Friday, June 20, 2008

Bon Voyage ...for now


So today is the day I get to go home as soon as I finish the last few punishing drops of Ara-C, my 7 day chemo. I was so excited last night about leaving today that I had trouble falling asleep. Did finish my latest book in that time (Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely). I think it's great that they are letting me go home and just return to clinic, on Sunday at that. The attending doctor Dr Rizzieri said that I will probably need more blood and platelets by Sunday. They gave me 2 units of red cells last night so my color is better and so is my energy level. Todays counts are pretty ridiculous though, I have to say. My HgB is 9.4 (hct 26%) and my platelets are down to 20K (normal is greater than 150,000; spontaneous bleeding starts at 10,000, just an fyi for all you non-medical folks). But get this my total white cell count is a measely 92. That's it. That number is supposed to be 4000-8000. So I figure my 92 white cells are all that is standing between me and infection. Feels like a flimsy paper gown-No a flimsy paper gown would provide more protection than that. Anyway, it is what it is. Wash my hands and eat only the cleanest foods, yada, yada, yada.


When I get home I can publish the photos from today-1 with Holly and 1 with my mom. Just so you far away people can see I am still standing.

The new Weaver St opened in Hillsborough yesterday so that will be top on my list to try out once we are home. Holly brought me a locopop last night, since we now have a store of our own behind the coop. Man, Hillsborough is getting to be a cool place. We also have a killer library that I love to frequent. Aren't libraries just the best, most amazing places? I mean where else can you get a card to check out stuff free. Good stuff. My reading has certainly increased lately. It's easier to do with all this down time. I have to admit, though, that I haven't written in my own personal journal since I've been in here. Just not enough energy. Guess the blog will have to do.

5 comments:

Shannon said...

I can tell you are doing much, much better simply by your e-voice! Can't wait to see a picture of you. Got you a cute little pilates shirt yesterday---okay to bring it by next wed night?
sh

Moutain Doc said...

you betcha

can't wait to see you

are you dropping by or gonna stay with us (as they say in Madison Co)-tree

Moutain Doc said...

you betcha

can't wait to see you

are you dropping by or gonna stay with us (as they say in Madison Co)-tree

MEDEA poetica said...

Yea! I'm so glad that you're heading home and will be in the general vicinity of a delicious lime locopop in no time at all.

Check out Jeannette Wells's Glass Castle if you haven't already read it. I heard her interviewed on NPR then read it with my reading group. It's an impressive page turner.

Take good care and know that we're all here for you.
Love,
Angela

Shannon said...

Staying at the in-laws in order to keep a closer eye on the little angels. Plan to come over after legislative activities---probably 5:30 but will get a firm time for you by Monday!
sh