Got to the clinic on time, did the blood draw, and then met with Dr. C.
White cell count range is 3000-10,000; mine was 1008...no chemotherapy today. We've rescheduled for next Thursday morning, June 21, so we'll be celebrating the Summer Solstice partly at the hospital.
I asked about the diminished capacity of my right arm. "If it happens again, we'll need a scan of your brain," is what Dr. C said. I've been working the hand and arm, and we focused on it with my massage yesterday. The strength is returning, but still not quite where it should be (I used to able to close a ziplock bag, even the ornery ones).
...I have to take precautions to ensure this hangnail doesn't get infected. ...am needing to learn to be more careful and to accommodate a slower pace. And, I must say, this relaxation regime brings its own kind of stress...
I also asked about the Nulasta and Procrit. If my white cell count doesn't return to within normal range, they'll administer a G-CSF called Neupogen (similar to Nulasta) to boost the count. His take on Procrit was that it was illegal to administer it except in cases of chemotherapy/cancer related anemia...
Gardening should be a good way to work on my grip this weekend. The shade garden plants -- ordered in March -- arrived yesterday...better late, I suppose... *sighs* And, of course, there are plenty of chores to do around the house that could be written off as that kind of exercise, as well. *heh*
NancyTurtle asked about the shrubs we planted: two forsythia, two pink Rose of Sharon, two red weigela (Asian honeysuckle family), and two spirea. We put them up where the lilacs are near the mailbox to solidify that line of shrubs. So far, they're still looking good. *crosses fingers*
Worked today on some Chemo Caps. Patty turned us on to them as she wore them during her chemo. Lily made them out of Fun Fur for Patty and then I got the pattern.
Olive sent us some skeins of the Fun Fur yarn (did I remember to tell her they got here??), and I had the right size knitting needles, but not a crochet hook or the knitting needles to do them in the round. I got those today and got one started in bright yellow with the crochet hook. Am not sure which is going to work best; the yarn is very furry and difficult to work with...
If I get the hang of them, I'll see if either of the Cancer Centers here would like to make them available. I noticed also that one of the Healing Ministries gives away shawls, something else I can still make if no one wants the caps.
And, Olive looked pretty cute in the one she tried on, so maybe even those who still have their hair would like to wear them. *blinks*
...and Tuna, I could use your head to help with sizing *grins*
Stay healthy and make a great weekend.
2 comments:
Family update. Yesterday was pretty painful for R2 but today she woke up saying she hasn't felt this good in years. Pretty encouraging. I will now spend the remainder of the six weeks reminding Robyn of all the limitations the doctor has imposed. She's already pushing it.
Glad to help with hat sizing. Since my head is a 7 and 7/8 "long oval", any hat you size on it will be large enough for both you and Kevin to camp out in.
No wonder my son has bestowed upon me this elegant moniker.
My internet connection is back-for now. It's a good story that I'll save for later, when it's completed.
Robyn sounds just like Diana, expecting to be back to 100% the day after surgery...
I think I get what Dr C meant about the Procrit. It's the "blood boosting drug" they talk about athletes' using to enhance performance. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red cells, which increases the ability to carry oxygen, which increases endurance, etc,etc,etc. Apparently Diana's red cell count was OK. But a white cell count of 1008 is scary! Of course you know that this is why they tell you to stay away from crowds and sick friends, and bacitracin or neosporin will be your new best friend!
Post a Comment