blood work

All posts tagged blood work

Neutropenic No More

Posted by tokenhippygirl on September 13, 2010
Posted in: Family, leukemia, My LiFe. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

It’s a good day.  Had a follow up ultrasound to check on the blood clots in my arm and hand and they are no longer there… yay!  Also had blood work done today, normal Monday thing, and just found out I am no longer neutropenic.  My platelets are up, and the other things are still low, but almost normal.  They probably will be by Thursday.  I’m happy I get to be a normal person for a few days.  No masks, no worrying about germs and dirt and fungus,etc.  I think we will go out, do something.  Mom and I are talking about going down to her house tomorrow.  She hasn’t been there in a couple of weeks, so it would be nice for her… and nice for me to go down there too.  I haven’t been to Mom and Don’s place since before all this started.  Would love to see all they’ve done this summer.  It’s been a lot.

Since my numbers are pretty good, and will probably be even better on Thursday, it looks like I will get my first of my last two pushes on Thursday, outpatient.  My last push will be on Friday.  Yes it’s my birthday, but then that gives me two things to celebrate… turning 45 and the fact that I just had my last push.  Yay!!!

In baby news… he’s a tad fussy.  Not much of a sleeper yet, which is keeping the kids and Karen on their toes. It will get better though… it’s the usual no sleep for the new parents and grandparent thing going on.  I feel for them.  They all look and sound tired, but he’s adorable.  So beautiful.  They will all get through this with flying colors and soon everyone will be getting more sleep.  I have confidence in them. Plus, I’m sending all the love I can their way… that’s gotta help… right?

Ok… well…  I’m going to finish watching the US Open men’s final, which I recorded on the dvr while we were in at the clinic.  No one tell me who won.  I’m excited to finish watching this match!

Haven’t Posted In A FEW… My Apolgies

Posted by tokenhippygirl on September 9, 2010
Posted in: leukemia, My LiFe. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Hey gang…  here I am, posting again.  Got some good news today… the numbers are up.  I’m still neutropenic, but now I’m in the moderate category instead of critical.  That’s a good thing.  I’m happy.  Means that a couple of little things that have not been healing, one of them being a nasty mouth sore, will now start to heal.  Yay.  Maybe I’ll be able to eat something besides cream of wheat, soup, and fake mashed potatoes with cottage cheese.  LOL  That would be nice.  Pizza?  A burger?  Uh… some pasta with chicken.  All sounds great to me.

More news from the oncology caseworker as well.  My next pushes (there are two) will be done outpatient and not in the hospital.  They finally have this available at the chemotherapy center at Interstate.  So… next week, if my numbers come up enough… it’s the last consolidation round.  One push on Thursday, after my appointment with Dr. Bigler, and the second on Friday.  Yes, Friday.  It’s my birthday, but hey… let’s get this over with is what I say.  Nancy also set up my next cycle appointment with Dr. Bigler for October 15 (this will be the maintenance cycle, which lasts two years).  I have two different kinds of pills on different schedules from each other (one of them is ATRA so I know that one) and a weekly shot.  I’m scheduled to get that shot on the 15th after my appointment with Dr. Bigler.  It’s an intramuscular.  We’re not sure, but it looks like I might have to have that every week for a two years.  We’re hoping they can teach us how to do it.  Otherwise… travel is going to be an issue.  And as you all know… we like to travel.  We even have travel plans.  So… let’s all hope Karen and I can learn how to do this.  We will find out at the meeting on the 15th with Dr. Bigler.

Much love to everyone out there who has been so supportive of us during this.  I am blessed to know you all and have the love of amazing people like yourselves.  I feel it every day.  This has been and continues to be an emotional roller coaster and knowing that I have such an amazing group out there sending me vibes and love and prayers… well… it means everything.

Short and Sweet Today

Posted by tokenhippygirl on September 3, 2010
Posted in: leukemia, My LiFe. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Still in the hospital. Numbers were down again… My neutrophils were actually .01. LOL So basically they were zero. They have to get to .5 for me to leave. It’s a daily thing. We expect that I will be here at least two or three more days. My numbers could sort of hover here for a bit. Again… It’s a wait and see.

Hope everyone has a great labor day weekend.

And my honey… I love and miss you!

Hot Hot Hot

Posted by tokenhippygirl on July 8, 2010
Posted in: Food, Friends, leukemia, My LiFe. Tagged: , , , . 3 comments

Wowie zowie (had to say it), it’s hot out there.  Luckily it stays fairly cool in our family room.  A fan, closed blinds, and loads of cement keep it that way.  Since it’s my main hang out, I’m feelin’ lucky.  I’m also enjoying the air conditioner we got for the bedroom.  We used it for the first time last night.  Nice…..

Otherwise…. went in for blood tests again today.  My now usual Monday/Thursday gig.  A student drew my blood.  She asked if she could, I said yes.  She did fairly well, with a slight bit of help from her supervisor.  My only comment… air conditioning is my friend.  The staff at the oncology lab enjoyed the comment, and agreed.  I actually walked into the lab and then back out to the parking structure afterward.  No wheelchair… woo hoo.  It was hot, but the walk felt good.

We already got the results back from the draw today.  Nancy, my chemotherapy case manager, called with them just a bit ago.  The news… numbers all moving in the right direction.  It’s a good thing.  The doctor’s only comment… prepare for the next round.  Meaning I have to get some walking in (around the inside of the house right now), get my strength up as much as I can.  I’m also supposed to be eating whatever… since I will most likely lose a lot more weight with the next round.  I did with this last one.  I was told to eat whatever taste good to me, since my taste buds are a bit off.  I’ve been taking it slow.  Finding things that taste pretty good and that don’t make me nauseas.  I’ve actually been eating pretty darn healthy, even though they told me I didn’t necessarily have to.  LOL  When do you have license to eat anything you want?  I’m doing veggies (now that I can since I’m no longer neutropenic) and simple foods mostly.  They go down well.  Oh, and I’m eating loads of yogurt.  It’s good for the GI.

And what am I eating right now, for dinner anyway?  I’m eating some fine mild chicken enchiladas that my friend Connie made for me.  Connie… I had the first last night… it was wonderful!  Thank you SO very much!

Why am I rambling about food right now?  Because I’m hungry.  LOL  Time for a snack I think.  Hmmmmmm… what to have?  Crackers and peanut butter?  Maybe…..  :-)