February 26th. 2018
Not much new to report. I went to the hospital this morning to get my blood samples drawn per normal twice a week schedule. I got part of the results back already. My white blood cell count is now at 2,760 which is great and means I have about 1/4 of a normal immune system. I will still avoid big groups and will wear my mask at the grocery store, but I do feel a little safer knowing my numbers are up. I have not seen the red blood cell or platelet counts yet, but they were doing good after the last test so I assume they are higher now.
Here is some exciting news. I ate my first salad in about 50 days last night! It was awesome! When your white blood cell count is too low you cannot have fresh fruit and vegetables. I finally felt brave enough yesterday to go for it. I am going to have another one tonight because it could be my last for a while. This Wednesday I start the next round of chemo and it might drop me back down to where veggies are off limits. This is ok, it has to be done to get to the goal line.
Here is another interesting fact right now. I have been eating like a high school football player for the past 10 days and have managed to put on exactly no weight. I have no idea where the hell all that food is going. I have to assume it is being used to produce new stem cells and maybe some of the muscle I lost. Karen and I have been going for longer and longer walks so that is probably part of it. I wish it would warm up so the walks were nicer, with my new bald head it is damn cold up there.
Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement. I read ever one of them and they mean a lot. Hope everyone is doing well, count your blessings.
Comments (6)
Wow, seven weeks with no salad. You mentioned the lack of fruit and vegetables before, but looking at it now in terms of how much time it has been, it sounds like sheer hell. Kit and I analyzed a while back that we go through $40 to $50 a week in fruit in vegetables. It hard to imagine not having them. If you figure that weight thing out, maybe you can share? Frank
Hi Kevin - So glad your walks are getting longer. You're such a trooper with this cold weather. Great news on the immune systems. Keep up the eating! I think of you every day.
Great news Kevin. Keep up the good work. Eat those fresh fruits and veggies while you can to replenish your system. We all know how important they are. Thinking of you everyday and sending good thoughts.
Hey Kevin keep up the good work. I sure do admire your attitude and fortitude. Long walks, fruits and vegetables. Sound like a recope for good health. Thanks gor the updates.
Hey Kevin - thank you for keeping us updated and inspiring us to count our blessings. Your positive attitude and bits of humor are wonderful. I'm headed over to Bend this week to start a project with Manuel. Wish us well - we seem to fight like a married couple when we tackle my projects together. I have my ideas and he has better ideas, but he let's me think mine are the best. Hope that puts a smile on your face!
Nice work K-Man! So when I was in high school I ate a lot of cinnamon rolls and boxes of jelly filled powdered donuts. Are you eating these? Haha...DONT!