Update from the Oncologist - Grad Tomorrow!

Well, started out today with a trip to the Cross Cancer Institute for blood work and a review with Dr. Taparia.  Beginning of cycle 2 is on for Friday.  Looks like the Neupogen is doing its job as her WBC counts are now at around 5 (normal 4.5+) and her Neutrophil Granulocytes are at 3.0 (normal 1.8+).  Amanda was funny doing her first self-injection on Sunday.  Let's just say it took awhile for her to work up the nerve to do it!  The side effects seem to not be hitting her that hard, which is a blessing.  Only complaining of some pain in her legs and chest (a bit).  Pain is managed just fine with Tylenol, so definitely not that bad.

The really noticeable lymph node in her neck is not any larger and may be smaller, so it appears the cancer is responding to the treatment.  Some of Amanda's other symptoms, like her coughing, etc. have noticeably improved.  Other than significant fatigue, the only noticeable long-term issue with the Chemo right now seems to be some minor neuropathy (tingling / numbing) in her toes.  We will have to watch that one, as that can develop into a long-term issue and is a noted concern with one of the chemo drugs she is taking.  Plan continues to be to complete 4 cycles (8 treatments) of chemotherapy and then do a followup PET-CT scan.  The results at that point will dictate what the next course of action (additional chemo and/or radiation or nothing)...we are going for NOTHING!!!  

Rest of today was much lighter as Amanda cleaned out her locker at school and the we went to the mall to pick up her grad dress (Stunning...pictures coming soon to a Blog near you...and Facebook too, lol!),  and did a little shopping for a dress to wear to commencement and some bling for her hair.  Grad is TOMORROW and her banquet on Thursday...then chemo Friday.  Oh well, at least some fun before the yucky part :)