Nadir Day

I went to the Oncologist this morning, it is my Nadir day (the day that my white blood cell count can be at a low point).  They did blood work and found that I have neutropenia (my white blood cell count is very low).  Chemotherapy can reduce a persons white blood cell count which means the immune system isn't as strong and there is risk of serious infection and sickness.  Basically, if I get sick or continue to have low white blood cell count than there is a potential for delayed chemo treatment which we don't want.

They gave me a shot of Neulasta which will increase my blood cell count back to normal.  The Neulasta has its own set of side effects which are sore muscles and body aches and a potential for fever.  But, should do its job and get me back to healthy again.  I am confined to my home for the next few days so that I don't get sick from anyone, which may sound like fun, but I have been here for 5 days straight.  I am ready to get OUT!  I will be patient...work from home and do some reading at night.  I am happy to be back to a full work day, even if it is from home.

I also have a rash on my head called folliculitis.  It is very common during chemo and through research I actually found out that 20% of people have it at one point in their life. So, if you ever find yourself with it, give me a call.  It has been 5 days of burning and itching on my head.  Kept me up for two nights because the urge to itch is so strong that it becomes hard to sleep.  But, it is getting slightly better and better as the days progress.  I have to put creams, gels and am taking pills to get it under control.  Oh the joys of all new things.

I have been loosing weight for the last month, on average 2 lbs a week and I promise I am not trying to.  I have been eating like crazy, but all good things so I was dropping weight. The Dr. does a weigh in every time I visit and in the last 7 days I dropped another 4 lbs.  Weight loss right now is not good for me and especially at 4 lbs a week.  So, the family is working hard today to get weight back on me... problem is that food doesn't taste good.  Aunt Soozie is making veggie soup, Kyle is bringing me mashed potatoes and chicken from Wood Ranch for lunch and well see what goes on for dinner.  I had a Habit Cheeseburger for dinner last night and on Tuesday two grilled cheese and turkey melts. Lots of food....

So the great news that I am so excited to share.  Dr. Meyering examined my tumor again today and it continues to reduce in size.  It is smaller than when I first discovered it and reacting very well to treatments.  It barely feels like it is there.

Talk to you tomorrow.