Another Round
In support of
Kim Lurvey and the Lurvey Family
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Kim Lurvey and the Lurvey Family
Today I was finally able to receive a second treatment of my new drug! The first treatment really hammered me and my hemoglobin, platelets and white blood cells to a point where it was not wise to resume infusions; today my numbers were not perfect, but good enough to sneak in a dose with the goal of keeping treatment going.
This drug is supposed to target cancer growing in my liver, but is known for causing nausea, fatigue and low white blood cell counts. Thankfully (and unusually) I have not experienced any nausea--Yippee! Our new strategy is to reduce the dose of the medication by half; we are working to strike a balance between administering an effective dose of this drug and providing me with enough energy to function. I am totally on board because I really need to able to keep upright, move more and gain back some strength that has been lost over the last ten months of trying to find our treatment groove.
As it stands, in the next month I will need to take a three week break from chemotherapy to have some work on my right femur. Docs are anxious to insert a rod somehow (I try not to think too much about it) to reinforce the bone so it will not break. Funny, but I didn't have any pain or discomfort in my leg until they all started talking about it--last night I struggled to sleep due to achiness.
Finally, my doctor and nurse announced that I am the 'funniest patient they have." If I'm honest, I try to be cranky in a funny way, keeping it real while letting them know I appreciate the hard work that they do on my behalf. Today a nurse and I laughed so hard at a story that she told me, that everyone down the hall could hear us. Laughter is indeed great medicine.
Please pray that 1) we will, indeed, find a way to make this treatment sustainable. and that it will be unusually effective and 2) the surgery on my leg comes and goes with the benefit that doctors hope for and expect and that I have no undue anxiety. It is presently scheduled for November 18th.
Please thank God for His mercy that I have not experienced the most common side effect of this drug--nausea. I am grateful indeed. Thank Him for my community which supports me and my family with meals, treats, visits, calls, puzzles, gifts, and many prayers. Thank Him that He will never leave me or forsake me.
Enjoy this beautiful Fall!
Kim
This drug is supposed to target cancer growing in my liver, but is known for causing nausea, fatigue and low white blood cell counts. Thankfully (and unusually) I have not experienced any nausea--Yippee! Our new strategy is to reduce the dose of the medication by half; we are working to strike a balance between administering an effective dose of this drug and providing me with enough energy to function. I am totally on board because I really need to able to keep upright, move more and gain back some strength that has been lost over the last ten months of trying to find our treatment groove.
As it stands, in the next month I will need to take a three week break from chemotherapy to have some work on my right femur. Docs are anxious to insert a rod somehow (I try not to think too much about it) to reinforce the bone so it will not break. Funny, but I didn't have any pain or discomfort in my leg until they all started talking about it--last night I struggled to sleep due to achiness.
Finally, my doctor and nurse announced that I am the 'funniest patient they have." If I'm honest, I try to be cranky in a funny way, keeping it real while letting them know I appreciate the hard work that they do on my behalf. Today a nurse and I laughed so hard at a story that she told me, that everyone down the hall could hear us. Laughter is indeed great medicine.
Please pray that 1) we will, indeed, find a way to make this treatment sustainable. and that it will be unusually effective and 2) the surgery on my leg comes and goes with the benefit that doctors hope for and expect and that I have no undue anxiety. It is presently scheduled for November 18th.
Please thank God for His mercy that I have not experienced the most common side effect of this drug--nausea. I am grateful indeed. Thank Him for my community which supports me and my family with meals, treats, visits, calls, puzzles, gifts, and many prayers. Thank Him that He will never leave me or forsake me.
Enjoy this beautiful Fall!
Kim
Comments
Bonnie Hawkinson
Robin Morin
Rick Baer
Kate Woods
How I wish I could be there to drop by and work on a puzzle or just watch the leaves fall from the trees. Those who are near to you, please take advantage of your geographical nearness to do so!!! I miss my northern friends, so give Kim a hug in person from me, OK?
You and our friends walking this journey with you are so often in my prayers. The surgery is written on my calendar, so do let us know if things change.
LORD, may You contend with this cancer and any treatment side effects that contend with Kim; may You take up shield and armor; arise and come to her aid. From Psalm 35:1a, 2
I'm thankful with you for what God has done so far and praying that the side effects remain at bay and you are defended from additional agony with nausea, but can regain the strength you desire and need to keep on keeping on. You are a blessing! And we are praying for you in the battle, holding up your arms. Most importantly, God is with you in this. Hugs across the miles, dear Kim!
Nancy Rather
Stephanie Baer