Mon, 6/1/15 Repeat!
Hello, Amazing Friends and Family,
So…today was to be Chemo #8—since it was canceled last week. But, alas, it has been canceled again. Again! My white blood cell and neutrophil counts (a type of white blood cell that fights bacterial infection) were even lower than last time. So, no chemo. In fact, I have to “practice good hygiene” and be extra careful to not get sick because they’re so low. Great! So I guess I’d better wear a hasmat suit when I visit Costco this week.
Oh well. At least I get another week of “normal”—whatever that is. Well, I do know what that is to me. I can get more done from my To Do list. Yaaaaay! I don’t have to wear jazz hand gloves. Yaaaaay! I don’t have to avoid cold drinks (well, except for super cold). Yaaaaay! No strong nausea. Yaaaaay!
Also, to answer the question I know all of you are asking because I asked it. My family asked it. Everyone’s asking it:
What are the winning lotto numbers???” Wait, wrong question.
Oh yeah, “What did/didn’t you do to get them so low?" And: “What can you do/not do to get them back up?” And the answer (drum roll please…..): “Nothing!” (Don’t you just hate that answer?) Nothing. My body is going to do what it’s going to do. I do have to be careful not to catch anything and stay healthy. Plus, “stay away from moldy and rotten foods”—because, you know, that what I always eat, moldy and rotten foods. Strange that they have to say that. Anyway, I do have to eat protein because it has the amino acids to make the white blood cells. Guess it’s steak and unmoldy food for me this week! Yum!
So…why another low week? No one knows. Maybe my body really needs to recover so that the chemo treatments won’t be as bad as #7 was.
Or maybe, the “let patience have its perfect work” isn’t working on me so I need a little (or a lot!) more time to learn patience.
Or maybe, the treatments are working so well that once I go back my numbers will drop so fast I can have fewer treatments.
Or maybe, the sky was too blue this week.
Or maybe, or maybe, or maybe…And that is how we drive ourselves crazy! Lol! So, I’m just focusing on the fact that I can tackle my To Do list and feel much better doing it. “Live in the now.” That was one of the sermons we heard this week at church services. Learn from the past. Plan for the future. But live in the here and now. And that’s what I’m going to do. And eat chocolate because I ran out of the 100-calories-per-1 Tbl.-(and I eat 5!)-supposed-to-NOT-be-in-my-house-but-tastes-so-good-Nutella.
May you have a blessed week enjoying each and every moment (with chocolate)!
Comments (8)
I know you want to get the chemo over and done, but you looked so much better on Sabbath that I have to think your body appreciates the break for a little bit. Your attitude and decision to "Live in the now" sounds great--God knows what we need so much more than we do and He is allowing this blood count at this time so just enjoy the opportunity to get stronger. We love you so much and are praying daily.
Hey Sarah, I appreciate your e-mail update. Your a special lady Sarah. and I pray that you keep growing strong.
Keep hanging in there Sarah. You are doing a good job of healing and God is with you. Patience?! That's something we all need more of. :) Hugs.
I Googled for chemo and low WBC. It appears to be a common side effect of the chemo, which is why they check it every time you go in. Although this web site is an ad for a drug, it seemed to have the best summary of neutropenia - http://www.neutropenia.ca/about/types-of-neutropenia/chemotherapy-and-neutropenia/7-about/78-optimizing-your-chemotherapy-treatment. I guess there are treatments for it if it continues. (Filgrastim is the same drug given to marrow donors before donation). Do take the warning about infections seriously.
Hey, Sarah. I am sure this postponement is both a discouragement and a relief. When Lisa was going through chemo, she had to have regular injections to keep her white blood-cell count up. And she had to be careful in Costco -- and nearly every other public place! It is a pain, to be sure. We will pray specifically that this temporary delay will be a blessing in allowing your body to heal somewhat, and to keep the fight going. You are doing great.
Hello Sarah, I think you just needed a little break, or the sky WAS too blue! :) I'm glad you get to take a little break. You'll probably be at it again next week, so try to enjoy this one!! Love you!! Darla :)
Thank you for sharing your update with us, Sarah. Enjoy your warmer body, happier tummy, Nutella, blue and rainy skies and every other blessing that God brings your way this week. You're doing so good! Thank you for inspiring us with your beautiful attitude. Love to you, Julie
Thanks for the update Sarah. Dealing with the problems that have no good answer is tough but it's impressive to see that you roll with it!