The latest video update is below. If you're unable to see the embedded video, .
If you don't mind, please be sure to "like" the video by clicking the thumbs-up while it's paused. Thanks!
Additional, non-video updates
- If you live in central Iowa, be sure to pick up a copy of The Des Moines Register this Sunday (May 27) and flip to the Iowa Life section. As I've hinted in some of the video blogs (and totally given away in the latest one), the Register is running a story about Libby and I, our journey, this blog, the Let's Do This documentary, etc., complete with photos and even video (the video will only be available online, of course). In addition to the photographer and reporter being at treatment number six, I've done several interviews and they've taken both photos and video at my church — I'm excited to see how the whole thing comes together. I know Libby and I will be picking up a copy or five this Sunday!
- You may recall that the issue of fertility after chemotherapy has been a significant one for Libby and I, and for many others undergoing chemo treatment as well. During our last oncologist appointment, I was asking our doctor how soon after treatment I can get tested for fertility and his response was something along the lines of "You won't need to. You'll be totally fertile." Say what?! From many of the things Libby and I had been told and read, we assumed I would probably be sterile and so responded accordingly. Now, our oncologist reassured us that he would have recommended sperm banking anyway, but we were (and are) still pretty shocked and —obviously — very happy.
Just to be sure, I did some digging and found which says, among other things: "With ABVD [the chemotherapy regimen I am receiving], azoospermia1 was observed in fewer patients, ranging from 0% to 4%. In our cohort, all patients treated with ABVD have preserved spermatogenesis.2" Translation: There is a very good chance Libby and I will be able to conceive children naturally, despite being treated with ABVD chemotherapy. Praise the Lord! - In the video, I eloquently allude to the fact that "my butt hurts," and then hop into an epsom salt bath. I should explain. (Warning: In the interest of full disclosure, this will be TMI for some people, but please recall that I'm trying to be transparent in order to help others who are going through the process.) As you've no doubt ascertained by now, one of the side effects of both the chemotherapy itself and the medications I've been taking is extreme constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. Well, a side-effect of those side-effects has been unpredictable and at times extreme duress on my lower rectum, which has produced (read at your own risk). Essentially, every time I am actually able go to the bathroom is a very painful experience. Lately, the pain subsides rather quickly and returns later in the day to be almost unbearable — hence the epsom salt baths. Libby and I are trying to be proactive about it; we tried to get a referral to a colorectal specialist, but it turns out I'm not allowed to see anyone until after treatment has concluded due to my super-low white blood cell count. Until then, it looks like I'll be taking a lot of baths.
- I am scheduled for a second pulmonary function test today, which will give the doctors an indication of how much (if any) the chemotherapy is impacting my lungs. If nothing else, it will be fun to go inside again. Keep praying that my lungs are holding up!
That's all for now. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! (Oh, and if you haven't purchased and/or listened to the yet, what are you waiting for?!)
Digg Digg
- Via : "Azoospermia is the medical condition of a male not having any measurable level of sperm in his semen." []
- Via , again: "Spermatogenesis is the process by which male primary sperm cells undergo meiosis, and produce a number of cells termed spermatogonia, from which the primary spermatocytes are derived." []
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