Bumps in the road
It has been a while since I last posted. That's because my life has essentially returned to normal; as normal, I suppose, as can be expected in this world changed forever by Covid19. What could be more boring than reading about my life in its normal state? Now things have taken a turn.
Monday, I had my monthly routine blood draw, expecting everything to come out "normal." (I know, I know, normal's a tall expectation, where I am concerned.) When we arrived home, I took the bandage off of the puncture site and discovered a significant bruise. Here I have to admit to having an uncharitable thought about the competence of the phlebotomist. When the results of the lab tests came back an hour later, I felt chagrined about my judgment. My platelet level had dropped to 48, whereas normal is 140-375. If you have been following my saga, you will know that low platelets mean compromised blood clotting, resulting in increased bruising.
I called the oncology office and spoke with Suzanne, who is Dr. Waugh's nurse and case manager. She conferred with Dr. Waugh, who ordered another blood draw for Wednesday. That one came back with the platelets at 41, a seven point drop in 48 hours. Another call to oncology put me in touch with another nurse, since Suzanne and Dr. Waugh are off on Wednesdays. She said she would notify Dr. Waugh, and in the meantime she would consult with the oncology team. She called back later and said I was to have blood drawn today and tomorrow to monitor my progress.
During the hardest parts of my treatment to date, I needed lots of transfusions, and a couple of times, I had to go to the ER to get them, because it was a weekend. Now, the Salem Hospital ER is no fun; none! It is busy; it is tired-looking; there are scads of people there coughing and moaning. And getting treatment takes for. ever. The staff is competent, but the overall experience gives me the cold chills just thinking about it. So, I am particularly interested in avoiding Salem ER.
As much as I advocated for my cause, the team wasn't interested in ordering a transfusion until the platelet count reaches 30 or fewer. That number, based on the current rate of decline should probably arrive on Saturday...arrrrggghh. The team did make me a tentative transfusion appointment for next Monday afternoon, for which I am exceedingly grateful. Hope I can make it that long. If not we will drive to Sunnyside Hospital ER (an hour and 20 min.) to avoid the Salem ER (30 minutes).
Once my lab report is complete today, I expect to hear from Dr. Waugh, or more likely from Suzanne. I am curious about the fact that my platelets are out of whack, while the rest of the blood counts are normal. Why is that so, and what does it indicate, and, oh yeah! besides transfusions, what can be done about it?
So we are currently on tenterhooks waiting to learn more. I have been doing so well, that we planned a trip to visit our daughter and her family in San Diego in July. Now those plans are on hold. I am also going through eye surgery to correct damage to my corneas from the chemotherapy (that part is complete for both eyes) followed by cataract surgery later this year. We are wondering whether that project will be interrupted. So many questions.
I know that God is in charge, and I can always rely on Him to take care of me. My biggest concern is that this new development is causing increased anxiety for Jill. I would do anything to spare her that, but for now, I must rely on the Lord and my prayers that He will take as good care of her as He has of me.
If you are a praying person, please put us on your prayer roster: healing for me and peace and comfort for Jill.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
...be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
For now, we are...
🎶 Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
- Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God. 🎶
UPDATE: I had another blood draw yesterday. My platelets were down a little more. Dr. Waugh's nurse called and said that she had ordered a "Dex Blast," which is a short, massive regimen of Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid. I'm not sure what the mechanism may be by which it could cause my body to produce more platelets. I still have an appointment for transfusion on Monday, and I was instructed to have a blood draw on Sunday, so that platelets can be ordered as needed. We are relieved to have a treatment plan. We picked up the Dex this morning and had another blood draw, which shows no decline in platelets!
ReplyDeleteUPDATE: I had another blood draw yesterday. My platelets remained stable, which means there is practically no chance I will need an ER visit. Hallelujah! I also started the Dex Blast. Ten little pills, all at once! The only side effect seems to be that I didn't sleep long last night. I slept well from about 8:30pm to 2:00am. Then there was some tossing and turning until about 3:30. I'm afraid I kept Jill awake, too. We turned on the TV and stayed in bed until 5:30. I believe there is a nap in my future today.
ReplyDeleteI had been wondering what the Dr’s plans were after you text on Monday. Thank you for the update and I will be praying for you both.
DeleteSorry to hear of the bump in the road. Prayers for you and Jill.
ReplyDeleteI had another blood test today. My platelets were only off by one point, but my hemoglobin has dropped below normal, and my neutrophil count is above normal.These are not good signs. I expect a bone marrow biopsy will be ordered this week.
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