, like we just have to endure a few more days before the welcome end.  Everyone from students to adults in the workplace know what that feels like!

Right now, I’m thinking as if my chemo journey will end around December 14^th, when I’ll emerge from my “bad week” for that round.  Then I’ll need to start working out, regaining the strength I lost while in the hospital.  It’ll take me a few months to get back to my ideal weight, and be ready to travel again.  So by Christmastime, I should be mostly back to normal.

Results continue to be very good, and my prognosis remains very good!

Thanks again for all your prayers!  We continue to pray that my tumor tissue will become lung tissue, and not just scar tissue, to maximize my hiking, backpacking and skiing abilities, some of my favorite activities!

Also pray that my broken rib will heal quickly! We still have no idea how long it will take, but it will be much longer than the usual 6 weeks, since the pieces are not sitting right next to each other yet, but have to grow together before they can mend.

Don’t fear, but be smart,
Erik

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