Sigh....
The chemotherapy session today had to be postponed because my platelet count had dropped below 100×109 per liter. The reading now is 82×109 per liter. Two weeks ago, the reading was 126×109 per liter.
You may think that I am a little crazy but I was actually looking forward to the chemotherapy but I guess it is because I want to get it over with and then go for the scan to see what the outcome is.
Saw the Oncologist today at 4:00pm and a couple of questions I had asked.
a) The low platelet count is expected and will have to rest for one more week to allow the platelet count to go up and the next chemo, the dose may be reduced to modulate for the low platelet count
b) I goit nose bleed and this is not expected. Got referred to ENT for review and see how to manage the nose bleed.
c) I've been flatulating a lot since the start of the chemo. Not much can be done and since there is no bloatedness and pain, just leave it as it is.
Other than the low platelet count, the red blood cells count, haemoglobin and haematocrit are marginally low but of no major concern at this point. Everything else is normal. The Oncologist was quite funny at this point and said that my readings are better than his.
My liver function is also good and in fact improving. There are 2 readings, the ALT and ALP that indicate the function of the liver and bile duct. Both readings used to be quite high. This was a surprise for the Oncologist but extremely good news.
Extracted from Wikipedia:
Alanine transaminase
Alanine transaminase (ALT), also called serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) or alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) is an enzyme present in hepatocytes (liver cells).
Alkaline phosphatase
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme in the cells lining the biliary ducts of the liver. ALP levels in plasma will rise with large bile duct obstruction, intrahepatic cholestasis or infiltrative diseases of the liver. ALP is also present in bone and placental tissue, so it is higher in growing children (as their bones are being remodelled) and elderly patients with Paget's disease.
Essentially the ALT reading is still high but had reduced by half. The ALP is now in the normal range. Praise God for the improved clinical indication for the Liver!
One surprise for me was that the Chemotherapy is not for 4 cycles, it is for 12 cycles within a six months period.
Overall, all is well, the Oncologist was surprise when he saw me and said that I looked like a normal healthy person. It is a good indication. But all will be clearer when I go for a CT scan on 18 Oct. Do pray for improve clinical outcome.
Yesterday, during communion, we sang this hymn for closing.
STANDING ON THE PROMISES
Words and Music by R. Kelso Carter, 1849 – 1928
© Public Domain
Verse 1:
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Chorus:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Saviour;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
Verse 2:
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Verse 3:
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
Verse 4:
Standing on the promises of Christ my Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Verse 5:
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Saviour as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
We sang verse 1, 4 and 5. We seldom sing this hymn anymore but when I read the verses, how true isn't it? That almost in anything and everything, we stand on the promises of God. We trust in God and so we stand on the promises that He gave us.
At this point, in all honesty, I am hesitant to say that God had promised to heal me completely and thoroughly. It is not that I don't trust in Him nor His promises. It is just that I have not reached the stage or state where I can truly say "I know His will". But still, on the premises of my believe, my trust in Him, the promises given by Him and my acknowledgement of His sovereignty that I say that I trust Him to do what is needed in His sovereign will for me and my family. This trust is unwavering and unconditional and I cannot denial Him nor ignore His sovereignty.
No comments:
Post a Comment