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
Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 02/2018
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