Wow. I just saw my blood test results from yesterday and am a little freaked out. My neutrophils (the white blood cells I take the shots for) are down to .1. Last time I had chemo they were .7, and remember I said the nurse was surprised the doc was letting me get chemo? She even went and asked him to make sure because they don't usually do it when it gets that low. Wonder what happens when you run out of neutrophils? The good news is I can feel the back pain from the shot I got yesterday, so I know its working to build them back up. I have 2 more shots to do.
The other # that worries me is my platelets. 150 is the bottom of the range and I'm down to 51. Last time I was 103. I have a few random bruises on my body--bleeding is a worry with platelets that low. They are what stops the bleeding.
My hemoglobin also went down to 9.6. Its been in the 10 range. Supposed to be 12-16, but mine hasn't been normal since before my surgery in Feb.
I don't remember how low the doc said he lets the platelets get to before he won't allow chemo. There is nothing they do to build them up, just time off of chemo.
So, there is a chance I won't be able to do chemo this Friday. Usually that is sort of a bummer, but with numbers like this I will be relieved if he postpones it!
I still have a bit of a fever, and am taking percoset both for "bottom" pain and my bone pain. Had a bad headache overnight that the percoset didn't touch, but it went away this morning when I got up.
Any advice or similar stories from other's that have been through this??
I guess I'll stay inside and wrap myself in bubble wrap so I don't get hurt :)
Hope everyone is having a great day!
Love,
Tina
When my neutrophils were low I simply avoided people as much as possible for the immune system is really, really low. And because of the low platelets, be careful you don't cut yourself.
ReplyDeleteI missed chemo a couple times due to low bloods. Once I had to wait three weeks before my bloods came back up.
Hugs and well wishes.
Try to avoid using knives, scissors, pins, etc. Let someone else do it. Be careful not to scratch yourself or bump into things. Ditto to what Whitestone said about avoiding people. I know, its depressing... but stay at home. Have hubby take you for a drive now and then, so you can have a change of scenery. Maybe look at Christmas lights. Hope you get better soon! This has been a challenging time for you. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteYou have been doing too much running around these past few days. Seems to me you are just thinking Minnesotan - Like Jesse says...I don't have time to bleed. I don't blame you for wanting to be active especially this time of year with everything you do with the kids but remember they all understand and want you to take care of yourself. You will get through this one day at a time. love you! -Diane
ReplyDelete