March 9 Update

The Rookers in the Canadian Rockies, July 2010

Hello friends, it has been 10 days since my last post - I've had two blood draws, a week ago and today - what has been happening is that my neutrophils peaked at 2800 (last post), no doubt aided by the shot I received on Feb 14 (Neulasta).  From the 2800 level 2 weeks ago, they dropped to 1400 last week, and 1100 today.  I was supposed to begin chemo cycle 3 today, but Dr. Kritz is recommending that we wait until my neutrophils stabilize or start back up.  In other words, he does not want to start the treatment cycle if my neuts are dropping.  So, I'll be back in the clinic Monday to check them and if they are at 1100 or higher, we'll do the chemo monday, tuesday, and wednesday.  Hopefully nothing to worry about.....but another good example of how the road, our circumstances, twists and turns, and one has to keep their mind focused on those things that do not change - God is in control;  He loves us;  He has a plan;  we know the ending, and it's a glorious one.  I pray for the strength of heart and mind to keep these facts foremost in my mind:

Philippians 4:8:   Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

AND - there is always a bright side, and in this case it is that when my sister Jill visits this weekend, I will not be ill from chemo, which is nice.  Jill arrives on Friday from Batavia Ill, and will be here all weekend - so you guessed it - there will be COOKING.  Don't go too far, I should have photos, recipes, and maybe even a new video by early next week!  If you haven't seen my Youtube production, check it out at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PVIKXiltg0

I appreciate your prayers for spiritual strength and lots of neutrohils - at least 1200!  Love - Dan