Birthday presents

Today is my 75th birthday, and although I wouldn't have planned to spend it in the oncology department, it is already a day to be celebrated. 

I received a unit of red blood cells this morning, because my hemoglobin was down. That is a double gift, because blood is the gift of life, and when my hemoglobin is low and then gets a boost in RBCs, I instantly feel more invigorated. 

In addition, my morning labs had some very encouraging news. My platelet counts have tended to go down on a regular basis. The last two days, the count was steady at 10, which is the threshold below which I usually get a platelet transfusion. Today the count jumped from 10 to 14 in 24 hours. One of the lead nurses told me the other day that, in her experience, when you see the platelet count going up spontaneously, it means the recovery phase has begun. Now, I ask you, could there be a better birthday present? 

Another nurse brought me cookies and a third brought me Peets coffee that he keeps for me. The night nurse who was with me through the night told me she couldn't believe I'm 75. She guessed, "somewhere in your fifties." That was a boost to my ego. 

Jill just called and said the floor installation at home is underway with a neighbor acting as unofficial foreman and project liaison. So there will be new floors when I arrive home. Jill is on her way, and we have a little personal celebration planned. 

Birthday presents. Today's mean more than practically any I have received in the past. 

"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;" (1 Timothy 4:4)

Comments

  1. Kathy LoweJuly 19, 2021 at 12:09 PM

    Happy Birthday Tom! We pray for all the blessings in your life to be overflowing! Such good news about your platelets!

    ReplyDelete
  2. gardengirlJuly 19, 2021 at 2:49 PM

    Happy Birthday Tom! What great news! Love you lots,
    Kim and Pat

    ReplyDelete
  3. BenjyJuly 19, 2021 at 4:36 PM

    Happy seven5 Tom - great update - praying for y’all!

    ReplyDelete
  4. dmise4July 19, 2021 at 6:51 PM

    But an upbeat report what a great birthday gift I think this is Diamond Jubilee year. The gift of blood is certainly a diamond. The Lord is good

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bob SJuly 19, 2021 at 9:45 PM

    Whoop, whoop for wonderful birthdays!!! Have a great time celebrating with your beautiful bride. I know you have a special dinner planned and I bet it will be the best birthday ever!! We love the both of you and can see God's hand in all that is happening to get you better and to support you during this difficult season. The family of God is truly special.
    Donalynn and Bob

    ReplyDelete
  6. MichaelJuly 21, 2021 at 4:23 PM

    50's? That means I'm in my 40's! Woohoo!

    ReplyDelete

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