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.