Happy summer, everyone!
Dad finished up his 5th series of chemo today with low blood counts; platelets (10) & red (7.4). Hemoglobin (red blood), should be above 10 and platelets should be closer to 100. Tomorrow he will receive 2 pints of blood and 1 pint platelets to increase his levels. Anemia has been a trend in series 4 and 5, and I thought it is time to send out a message for energy & prayer for Dad.
As we know, chemotherapy eliminates cancer cells, however, it can also attack healthy red blood cells and have a negative impact on the production of new healthy cells. Not to worry, 7 out of 10 chemo patients develop anemia during the course of their treatment, and it's treatable. However, it does place extra demands on your body and can cause excessive tiredness and fatigue.
It's time to band together again and get Dad's counts, spirits and energy back up where it needs to be. Also, we're looking to schedule his next PET scan for mid-July and we are looking forward to more great results. I believe that with the energy from all of you, we will celebrate another positive milestone in Dad's fight.
Did you know that Lung Cancer is called "the silent killer?" I find myself cringe anytime I read or think about this. How dare they call something that my Father is fighting and beating "the silent killer!" All of you know my Dad, and some of you know me, and know that we will NEVER be silent about this disease. It's not going to to win! It's not going to be quiet anymore if we have something do with it!
First step is fighting, second step is spreading awareness. This year, we will participate in MorristownPatch and Free To Breathe. We ask that you take a look at all 3 links, even just one and either read, participate, donate or send on to your friends and family. Knowledge is power!
MorristownPatch (donate blood, get a free movie ticket):
http://morristown.patch.com/announcements/donate-blood-get-free-movie-ticket
Free To Breathe: Fundraising for lung cancer research and awareness:
http://participate.freetobreathe.org/site/TR/RunWalk/General?pg=team&fr_id=1441&team_id=14220
National Lung Cancer Partnership:
http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/
From my heart to yours, here's to a happy, healthy summer.
Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)
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