Chemo Completed!

I am very pleased to report that I received my 12th and final chemotherapy infusion on Thursday, October 8th. It's been a very long six months or so and I am relieved to have this part of my journey behind me.

On Thursday, my white blood count (Absolute Neutrophil Count -- ANC) was pretty low, at 500. This is borderline between moderate and severe Netropenia, so I think I just squeaked it out! But since the doctor and nurse practitioner knew how determined I was to get this regimen completed and move on, treatment went on...I also think the fact that my Monocyte count (another type of white blood cell) was on the upswing, this helped to alleviate much of their concern about treating at such a low ANC level.

I'll be heading back next Thursday, October 15th for more blood work and to see how far my white blood counts have indeed recovered.

Then, on to the next phase of recovery ---more testing. In my near future, I will have another Pulmonary Function Test to measure the impact chemo has had on my respiratory functions, as well as a PET Scan to ensure all of the disease has been eradicated. I feel very positive about the PET scan since the last 2 scans have shown no further sign of cancer.

For now, I am eagerly awaiting for the toxicity of the chemo to dissipate, the nausea to relinquish its pervasive presence and the peripheral neuropathy to eventually fade away. In time, I will regain my strength, my ability to sleep for more than 2 hours stretches, eyebrows, and hopefully even the need for the use of a hair brush again.

Until then, I remain extremely grateful for all of the support that I have received from my family, friends and countless medical professionals who have all contributed to my care and well-being, be it medical, spiritual or emotional --- Thank you all.

I will keep you posted as I move through the next phases of tests --- But I don't expect any surprises and am quite confident the news to come should all be good!

That's all for today. Thank you for reading. And as always, go out and do something positive today, hug a loved one and count your blessing!

Glenn