From the very beginning of the U.S. space program in the 1960’s, Houston has been the nerve center and control room for the race into space. Whenever a rocket was launched into space, the countdown to launch was done in Houston. Houston made the final decision on whether conditions were right for a safe launch into space. During the count down to launch, no one wanted to hear, “Houston, we have a problem.”
Yesterday in my preparations for the launch of my chemo and radiation treatments today at 4:00 pm, I heard those dreaded words, “Houston, we have a problem.” Well, that’s not exactly what my oncologist said. She ran a blood test on me, and the blood test came back showing that my platelets were borderline around 100. My platelets had been fine up until this blood test. If my platlets get too low, it could impact my ability to tolerate chemo which is absolutely critical to treating this aggressive Glioblastoma. I actually have a genetic marker that indicates my cancer is a good candidate to respond to chemo. I just need my platelets to cooperate so I can be a better prepared person for chemo.
I share all this to rally your specific prayers for an increase in my platelets. My oncologist is adjusting medications in hopes that this will help to increase my platelets. I will start my chemo and radiation this Thursday and Friday at 4:00 pm. The mission has not been scrubbed at this point. My stitches were removed yesterday and all systems are go. We will however do a repeat blood test on Monday and pray that my platelets have increased. Calling all prayer warriors to action.