Transfusion but no chemo yesterday
Well, perhaps all the acupuncture and well-wishes helped my white blood cell count, which was plenty high enough for chemo yesterday, but my platelets were too low! And, my hemoglobin was down to 8.3 so they gave me 2 units of blood, but no chemotherapy. (It took a 7-hour door-to-door trip to the UW Hospitals & Clinics to accomplish this -- I guess a lot of other people also needed blood yesterday. Fortunately my friend Anita was with me and we never run out of things to talk about). So, when will my last chemo treatment be? Not clear yet. Since I have an MRI scheduled for Monday and on Tuesday the Tumor Board meets and I have an appointment with my surgeon to plan the surgery, she will apparently tell me then whether I even need another chemo treatment, in which case it could be sometime this coming week if my counts are high enough. Or, presumably, if the MRI shows the tumors have already shrunk to nothing, then my "last treatment" was actually last Friday July 31st!
And yes, Margaret, and anyone else who is wondering, I will still have surgery even if the tumors are gone.
Comments (6)
Seven hours is a long time! Still, I hope the transfusion gives you a boost in energy (that you can use enjoying your weekend and family visitors). That reminds me I should donate some blood next week. Lots of love to you!!!
Wonderful to see you out and about the town this week Becca! Hope you had a nice swim. Thanks for sharing your story with us all...inspiring. Warmly Darin
7 more hours of time to reflect on all the abundance in your life & what you're learning about yourself throughout this process, Becca! Really have enjoyed being a part of your journey, albeit virtually & hope to see you soon! PS - love the co activity you beam, too!
Even though the "when" is uncertain, you have done so much preparation! As with the clay of your pottery, you've taken this "mud," and infused it with food, family, friends (known and unknown), body strengthening, wisdom, acupuncture, platelets....., and much love. What might be emerging from this Begun Anew clay?
Seven hours--seems so long, but I'm glad to learn you received the transfusion you needed. From what you write, it is possible that you may not need another treatment? So, that would be a good outcome of having platelets that were too low. Reading your beautiful account of letting go moved me beyond words. You have discovered so many ways to embrace life. Thinking of you and sending loving wishes, Sonia
Wow, 7 hours. Makes me appreciate only having to wait for two hours the other day for something. I am more and more understanding how incredibly long a journey you and so many others have been on. A privilege to be given that window. Thank you, Becca.