We're back at chemo today. Jon decided to stop the Tarceva but continues with the Gemzar and Taxol. Everyone here seems to agree that its the Tarceva that's making him feel so poorly and he does seem somewhat better since he discontinued it. Dr. Chue agreed that he can take the Tarceva only during his "week off." His platelets were so low today that they considered not doing the intravenous chemo but went forward with the caution that if they drop any further he will not be able to receive chemo next week. He is supposed to be using Rapunzels cold press sesame seed oil both internally and externally to raise his platelet count (yes, I am totally serious!). For some reason he didn't take it last week but is motivated to follow up now. His white counts were up a little, just slightly out of the normal range. The doctor originally said he could have his decayed tooth extracted if the white count was good, but she put the kibosh on it when she saw his platelet count. One more incentive to get that sesame oil going.

We had an excellent meeting with Dr Reilly today (naturopath extraordinaire). He outlined a detailed plan for Jon's supplement regime specific to this round of chemo. Jon was much more forthcoming with his side effects than he's been in the past and actually answered all of the doctors questions. I think he might have finally realized that the more information you give your caregivers the better the final outcome might be.

So we'll see how this week goes. I have a Department of Health retreat in Vancouver on Saturday and Sunday so I will be working all weekend. If Jon's up to it he will tag along, if not he will be in town to celebrate Tony and Tonya's 25th Wedding Anniversary. We have learned to just "go with the flow" these days.