Day 5

Hi Everyone,

                Its day 5 today. Charlie is definitely feeling the chemo in his body now. He is exhausted and feeling more weak. I didn’t get to spend much time with him yesterday because he needed his rest.  He had an appetite last night which was good. He had steamed fish and vegetables for dinner. It sure wasn’t gourmet but it was good enough to eat. Yesterday Charlie received another blood transfusion. This time he got Platelets. The doctors are saying Charlie is right where he needs to be. The doctor did give him a little more information about where they think the cancer stemmed from. The easiest way to explain in laymen terms is that Charlie has a chromosome abnormality. This abnormality is called the Philadelphia chromosome, and is found only in cancer cells. The fusing of chromosomes is acquired during a person's lifetime. The chromosomes that are fused together are 22 and 9. This translocation fuses part of a specific gene from chromosome 22 with part of another gene from chromosome 9.The protein produced from this fused gene abnormally signals tumor cells to continue dividing and prevents them from adequately repairing DNA damage. I am not sure if everyone understands that, as when I first heard it I was confused.  I think it’s ironic because Charlie’s favorite number is 22 and he loves the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles! Another thing, just because Charlie is feeling weak, doesn’t mean you can’t visit. The best thing to do is text him to see if he is up for visitors before you come.  He will be feeling different every day.
           Our prayer request for today is that Charlie will have strength as he is going through a new stage of chemo. Also, to pray for him to stay positive and continue to be the brave man that he is. Our family also needs prayer to keep us strong as his support team and keep us healthy. We thank you and love you all!