My weekly visit to the Vanderbilt Clinic started with drawing blood. The area around my IV port is still a bit sore, but it’s much easier way to give blood than searching for a vein in my arm. As we were waiting to see Dr. Barbara, my oncologist, Mary and I were guessing at what my white blood cell count (WBC) would be today. Before the first chemo treatment, my WBC was only 3.5, last week it had dropped to 0.8, which was not unexpected but certainly required that I be careful about not being exposed to people with coughs and colds.
Anyway, Mary guessed the the WBC would be back to 3.5 and my guess was 3.2. We were both pleasantly surprised to learn that my WBC was 10.5 😉 Wow! That Newlasta shot really worked!
Weight – I had lost 5 pounds the week following chemo and I wanted to gain that back plus a few extra pounds. The results – I gained 9 pounds ! All those 850 calorie shakes and Haagen Dasz ice cream really worked.
Since I have volunteered to take part in a research study for a mouth rinse to treat oral mucosititis (irritation and ulcers in the mouth), my next chemotherapy is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, instead of Monday. A required follow-up appointment is scheduled for seven days later on May 11.
All-in-all, it was a great weekly checkup!
That’s great news about the WBC. Mom told me about it dropping; that was pretty scary. Glad that shot helped. Keep eating that ice cream too!
You bet. Haagen Dasz ice cream is delicious!
Dick
Unbelievable!! Sounds like your WBC may be higher than all of ours! Keep packing on those pounds.. it will help you get stronger! And thanks for the tip…I think I might want to get some stock in that Newlasta!
Yep, it’s amazing how much the WBC increased in one week! Sure glad it did.
Dick
Dick really shocked to hear about your situation, you will be in my prayers. I’ve haven’t seen you for years but often think about you. Please get well soon and say hello to your mom and dad for me. I always was kept up to date about how you were doing from your dad.
Hi Rodney,
Thank you very much for your support! I will let Mom and Dad know you asked about them. Dad is in a nursing home not too far from here and Mom drives to visit him several times each week. Mom is doing well. We added onto our house a few years ago and Mom is living here with us.
Dick