Larry is four chemo treatments down and has two more to go. Before he can start his treatment each time, he has to have blood work done to check his levels. Today, his white blood cell count was lower than the doctor wants it. They went ahead and gave him the chemo today, but he'll need to get a Neulasta shot. Since his white blood cell count is low, this shot reduces the chances of infection in people receiving chemo. The side effect of the shot is severe bone, joint and muscle pain. Of course, there is a drug to counteract the side effect - Claritin. Yep, that's right the antihistamine. Essentially, Neulasta revs up the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells causing the bone to 'ache'. Claritin relieves that pain. Gosh, I feel so grateful for whoever is discovering the drugs that counteract the side effects. I mean who would think taking an over the counter antihistamine would relieve the effects of a white blood cell booster???? Just a side note... guess how much this one shot costs. $7,000!!!! Can you believe that? Who says there is nothing wrong with our health care system?!
He is still experiencing the tingling in his fingers when they are exposed to cold, and the nausea but of course he knows how to handle both. Now that the weather is getting colder, he is experiencing the tingling fingers just being outside. Of course, my mom has volunteered to knit him a pair of mittens for him :)
I just got home from our traditional chemo meal at my moms. We had hangar steak with bearnaise sauce, potatoes and broccoli. I'm STUFFED and exhausted!!! My brother looks good and is in good spirits.
Have you signed up for the Get in Your Rear in Gear 5k?
Sox it to it Lar...
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