Survey says...

Today was lab day. Always a mixed blessing. On  the one hand, I am anxious to see my progress, and on the other, especially with the Thursday labs, I am concerned that I may need a transfusion, there will be no appointments available at the medical office, and another trip to the ER will be called for. 

In an effort to prevent further ER visits, I connected with oncology and told them my sad tale of Monday's experience. The staff was in agreement that spending nine hours in ER, with its attendant dangers, to get a one our job done is not a good idea. We came up with a plan to have more frequent testing when my platelet count reaches a certain level. That will give us more lead time to get an appointment for transfusion. 

Today's labs were interesting to me for several reasons. First, my hemoglobin is low, which is not surprising, but this will be the first time since I was at the Club for the original round of induction chemotherapy that I have needed a red blood cell transfusion. Second, my ANC, which reflects my level of immunity, is lower at this point than is was at this point in the previous round of consolidation chemotherapy. 

The lower ANC is a positive thing in my mind, because it indicates I am nearing the nadir of the cycle. When my ANC hits bottom, it begins to rise again, giving me more energy and, more importantly, more immune capability. During my last round of consolidation, my ANC was at the bottom on the Friday before my scheduled  Wednesday return to the Club. There was some consternation as to whether I would be ready to return by Wednesday. Fortunately, the numbers hit bottom and went up like one of those silicone balls we used to call "bouncy balls." When my numbers rebound, I always feel really good, so the sooner it happens, the better I like it. 

During the consolidation round at the Club, I feel fine. It's after I return home and the chemo starts to do its work that the bottom drops out again. So, If my ANC hits bottom, say at my Monday blood draw the rebound should be several days ahead of the last round. I'm hoping it does and I get about ten days of "feel good."

The third reason I was interested in the labs today is that, on Monday, I had to have an emergency transfusion of not one but two units of platelets. That's because my platelet count that day was 7. Today it is 26. Did I mention that platelets have a life span of about 72 hours? Twenty six is low enough that I can't wait until next week for a transfusion. There are no appointments available tomorrow at the Skyline Medical Office, which is where I go for most of my medical needs. 

Soooooo...we will leave home around six tomorrow morning in order to make it to the Sunset Medical Office for an 8:00 AM appointment for transfusion of platelets and red blood cells. That's a long drive, but we will be in our own car without exposure to a lot of sick people who show up at the ER. 

A red cell transfusion takes about two hours and a platelet transfusion takes about 30-45 minutes. I anticipate we may be home around12:30 or 1:00 PM. 

I am so grateful for this medical treatment, even if it is inconvenient sometimes. Even when my Rosacea, for which I have not been able to take my Doxycycline since starting chemotherapy, comes back in the worst attack I can remember, I am grateful. 

CAUTION! THE PICTURE BELOW IS PRETTY

GRAPHIC. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED! 





Can you say, "Rudolph?"
I know, I know; I promised no more gross pictures. 
At least I put in a disclaimer!!


Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
    and a great King above all gods. 

Psalm 95:1-3 (emphasis added)



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