Two are better than one!

BOX SCORE



Element

Current

Std. Range

Hemoglobin

10.7

13-17

Platelets

222

140-375

ANC

1150

1800-8300

Monday. Monday means labs. My Monday morning labs are reported in the Box Score above. My scores are all up significantly, even though hemoglobin and ANC are still lower than "normal."  Still, increased hemoglobin gives me more energy, and increased ANC gives me more immunity. In fact, I am currently in the "non-neutropenic" category, which means I can be a little more relaxed about things like raw fruits and veggies. I miss them tremendously. 

In about an hour and a half, I will begin my seven days of chemotherapy injections. The injections are easy to receive, but later they do leave me feeling as if I had been punched in the stomach. In the first cycle, I also ended up with bruises where I was injected. We'll see how that pans out this time around. In the previous cycle, I had low platelets, and you may recall I had numerous transfusions. I don't expect that this time around, since I am starting with platelets in the "normal" range. 

An interesting development in this cycle is that I have a friend and dental school classmate named Brian who was recently diagnosed with AML and is on the same regimen of chemotherapy that I am. He begins cycle one today. We will compare notes on our progress. Brian has a PICC line, which makes the infusions and the blood draws easier, but it also makes bathing more of an adventure, because the PICC line has to be kept dry. In addition, there is  limit of 10 lbs. lifting for the arm that has the PICC line. 

There just ain't no easy way to be treated for AML. It has been nice to talk with Brian and share our experiences. I guess misery does indeed love company. Having each other to share with and to encourage each other is a real blessing. Thanks for walking this road with me, Brian. 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)


Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 15, 2022 at 10:07 PM

    I really love the scripture you quoted, it is so true. I was glad to hear that your labs look so good. You are one tough person for sure. Take care~ Donalynn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TomAugust 17, 2022 at 11:14 AM

      Thanks, Donalynn. I also used that passage when I proposed to Jill

      Delete

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