Give me a Boost

We have been meaning to update everyone all week, but things have been crazy busy. Last Thursday was my 3rd round of chemo. I was feeling okay after the treatment until Friday afternoon and then the rest of weekend was a hard one. I felt super tired and woozie and couldn't function properly. My balance was off and I couldn't sleep enough.

We had mentioned in our last post that my white count was down and that I might have to get daily shots to boost my reproduction of white blood cells. Well, it happend. Today will be my third and hopefully final day of the "booster shot." I guess we will see as my blood work will be redone. The shot is called Neupogen and the side effects are pretty awesome; sore joints and bones.

New research is showing that strength training  has been shown to be beneficial when going through chemo, so I got to work out this week on Wednesday and felt really good. Obviously I had to go lighter on my weights, but still managed to check myself out in the mirror (for medical purposes, of course).

We continue to be thankful for your thoughts and prayers and notes and meals and everything. They really give our spirits a "boost."

Chemo Carb Loading

Nate is cruising through his third chemo session as I type. His blood counts were low today and if they drop any lower he will have to have get a series of shots to boost his immune system. We are voting against that happening.

Otherwise, we are having a grand old time eating lunch, getting some work done and fattening up the Cancer Center with the donuts Nate brought as bribes for superior drugs (evidently the drugs are pre-set and aren't up for negotiation). Drat!

Please pray for the days ahead as the effects of the chemo start...it appears that the fatigue and wooziness will increase with each treatment. Pray for rest for Nate and that he will give his body grace as it fights.

We love you all and are so grateful for your prayer and support!

Oh say can you see!

There are many reasons for the subject line of this post. The most important is that we took Carter to his first professional baseball game this last Sunday. He stayed in his seat for a long time, saw his first Strikeout and then played with Grammy and Mommy in the kids fun zone!!

Second: as many as you know I was a pirate a couple of weeks ago. As a followup I was prescribed antibiotics and some goop for my eye. By that Saturday I was seeing quite clearly and was able to continue "normal" life. At my followup last week, the ophthomologist said everything was healing nicely and my vision was a whopping 20/20. Good thing those eye tests are easy- if you know your alphabet you can pass.

Third: Looking back to the last weeks. I had Chemo at my scheduled time on the 6th of September. I was joined by a great friend of mine that hung out with me all day. You rock! Thaddeus (that's his spartan name). When i was sitting there for hours we played games, chatted, and came up with the perfect name for one of the chemicals. We call it the Red Devil, cause it is powerful, evil,  and yes it is red!

After the treatment I was feeling not awesome, but OK. After some needed rest I was ready to go. Go where? to St Louis. Our good friends got married in St. Louis, which is a 4 hour drive for us. Congrats again Tom & Kristin. After a long weekend of dancing and having fun, we headed home. Throughout the weekend the chemo hit me. I did not get sick, but was feeling really tired and woozy. (all normal for chemo) 

By Tuesday I was back in action. Since then I have been feeling pretty good! So good that I got to watch my amazing wife run in the KC ZOO run, play with Carter at a local park, and enjoy the amazing meals that we are receiving.

I am missing a few key things from my normal routine. Working out. I feel like I have the energy, but just can not finish and it takes a lot longer than before to recover. Another is (I can not believe I am going to type this) Salad. I have to stay away from fresh fruits and veggies. (Doctors Orders, I swear!)

Getting geared up for this Thursday, when I go in for my 3rd dose.

A couple of prayer requests:

Continued prayer for Erin- Her patience and unending love is amazing.

Prayer for the nurses and doctors at the treatment center. Prayers for contentment during our adventure.

Prayer of thanksgiving for all our friends and family.

-Nate (MM)