3rd Chemo Infusion - A "Good Things to Come" Kind of Day

This is Arvonne and it is my turn to update the blog.  After Mikell’s post two weeks ago I’m not feeling very confident in my writing skills.  Thank you Kell for writing a beautiful and informative post.   Today was Cliff’s third chemo treatment.  I love being with Cliff on the days he is at Huntsman.  There is such love, compassion, and hope there and we always leave feeling optimistic. 

Cliff’s blood work came back really good today.  His white blood cell count is back up in normal range and we are hoping it stays that way.  One of the blood tests they ran today is called CEA, which stands for carcinoembryonic antigen.  It measures a protein level that indicates presence of cancer.  We all have a count, but normally it is around 3.  Yes, just 3.  2200 is where cancer is considered likely.  When Cliff first went to Huntsman his count was 2800. You are probably thinking, “Yikes that is really high”, but our oncologist says it can get to around 10,000.  Tonight we got a call from Huntsman telling us that Cliff’s number has dropped to 855.  They hope the number drops but were quite surprised at how “dramatic” the drop was.  Of course, we are thrilled!

In the next two weeks Cliff will have another PET scan and will meet with his oncologist where we will find out if the chemo is working in shrinking his tumors.  With the news we received today we are very hopeful.

A friend of ours sent an email out a week or so ago and she quoted Elder Jeffery R Holland, who is an apostle of our church.  It has touched our hearts and we would like to share it.  “Don’t you ever give up.  Don’t you quit.  You keep walking.  You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead.  It will be all right in the end.  Trust God and believe in good things to come”. 

I too had an appointment at Huntsman today to meet my new oncologist.  Although I am two years cancer free I am currently taking meds that help my body fight off any possibility of recurrence.   My doctor spent a lot of time with me and educated me about my specific cancer.  It is good to know more and to feel confident that all is going to be okay.  For those of you that have dealt with cancer there is always that question in the back of your mind of, “What If”.  Today’s appointment put a lot of our concerns about my treatment to rest.

I want to thank my sister, Pauline, for coming and hanging out with us today.  She is always so willing to be with me when I need her and is the best cheerleader you could ask for. 

Before I end this, Cliff and I would like to send some love to our friends, Steve and Karin.  Steve starts his chemo tomorrow and we want them to know that we are praying that all goes well.  You guys are amazing and we are so glad that our paths have crossed. 

Today was a “good things to come” kind of day.  We believe in the power of prayer and are so grateful for the love and prayers that are being sent our way. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

GO, FIGHT, WIN!!!!!!