There are only 2 days left and I’ll have completed 2 weeks of the trial. We had a long day last Thursday. Same routine – take blood, have an EKG, meet with nurse, take pills, fast for 1 hour, then have lunch and return 2 hours after pills were taken and have more blood drawn and EKG.

May phosphate level increased to 6.3 from 3.2 the previous week. Because of this increase, they increased the amount of the phosphate binder. I was taking 800 milligrams with meals and now I’m taking 1200 milligrams with meals. One thing that started happening a few days after the increase was that some foods were tasting different – some were more spicy. A weird thing was that water began to taste very salty. That stinks because I drink water throughout the day, which is something they recommend. It seems to be saltier later in the day – after I’ve taken the 3 doses of the drug. So I’m trying to drink more water earlier in the day.

Trying my best to regulate phosphate levels, but it is a challenge. I ordered a book recommended by another person that is on the trial at M. D. Anderson in Houston, TX and received it Saturday. It’s like an encyclopedia! But it lists all kinds of foods and what vitamins, minerals, etc. it contains. I’ve gone through it and highlighted foods I normally eat or have begun eating because of the phosphate levels. I’m sure I’ll be highlighting more things as I continue with this trial.

So, not perfect, but better than being on chemo. One very wonderful thing is that I’ve had more energy so I can do stuff around the house, i.e., laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. I’ve actually been doing the grocery shopping for the last 3 weeks. I hadn’t been in a grocery store in 5 months or so. So this is good.

Had a wonderful Mother’s Day with a cookout at the Beacham’s. Jay and Heather gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and Julie sent me a gorgeous drop pearl necklace and Gharandelli chocolates! Good thing I got the chocolates early in the week as once I started the trial I couldn’t have chocolate anymore because it’s high in phosphates.

The porch is done and looking beautiful! I’m enjoying it immensely. I still need a few more pictures and a cushion for the bench, but it’s looking good.

Thank you everyone for your support! You are my strength in this journey!