Shot Instead of Chemo

Just as I suspected, my "neutrophils" are low (type of white blood cell), and I had to get a shot of Neupogen instead of chemo today. That's the shot that caused me so much pain last time. This time I took ibuprofen and Tylenol BEFORE I got the shot, and so far I'm doing ok. The shot was a lower dose, and I'll do another one tomorrow. I'll have to give it to myself here at home. Then Friday I'll go back and get my levels checked and, if everything is ok, I'll get my 4th round of chemo then.
I still have a fever lingering, but its under control with the meds. My allergies are bothering me too, but mostly I just feel tired. Took a nap when we got home today. We were at the clinic for 3 hours or so, because there was some problems with insurance and letting me have a shot at home. Our insurance is very good overall, but when it comes to "specialty" drugs (meaning expensive!) they are very particular how they handle things. But the way things turn out, I think they end up wasting more money than they save! They are going to Fedex the shot to my house instead of letting me pick it up at the pharmacy--how is that saving money?
After I get round 4 of chemo, I found out today that I have to wait 3-4 weeks before starting radiation. The Oxaliplatin drug needs to be out of my system first. I have an appt. with the radiation therapist on June 17th. Radiation will start sometime after that appt. The good news is that will give me a bit of a break from side effects, the bad news is that pushes my whole treatment out a little farther. That's not really "bad", just another adjustment--one of many it seems! The soonest I could be done with everything is probably around mid- Nov. Just in time for my grandbaby to be born!
I also found out --or just realized--that while I will be getting the 5FU drug during radiation, its the Oxaliplatin that causes the cold sensitivity and hair thinning--so I'll be getting a break from both those side effects--yay! Hopefully the radiation side effects won't be too bad.
I'm going to close with some lines from one of my favorite songs I heard on the radio today:

I will walk by faith

Even when I cannot see

because this broken road

Prepares Your will for me

(Walk by Faith, by Jeremy Camp)

Love and Blessings!

Tina

Good News, Not So Good News

Well, my white blood cells and other related numbers went up, but not high enough to get chemo tomorrow. We are going to try for next Wed. The doc thinks they'll go up enough without another shot, thank goodness! I think because it hurt so bad yesterday, he decided not to do another one today. And by delaying chemo a week, my blood cells should build up on their own. It's technically not white blood cells that the doc is so concerned with, its "neutrophils" in my bone marrow, and when they are low it's called neutropenia (this concludes your medical lesson for the day!).
The difficult part of all this is it throws off my whole schedule! I had really hoped this wouldn't happen this soon. I've got subs all planned at work, people are scheduled to bring meals according to my chemo schedule, and now it's going to be the opposite weeks! I feel so bad about work. I'll be missing even more days now. I keep telling myself its not my fault, and there is nothing I can do about it, but I can't help but feel bad. I am so blessed to work where I do!
As for the food...considering I really don't feel like cooking AT ALL these days, it doesn't matter when it comes--we'll take it! And maybe some meals I can freeze.
You guys have no idea how much I appreciate everything everyone is doing for me. God Bless you all!! I always pray for extra blessings for those that are taking their time to cook, pray, send cards, give me Milk Duds ;), think good thoughts, whatever! So be prepared for God's blessings!
My back still hurts off and on. Major movements, like stairs, standing up, or sitting down send temporary electric shocks up my back, and I'm still taking Tylenol and ibuprofen. The nurse said my fever yesterday could have been caused by the shot too. I wish they would have told me that before I worried that I was getting some horrible infection my body couldn't fight off! I'm tired and often have a headache, but that could be all the stress too. But, hey, these are all minor, and I'm not complaining, just updating how I'm doing. It'll be nice to have extra days without nausea!
It's almost time to eat a yummy meal provided by a co-worker! I'm very thankful to have it today!
Love and Blessings!!!
Tina