Last week did not go to plan...
Having my Full Blood Count (FBC) checked on Tuesday prior to chemo cycle #4 it showed that my neutrophils were too low. A reading of 0.02 meant I could not have my chemo. I cried, I'd only had 3 cycles and already I had gone off track and my joyous end date of January 20th 2012 had to be put back!
Neutrophils are the most prolific type of white blood cells in mammals and form an essential part of the immune system. Without them we could not fight infection. The Average adult has a range of between 2.5-7.5.
So, I went home and thought about my chemo reprieve as my friend Rebecca called it. Two weeks holiday lets look at it that way. A chance to get stronger and start again. My brother put it into perspective for me later that day. He said "It doesn't matter when you get to the finish line, just get there safely" After that I felt more positive and planned my two weeks of isolation at home.
I decided that I would catch up on some reading, make some Tomato chutney using my home grown tomatoes and bake some cute little cup cakes!
Saturday was spent in the kitchen for most of the day. Even though we were experiencing a mini heatwave and the weather was perfect, I couldn't go out in it due to my chemo sensitive skin. Late afternoon I sat in the shady part of the garden and enjoyed the warmth of the day and thought how wonderful life is...
Yesterday I went to Oncology to see Dr F and get my blood checked. I had my fingers crossed that all would be back to normal and I would be myself once more...After 5 minutes the results were back my neutrophils were up to 2.50 my red blood cells were up to 12.5 and platelets were normal! I was so happy.
So, I'm back on track and will have chemo cycle #4 next Wednesday and my new end date coincides with my sons birthday 4th February 2012! A double celebration.
I'll end with a Dr Seuss quote that sums up how I feel today:
Today you are you
That is truer than true
There is no one alive
Who is youer than you!
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