Bone Marrow Biopsy Tomorrow

I must admit I am feeling a little anxious about tomorrow's bone marrow biopsy. I have not written on my blog in a long time and I hope all of my readers haven't forgotten about me.  :-)  The reason for the biopsy is that my absolute neutrophil counts are not recovering after taking breaks from Zejula.

My most recent lab showed them at .3, dangerously low.  Praises to God that I have not contracted any infections since this all started a few months ago.  My fatigue level is extremely high.  I feel like I have no air, no energy and just want to sleep all the time.  My patience is a little weaker than normal.  My body is just not really lovin' me right now, ha.

I had a pulmonary embolism in early August.  Xarelto failed me, Lovenox gives me liver toxicity and after a second pulmonary embolism in October, I am now on Fragmin.  In the midst of all of these issues with blood clots I have had serious issues with my blood counts from Zejula. 

Up until a few months ago we were able to manage my neutropenia by taking breaks from Zejula.  The dose was even lowered to the lowest level of 100 mg per day but my counts cannot stay at a safe enough level to remain on Zejula.  I have excellent care at Anschutz (primary care, gynecology oncology and hematology oncology).  They really want to help me, they care.  I trust them.

We need to rule out secondary cancers.  It would be very unlikely that I have a secondary cancer or new cancer in the bone marrow, I really do believe that.  I was told that it is more likely to be an immune disorder of some sort.  Obviously whatever it turns out to be I pray it is treatable so that I can both resume Zejula or some form of maintenance treatment and that I can get some energy back.

I must always state how grateful I truly am for the time I have on earth, and even though this goes without saying, I want people to know this.  It will take a few weeks to really know what is going on.  When I get results, I'll let you know.

I pray you have a Happy Thanksgiving.  I have so many things to be grateful for, especially family, friends, and the love of God.  Peace to all!

God Bless you!

Upcoming Facing Our Immortality Retreat In June

Sr. Anne Marie Walsh, S.O.L.T. will be travelling from her convent in Iowa to lead our next retreat for women with or recovered from a cancer diagnosis.  I am feeling so blessed to have been able to work with Mother Cabrini Shrine to facilitate this very special event.

Women who have attended our event in the past experienced profound renewal of their faith and a deeper understanding of their purpose.  It's a chance to heal wounds and spend time in community with other women living this situation.

Please register by May 1, 2018 if possible!  Sr. Anne Marie is not charging a stipend but if you can find it in your heart to make a donation towards travel expenses, she would greatly appreciate it.

God Bless you,
Denise Archuleta
https://facingourimmortality.org/
facingourimmortality@gmail.com 

Healing Horses Workshop For Colorado Cancer Patients and Survivors

Please share with anyone in the Denver/Colorado Springs Area.

Promise Horse Ranch is excited to start a new program for cancer patients and survivors which integrates the healing properties of therapeutic riding.

The facility has an indoor arena and is located in the beautiful town of Franktown, CO.

https://www.facebook.com/promiseranchtherapeuticriding/

Please share!

GOP Tax Bill Will Dramatically Hurt Cancer Patients

This is copied from the Cancer Support Community Website.  Urgent situation!

Dear Denise,

Right now, members of the United States Senate are debating over a tax reform bill which will raise the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over 10 years. It will benefit the wealthiest Americans at the expense of patients in need, and it will be voted on TONIGHT. We need to tell Congress that this bill doesn't work for cancer patients and their families. 

Specifically, we are concerned about the following provisions:

·If enacted, the bill could trigger "sequestration"-which happens when new spending is not offset by cuts to spending elsewhere. Sequestration causes automatic spending cuts which includes a $25 billion cut to Medicare.  Half of doctors would lose money administering drugs under these cuts, as Medicare would not be able to reimburse them adequately, and doctors who administer drugs more often, such as oncologists, would be hit the hardest.

·The Senate version of the legislation currently includes a repeal of the individual mandate that was imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare). The individual mandate is critical to ensure a balanced marketplace in which healthy people with low health care costs purchase insurance coverage alongside people living with illness who have higher health care costs. A repeal of the individual mandate will create chaos for our health care system as this delicate balance will no longer exist. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that 13 million Americans would lose health insurance over the next 10 years as a result.

·The tax legislation as drafted by the House of Representatives wouldeliminate the medical expense deduction. Currently, patients who spend more than 10 percent of their household income on medical expenses can deduct expenses above that amount from their taxes. Cancer patients can incur significant expenses, making this change highly problematic to millions of families nationwide. 

Overall, this bill will leave our nation in debt and it is critical that the final bill does not contain either a repeal of the individual mandate nor a repeal of the medical device tax deduction. These components will harm patients in need. Reach out to your Senators NOW and urge them to oppose the tax bill while it includes these provisions. 

 Call Now! 

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Franklin
Executive Director, Cancer Policy Institute
​Cancer Support Community

Go Fund Me Fundraiser For Our Retreats

Good Morning,

If you can find it in your heart, please contribute to our campaign.

The upcoming "Facing Our Immortality" retreat for women with cancer provides essential information and spiritual exercises to console and empower women to cope with their suffering and grow closer to our loving God, Jesus Christ.

It is being held in Corpus Christi, Texas, at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center.  Some women may need help with expenses and we do need assistance with travel.

We have openings too, so please contact me if you are interested in attending!

Anything will help. God Bless you!!!!

https://www.gofundme.com/facingourimmortality

Peace and Blessings,

Denise Archuleta