At the Half-Way Point-Little Setback

I had my third chemo treatment 8 days ago.  Knowing I have three more to go, and also knowing I can do this, was very satisfying.  After having a chemo treatment my blood counts need to be checked seven days afterwards and ten days afterwards.  This is when my white blood cells are most apt to go down, making me more susceptible to germs and infection.  Up until now, my counts have been very good, so naturally I just assume this will continue for the duration.  Yesterday, I found out my white blood cell count was quite low.  The oncologist said I should be very careful to not put myself in a position where I may catch something.  I also have to keep taking my temperature and if it elevates to 100.5 or above, I must call them immediately.  Al mentioned to him how tired and weak I had been lately and he said this is a side effect of a low white blood cell count.

We were looking forward to a visit from Mike and Holly and their three boys on Saturday.  Al feels it would be best to put it off until my counts are higher.  So much is going around this time of year, and people don't always know when they are coming down with something.  It may seem like we are being a little over cautious, but we feel hibernation might be the safest way to go right now.  Hoping my counts will go up when I go back in on Monday.

I am so glad we are having a mild winter this year.  Most of the time I only need to wear my fleece jacket when going out.  It's amazing to me that 40+ degrees feels much warmer here in the Northeast than if we were in Texas or Arizona.  That would be a very cold day there.  When its 40 and the sun is shining, the air feels so good.  Knowing spring is around the corner and our neighbors will be coming home from their winter homes will make things much more lively around here.

Please say a prayer for me for this latest bump in the road.  I have no doubt my counts will go back up and I will be able to have my next chemo treatment in two weeks.  I am so grateful for all your prayers and feel that God has blessed me with a wonderful family and friends who care.  

One Month Later and One More Round of Chemo Down.

Well, it has been a month since I last posted here.  Things have been going fairly smoothly.  Considering I'm on chemo, I think all in all, it's not as bad as I expected.  I've had some bad days, but mostly good ones.  I'm often tired, but since I don't have to go to work, I am able to take naps whenever I feel the need. 

Thursday February 16th will be my next chemo treatment.  Then I will be at the half-way mark as far as my chemo treatments.  This past Thursday I went in for my counts to be checked.  Everything was very good and my counts were high.  I saw the PA this time and she said she was amazed at how well I am doing.  

Sorry, I don't have more to report, but actually I guess that is a good thing.  Thank you all for your comments on here, cards, emails, phone calls, & messages on FB.  I really appreciate hearing from all of you.  Also, thank you for your prayers on my behalf.   

My sister and brother-in-law stopped by the other day and brought me this sweet teddy bear.   The people in  their church have been praying for me and they have a really neat custom.  A teddy bear is passed around the congregation and each person prays for the person mentioned.  The tag says "Hello, The Hartford Yoked Parish has hugged me and prayed with me.  Now I bring you all the love and prayers I represent.  May you find the fullness of God's tender, loving care."