Cancer Blog #87a
By Brian Zimmerman
Begun on July 31, 2021
Email: dyingman1@yahoo.com
My Dying Words
Entry #87a– Medical Update
June 17, 2023
I apologize for my tardiness in posting any entry on Friday (June 16). My treatment on Wednesday (June 14) went much better than the last one, with side effects of dizziness and weakness diminished. The side effects of lethargy and brain fog continue, with neuropathy waxing and waning depending on the day, sometimes just the time of the day. But, I’m still feeling very tired and having a hard time keeping up with daily chores and other activities.
The oncology PA was concerned that my CBC (complete blood count) showed signs of macrocytic anemia (fewer red cells and larger ones). So, she ordered iron studies, folate and B12 levels. Everything was normal except vitamin B12, which can be a cause of anemia. My level was 149 pg/ml, whereas the low normal is 180. The problem I have with her view is that it doesn’t seem to me that I’m very anemic, which is usually measured by your hemoglobin level. Mine was 12.8 gm/dl, whereas low normal 13.7, so not that low. Further, my hemoglobin bounces around and has done so for many months. So, I’ll wait and see what they recommend about B12 supplements next time.
The other attack on my lethargy was to start me on Ritalin! I was quite surprised, but find my reading and test taking skills have definitely improved. Okay, kidding about that, but Ritalin has the effect as a central nervous stimulant, but the opposite effect for people with ADD. Not sure how that’s possible, but that’s the claim. Anyway, I don’t see any change in my energy level, but the PA encouraged me to stay on it a while longer as there’s some cumulative effect. So, I’ll continue to take it for a while longer (plus, I think my dose is very low).
I have other side effects that come and go, like blisters on my tongue a week ago. They cleared up in a day or so and weren’t very painful as they might have been, so God was merciful in that regard. I used my faithful mouth rinse (1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of baking soda in a quart of water. I use it several times a day) and that probably helped as well, but I have found with these side effects that as quickly as they come they can also go, for no particular rhyme or reason. I try to stay as active as I can, but I’m having a harder time mowing this summer, so we’ve hired a lawn mowing service to supplement and he’s willing to come on a as needed basis to mow. Some weeks I’m able to mow and trim and others not, so he’ll come on weeks when I can’t do the chore.
Enduring these effects is the price of staying alive and is also God’s good discipline of me for holiness. I pray daily for God to grant me patience under my afflictions, whether small or great.
I’ll try to have another blog entry next week.