We had a wonderful holiday, full of laughter with friends. We have so much for which to be grateful! While my health may not be everything I want it to be, I really have no room to complain. I'm feeling good, full of energy, living a full, complete life. Today is good ... very good!
I drove up to San Francisco this morning, prepared to go for Day 8 of the trial. I've been taking the test drug at home each day, with only mild/moderate queasiness as a side effect.
Imagine my surprise when the medical team advised me that my fasting glucose level was 283 and I was temporarily stopped from the trial! While I've had slightly elevated glucose levels for the past few months, I've NEVER had a number that high ... not even in my gestational diabetes days!
Seriously? 283?!?! I've been following a low-carb food plan since the beginning of October and added a good exercise program in about ten days ago. Yesterday, I had less than 30 grams of carbohydrates and all of them were from vegetables!
The trial drug has elevated glucose levels as a possible side effect. Whew! They weren't kidding! About 50% of the patients on this trial have elevated levels. I was definitely a bit frustrated when my roommate in the trial admitted that she ate donuts yesterday ... and her fasting level was 101! (Ideal is below 100, pre-diabetes is 110 - 120.)
My oncologist prescribed Metformin, an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It is a rapidly acting drug and if it helps reduce the sugars back to an acceptable level, I can re-enter the trial on Thursday. Please pray that this drug is effective. (Note: I am still on the established drug and will have that second injection next week.)
Tomorrow (Tuesday), I'll be heading back to San Francisco to meet with the clinician at the diabetes center. That will be followed by a two-hour meeting with a nutritionist/dietician. I am now classified as a diabetic ... a label I did NOT want to wear.
Obviously, the hope is that this is temporary, based on the clinical trial. I will continue to work on the diet and exercise and do what I can from my end. I have been losing weight and I'm hoping that continues as each lost pound will help in this area.
I admit to several emotions today ... disappointment, disgruntlement, frustration and downright anger! I felt them all and came home and walked them off in a two-mile-walk.
Dearest God,
You created my body in your image with a fearfully and wonderfully made mechanism to survive. I once again give it to you, complete with all its frailties. I ask that you heal my body of cancer and of diabetes. Direct the medical team as they continue to work with me to address these issues. Please give me an open mind to hear what they are saying as an appropriate treatment plan is put together.
I pray this in your name,
Amen.