January 15th - Day 99 - Blood test and Oncologist Apointment - Living or Surviving, there is a difference
It took us 1 hour 45 minutes to get to the hospital. Between the fog, ice and people crashing their way into work causing delays resulting in longer travel time. If I believed in omens or signs I would say I was in trouble. I don’t so it has no effect.
We just drew blood and sent it to the lab. Once it gets back we’ll will see the oncologist. Until then its a sit here and wait.
Yesterday I spent time moving around between the bedroom and the living room. I even ate at the table. LOL it all sounds trivial. But it is not and puts me on the road to quality of life instead of just living. I even got on the computer and did some work on the discord (pifc).
My legs are wobbly and I have problems supporting my weight. This is an area I have to push. I have lost so much muscle that it will take months to recover. When chemo stops it will be easier to gain muscle strength. I can and will do some exercises now. Not much but some and when chemo stops I have to get deeply into exercising.
The blood test are back and I have to say that I am not to thrilled with the results.
The White Blood Count (WBC) is 2.7. Add in the other low counts and I have to be very carful of infections. My bodies ability to fight of any infection is very low at best. This is known as Neutropenia.
Neutropenia
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Neutropenia is when a person has a low level of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. All white blood cells help the body fight infection. Neutrophils fight infection by destroying harmful bacteria and fungi (yeast) that invade the body. Neutrophils are made in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found in larger bones such as the pelvis, vertebrae, and ribs.
Some level of neutropenia takes place in about half of people with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. It is a common side effect in people with leukemia. If you have neutropenia, practice good personal hygiene to lower your risk of infection. This includes washing your hands regularly.
People who have neutropenia have a higher risk of getting serious infections. This is because they do not have enough neutrophils to kill organisms that cause infection. People with severe or long-lasting neutropenia are most likely to develop an infection.
The Platelete count is also low and if it does not improve an infusion will be required. It usually bounces back. We will see how it is on next Tuesday’s blood test.
Next week I will do cycle 6 of chemo then take a break. They will monitor the cancer and any development that might occur. As long as the blood test remain the same or improve.
This is the first time that any discussion that included next year has accrued. That’s a good sign I guess. 100 days ago they were talking about weeks, now we are discussing a year.
I am so tired and my wife has tried to put me to bed 3 times already. The simplest things wares me out. It’s 2 pm I am home. Tired and trying to get this post out.
Wolfhart
Nice, @wolfhart.
I know you're not happy with the numbers, but these don't sound like the ones that you need to be concerned with so much as the ones the weeks after the last cycle of chemo. When the counts all should be up or maintaining in the green.
It's good to hear that they've gone from weeks/months to another year. I hope to hear one day that they've stretched it out even more.
I don't like eating at the table so much myself, but then I've not been forced away from it, either, so totally understand the victory that is. Well done. More victories, please. :)
The doctor shrugged 🤷♂️ it off too. Said my numbers bounce back.
I’ll do a CAT scan sometime after next week chemo. That should tell us something.
You never appreciate what you have until you loose it .
Well, I felt like cheerleading here, and maybe the doctor did, too. :)
A set of off numbers, in general, don't a trend make.
Your doctor did give you a compliment and a vote of confidence, too. Whatever you're doing, keep doing it, I say. Maybe get more rest? :) I know, I know. The spirit is willing the but the flesh, oh, the flesh... :)
The battle between the spirite and the flesh. LOL what a battle
The news was good, sometimes I just push to hard. It was a good conversation. We’re not out of the woods but we can see the edge. Still lots to do and get through
As far as trends go we are outside the realm. We have not been following the norms. New ground being set here. They have read about outliers now they get to see one.
Thats great news to hear the words next year! Thank you for the continuous updates because you are always on my mind and in my prayers brother you keep fighting that good fight! No matter how promising Valhalla shall be!
Much love brother.
Yes Valhalla and Asgard will have to wait.
I get up every day ready for what it brings. There is no way to loose with all the support. The more the support the better able to drive on.
Thanks brother
Hi sir @wolfhard ... I know its hard for you ... But i really proud of you... You are able to go through all this strongly... Wish God always give you His blessing for your life.
That touch my heart
I am bless.
Thank you @tjoet
I am glad the news wasn't bad but I know you feel it could have been better. Great job finding that good new mixed in. Play for next year and it is the start of this one. They know you are fighting it hard and must see signs you will be here longer than they thought at first. Best wishes buddy. Get some rest I hope it is peacesful
Thanks buddy
Yes they know and are looking at 3 months of data. The data they have accumulated is incredible. They have it all broken down and with charts from blood test to each organ and how they reacted. It’s all computerized.
I have to work on resting more. And moving more. Find that happy medium
Dear friend, you are probably sleeping and Thats great, the talk and the mentioning of the year is wonderful. We Will talk When you wake up!
Big hug
Britt
Its good news. I think I wanted or expected better news
We / you always want more thats what we do, we eager stemmers but for now celebrate with a pice of pie dear friend and we Will talk later
We have come a long way. No one expected us to make it this far. We are doing good, very good. We will celebrate later. After next weeks chemo. That will complete the chemo. Reason for celebration.
I hope ALL is well by you. I think of it often
Celebrate every victory .... we still have a week to go .......
Every day is a reason to celebrate. We past 90 days . What a achievement. : )
Let me know
Offcourse I Will 😉
That’s a hard fight you’re making... eating at a table is indeed NOT trivial at all. Feeling ‘human’ is incredibly important and poweful. Wishing you strength.
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Small victories
I am greatful for them, every little one of them. : )
I can use all the strength I can get. Thank you 😊
wao .... how strong what you are going through, I will be praying for you so that God may heal you ... so that your globulos may increase. and so that you better soon, may your strength increase as well. Rest well.
I have support that keeps me going. 🙏
I did rest well today after doctors appointment. Sometime I push myself to hard. I have to learn to pace myself
Thank you
I know buddy you are having a bad time but i always told you that You are a Wolf and a wolf is strong more than anyone. I always remember you and pray for you... sending lots of love and support for you...
and don't think much because CANCER is a bitch... hehehe... :P
And we will slap that bitch. Whahahahahaha
hehehe.. that bitch deserves that...
One day at a time
And thank you. Your support means a lot to me. :)
Low white cell count is tricky... infections are a thing that we have generally forgotten about due to the effectiveness of antibiotics... although that era of effective antibiotics might be coming to a close due to a cavalier use of them.
Anyway, keep yourself healthy and out of trouble! Enjoy the snow if you can, I wish we could have some over here...
It’s all about staying healthy and not putting anymore stress on the body. I watch and try and control the environment I am in.
Which is funny because I spend a lot of time at the hospital where sick people hang out.
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