Second time's the charm...right?...Right?

BOX SCORE




Element

Current

Std. Range

Trend

Hemoglobin

10.4

13-17

v

Platelets

75

140-375

v

ANC

600

1800-8300

^

When I was released from the hospital, after a month's stay, a year ago July, my ANC was at 600 or thereabouts. The team had told me it needed to get up to 500 in order for me to go home. I was told to avoid crowds (the pandemic was still in full force). Now, as you can see above, my ANC is again at 600, so we invited daughter Tara to come for Christmas. She works from home most of the time and always tests for Covid before visiting, so there is little to no risk of exposure. 

That being said, it's been a tough go the past couple of weeks. My blood counts have remained low, which is no surprise, since they were low when I started my most recent round of chemo. The result is that I have been feeling extremely fatigued. By the time I shower and dress, I am huffing and puffing and have to sit for a spell. In addition, I have a stye on my left eyelid that will not go away. So, this is not my finest hour. 

If you have been following along, you will know I had a bone marrow biopsy last Tuesday. The results were, well, no results at all. It turns out that the sample contained only cortical (hard outer) bone and periosteum (the membrane that covers the bone) and virtually no marrow. I suspect this is because I have had six biopsies from essentially the same spot, and there has to be a lot of scar tissue there. This morning Dr. Brow wrote to say we will need to redo the biopsy, but this time in a different location. I now have an appointment for that little surgery on January 3rd. Merry Christmas, Tom!

The good news is that I don't feel ill, just exhausted. I know God will bring me through this episode, and I look forward to renewed energy soon. In the meantime, if you are a praying person, please pray for strength and stamina, and that my marrow will kick in soon and replenish my blood elements. I'd really like to feel perkier for New Year's Eve. After all, I'll likely try to stay up until at least 8:00PM to (almost) ring in the new year! More important will be a visit with son Patrick and his wife Katie and our granddaughters Ryanne and Megan.

In the meantime, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas and God's richest blessings in the New Year! 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11 KJV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. gardengirlDecember 23, 2022 at 2:26 PM

    Greetings! Glad to hear your ANC is up and you can celebrate some with the family! God is Good!
    Love to you and Jill-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TomDecember 26, 2022 at 5:01 PM

      Thanks, Kim. We had a fun Christmas with Tara. Labs tomorrow. Fingers crossed!!

      Delete
  2. Dennis MisnerDecember 23, 2022 at 10:05 PM

    Merry Christmas Tom and Jill. I too will be praying for good energy and stamina so that you can stay up maybe even till 9:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The Lord is good and filled with grace and love may you experience that in abundance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TomDecember 26, 2022 at 5:05 PM

      Thanks, Dennis. We are enjoying life, no matter what it brings our way. Just wishing for a visit with our granddaughters...and their parents, of course! I know you can identify with that. Happy New Year!

      Delete

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