I had a nurse (Noreen) that was called over from Mercy Creve Coeur Oncology floor as they were short handed. Noreen accessed my port, took the blood to check my white blood count and asked me the range of questions about being safe, what meds I'm on and when I last took them blah, blah, blah. I did have some numbness after the last time in my right toes. I was told to keep an eye on it and if necessary they would make adjustments to the meds. I also had them look at the blister that broke and bled from my shoes at the wedding. They said it wasn't infected and to keep it uncovered as much as possible and continue using the antibiotic ointment. My hands and feet are also very red, but no pain or peeling.
Results of blood test were WBC 3.2 with range being 4 - 9.8. Of course, this is under but remember, we are really looking at the ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) which was 1.56 or 1560. They want that number to be at least 1000. So I passed and she got my pre-meds ready to go. I got Zofran and Emend for nausea, Pepcid for the inflammation component, Decadron - a steriod, Benadryl for allergic reaction and then the Taxol. It was interesting to me how she gowned up and put on the rubber gloves. This medicine is just poison and it's entering my body.
Everything went as usual. Jo and I stopped by K-mart on the way home and then to Steak N Shake for a late lunch around 3:30. The happy hour shake special was going on, so of course we had to indulge. After we placed our order, the waitress told us that the man that sat behind us gave her a $20 bill before he left to cover our lunch. What an awesome feeling that was.
That evening I had some popcorn cause I was pretty full from lunch and shake. Soon afterward I broke out into a cold sweat and started having stomach cramps. I'm not sure if this was a chemo reaction or a bowel reaction. Regardless, it was very uncomfortable and my shirt & head was soaked from sweating. It passed and I went to bed soon afterward. Today I just feel tired.
I did go to physical therapy today. She did measurements on me again. They were up a little from last week, but remember, I had a 2 1/2 week break from chemo and that could have been why they were way down last week. My range of motion is good though and I was released. YAY! I just need to be mindful of any swelling and let them know right away.
So all in all a good report this week. Thanks Jo for taking me and passing the time quickly with all the conversation that was non-stop!
I am now in single digit treatments for Taxol which makes me happy! 9 more to go. Keep those good thoughts and prayers going my friends and family - it really helps!
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