It has been a week of nausea and exhaustion for Donnie after his second dose of chemo for two consecutive weeks. We both remember it was like this for him when he started back months ago on the regime of getting Abraxane and Gemzar treatments 3 weeks on and then one week off. These chemotherapeutic agents have a cumulative effect on the body, and they are pretty wicked agents to begin with.
Donnie’s white blood cell counts and ANC were so low a week ago, he had to come back to the clinic 3 days in a row for neupogen shots (these stimulate his bone marrow to make white cells). This was challenging for him, as he gets nauseated at the drop of a hat these days, and traveling in the car is NOT his friend. He vomited at the clinic on one of these trips, which made all the nurses jump through hoops to help him. It was so comforting to him knowing they were all there taking care of his every need, without him having to ask for anything. He got an IV that day, with 2 hours of IV hydration in the clinic along with IV Ativan. We are so grateful they love us and take care of us!!
The neupogen shots gave him a feeling of the flu for several days. This, on top of exhaustion from increased chemo, and the nausea that plagues him. Poor guy. It has been a rough week, with only one day that was decent . . . the day Jeff (son) decided to visit. Donnie was very grateful for that!
Donnie has also been experiencing increasing abdominal pain. He has increased his morphine to 30 mg twice a day, so he can be more comfortable. Tumor markers were drawn today also. Probably no results for a week at least.
So, here we are at the clinic again today, getting his 3rd treatment of chemo. His ANC remains low, so he will get neupogen again this week. His weight is down to 168 pounds. He has outpatient surgery this Thursday morning for port placement. Donnie decided last week that his chemo is getting painful through the peripheral IV’s they start each week on him at the clinic, so time for a port.
Please pray the chemo works for him, his pain diminishes, his nausea is better controlled, and his white cell count improves. Pray the procedure to place his port on Thursday goes smoothly. Pray for him to continue to have a positive attitude. He continues to laugh and joke around, even at the most difficult times. He is such a strength to our family in his own time of need.
Thank you for your love, concern, and prayers!
Love, Donnie & Tina
9 replies on “Donnie in a rough patch”
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I pray for Donnie and your family daily. I am so sorry to hear the nausea continues. Was hoping when the chemo stopped at least that part would get better. He is so blessed to have his own personal angels in the forms of you and Aunt Joyce. I am very grateful that he is also blessed with happiness and a peaceful heart. Will continue to pray.
Love you all Ruthe Boyce Blanton
We are always praying for you guys. We love you all!
Sending all our love. Praying for you my dear cousin. May the Lord heal your body. You are a true testament of a Godly man. Wish we lived closer, I would make you my yellow rice and chicken. It would knock your socks off. Maybe for the family reunion I will make you some.
Sorry we we missed you this trip. Maybe next time.
With all our love
Robin and Joel
My prayers and love are always with Donnie, you, and the family. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️
So very sorry to hear of all this. I will continue to pray his nausea and pain gets better and his chemo works. God Bless you both, you have shown bravery and humility through a terrible time. Love and prayers your way.
Still here for you guys. Love and PRAYERS.
Mark and Patti
We hate to hear that Donnie is experiencing the pain and nausea. Of course, we will continue our prayers for Donnie to improve and to stay strong. He has wonderful friends and family to help him through these rough times. We love you so much, prayers coming now.
Always in my thoughts and prayers. Know words seem enoughn to say how I feel for you both. God is the great comforter and I know your faith is strong.