So today I had 'low neutrophils' (I have no idea if that's the right spelling). So I was given a 75% dosage of my chemo drugs. If my neutrophils are over 1.5, I get the full dose. Between 1 and 1.49, I get 75% and less than 1, my chemo is delayed. Mine was 1. PHEW!!! Just cuspy there.... naturally I'm a little concerned about getting less medicine however, they assure me that my body calls the shots so they can't give me more than I can handle.
And the frustrating part is that there isn't anything I can do about it. I can't get more rest, or eat healthier or take vitamins in order to promote this neutrophil regeneration. I just have to let it do what it will do.
I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I hate my port. Oh everyone says it's the greatest thing - and I'm sure I wouldn't like ongoing IVs either, but it hurts when the port is accessed and MORE importantly, the port itself is just irritating because I can feel it at all times. And when I lay on my right side, the muscles bunch up and it pinches in there, and if I lay on my left side, the tube bulges in my neck, and it is quite gross all around.
I'm happy to report that I got no internal mouth sores last round - I had one at the corner of my mouth plus a cold sore, but I'll take that any day over the canker sores that are so painful. So much for my theory that maybe chemo would kill the cold sore virus.... ha.
I've been warned now to be extra cautious with handwashing and avoiding sickness & infection since my immune system isn't back up to where it should be.
But, on the bright side, since I've had 25% less drugs, I will feel less crappy! As weird as it sounds, it's almost a small relief to hear about the neutrophils because I still have to shave my legs, and so I was starting to wonder if the drugs were doing anything. I'd like to tell my body to stop concentrating on growing leg hair and start concentrating on growing neutrophils....
My Christmas decorations are down and on their way to being filed back to storage. Cam has got one coat of paint on our hallway & is working on choosing a new kitchen. Trying to take advantage of the homeowner's renovation tax credit thing that's going on. It ends this month.
Happy New Year!
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Wow. Does that ever bring back memories. I got that same sick feeling when I was reading about your nutraphils. (I just said that my blood was too low! It is easier to spell!) I worried about that too. I missed 2 treatments.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great.
I'm not sure which would be worse. A port or picc. It wasn't comfy either. Atleast you can take a shower without wrapping yourself in saran wrap and holding your arm above your head! I couldn't sleep on it either.
You will be back to "normal" soon, then you will just have these memories and worries for the rest of your life like me!!!!!
Lets try and not worry together!
Linda
Happy new year Shana! Thanks for sharing what is going on with you. I was wondering how comfortable that port was...above all, I am glad to hear less meds means you are feeling less crappy, enough to think about home renovations which in and of themselves makes me feel woozy! Thinking of you Shana and appreciating your sharing. Hope your birthday was a real blast! I realize I had missed you by a day early when the lunch was planned. Big smile, Julia
ReplyDeleteShana darling, you are getting there girl and are a true inspiration to anyone reading this blog.I wasn't a fan of the port from day one but I understand your feelings of the IV. I prefered the IV. Keep strong and kick that cancer butt. I am celebrating 1 year of my last chemo end of January. YOU CAN DO IT!!!! Love Colette
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