Once again, today’s lesson is brought to you because of cancer cells that decided to go on their own little mission in my body. Thanks to these cancer cells, which brought on chemo, which bring on blood draws and other fun stuff, today I again learned the meaning of Neutrophils and how a low count like 8 is not a good thing.
Perhaps I should confess. I actually learned the word Neutrophils after my first chemo. It was the zero Neutrophils count (yes, I printed that correctly, my count was ZERO at time of admission) along with other wonderful low numbers that they said should be high numbers and one or two high numbers that they said should be low numbers, that landed me in the hospital.
So I count myself lucky this time. I am here writing this instead of being awoken at odd hours of the morning to see if I am sleeping OK in some strange uncomfortable bed that if you push the wrong button you will fold up in the shape of a skinny letter “V”.
Due to the results of my blood draw today, I got an immediate phone call from the cancer center. I get to be on house arrest until further notice without the benefit of a stylish ankle bracelet like Martha Stewart gets to wear. (I wonder if they make them in pink?) And if things don’t improve dramatically, I get to miss my next scheduled chemo this coming Friday, too.
The call did make me feel very good about my new choice of cancer centers. The nurse was very helpful, very informative, very nice and most of all….very concerned. After speaking with her I realized why I have been feeling so crappy the last couple of days. I did everything possible this time to make this second chemo a good experience (somehow the words “chemo” and “good experience” seem to contradict each other). I wanted so much to just get this going, continue going and get to the other side. But I guess my body has something else in mind. (What I didn’t tell her, but I am now suspecting is that yesterday, my counts were probably even lower and today they are actually on the UPSWING!) But you can be darn sure, I am going to be very careful and watch things closely over the next few days/week!
5 comments:
I LOVE YOU, SWEATHEART!
House arrest... does that mean no going anywhere alone, or actually staying home??? B/C I know I waved at you this afternoon :D It'd be good to know if you were out 'cuz you are feeling better... You're always in my thoughts and it was quite good to see you again....
Random Stranger.....
Ah, but here is the secret. I wasn't alone! Hubby was with! I gave him all the awesome jobs of puttin his hands on the nasty germ laden door knobs and money and counters etc. I actually kept my hands tucked in my jean pockets so I would remember to not touch anything. But the trip was one of need.... I was craving beef barley soup and wanted the makings for it, thus the excursion downtown! And now we have enough beef barley soup to feed the whole neighborhood! Yes, today, I actually did feel somewhat better.
I really appreciate the wave and the friendly smile! I am looking forward to sitting and talking with you again. You and your hubby are great people and I always have fun when you guys are around!
Oh, no, this means I have let the cat out the bag.... some may begin to think I actually have a domestic side and on occassion that even includes cooking! :>)
Oh, low neutrophils.... argh. The story of my life, at least so far. Hope your counts come up soon.
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