On top of it, today!

After forgetting to post my good news last Monday, I decided to be Johnny-on-the-spot today. I had my first blood draw in the new era of APL (After PICC Line). This was a mixed blessing. Whereas I had to be poked in the arm (no big deal), I also didn't have to make an appointment (just show up at the lab), then again there was a bit of waiting without an appointments. I didn't realize how many people show up first thing on Monday morning for lab tests!! Jill also needed to have a blood draw today, and by the time we were both finished and got to our next stop, which was Walmart half a mile down the street from the clinic (for our grocery pickup), only about 35 minutes elapsed. Acceptable in my book! 

And now for the news you have all been waiting for. My lab results!! 

PARAMETER

VALUE

NORMAL RANGE

RBC count

4.4

4.0-5.5

Hemoglobin

14.1

13-17

ANC (absolute neutrophil count) a measure of immunity

2,900

1,800-8,300

Platelet count

162

140-375

As you can see, all of these parameters are within the normal range. Here's what they mean:

  1. RBC (Red Blood Cell) count - red blood cells transport oxygen to the brain and other bodily tissues. Having enough of them makes the difference between being anemic or not. 
  2. Hemoglobin - The protein in the RBC that binds to oxygen and carries it throughout the body to supply all of the tissues. When it is low, I have had dizziness, light-headedness and general lethargy
  3. ANC - Neutrophils are white blood cells that are vital to the immune system. If they are too low, I am extremely vulnerable to infection and have to take a lot of anti-microbial medicines. If they are too high, well, that's one sign of leukemia. I like 'em right where they are!!
  4. Platelet count - blood platelets are essential for blood clotting (see Did you ever have a nose bleed?) Because I take blood thinners, having enough platelets is critical. When they get too low, I need to stop taking blood thinners, and if I don't get a transfusion of platelets, there is significant risk of bleeding, including brain hemorrhage. I also discovered that my Rosacea doesn't like low platelet counts. (see Survey says...) Low platelets also seem to affect me the same way that low hemoglobin does.

So, everything is coming up roses! Because my counts continue to be in the normal range, I will now only need to have blood drawn once a month. I like that. Fewer trips to the clinic; fewer pokes; and I feel like a real human being, instead of a cancer patient. Now all I have to do is remember to show up next month. Where DID I put my calendar??

"Great is Thy faithfulness, O, God my Father!"

 


Comments

  1. BenjyFebruary 23, 2022 at 10:30 AM

    Sunshine and great news! Prayers are still answered these days!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TomFebruary 23, 2022 at 5:06 PM

      Yes they are! Especially when so many wonderful prayer warriors are faithfully on the job!

      Delete

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