Treatment Day 4

We've almost made it through our first week of treatment! Thank you for all your love, support, and prayers. Chris was able to get his platelets high enough for a morning dose of IL2! The recovery was rough. The rigors weren't as difficult as they've been in the past, but the fever and exhaustion took this round. The side effects lasted most of the day. Around dinner time, Chris began to come around. I have to say, he is a great source of entertainment when on pain medication. He doesn't even realize he is providing a bit of comic relief during this stressful time. I've been writing down the funny things he says because I know he won't remember. I want him to know that he made me laugh. His Irish skin now has a sunburned look. And like a real sunburn, it will begin to itch and peel when we get home. Since the dose, his platelets have depleted. We've been walking the halls to try and get them to reappear. His fantastic doctor, Dr. Pili, believes his platelets are hiding out in his spleen. Walking is a way to possibly get them to stop playing hide-and-seek. Those that know my dad know he is a father first and a coach second. Therefore, Coach Giancola has come out of retirement and has gotten his son-in-law walking laps around the unit. He yells, he cheers, he is very motivating. Chris walked for 20 minutes before his most recent blood draw and was able to get his platelets up 13,000 units! (I don't know if units is the correct medical term, but I thought it sounded appropriate). From what I understand, when Chris was younger, he worked very hard to be a fantastic athlete. He always went the extra mile to perform at his best. Tonight, he will be giving it that extra mile to prepare his body for one final dose! He is determined to kick this cancer out of our life. Keep thinking and praying for us as you go to bed. Pray for platelets, platelets, platelets. Pray that Chris' body continues to be strong. And then think of us as you wake up, praying that we are getting our last grueling treatment for the week. Then we can go home and appreciate all that we've been given. We couldn't do this without you! xo, Teresa