Low White Count
Posted by stephanie on July 7th, 2007
I had my lab work drawn Friday and then saw the nurse practitioner prior to my scheduled chemo visit. The good news is my red blood cell count and platelets are normal. The bad news is my white blood cell count was less than 1 with an ANC of 400, (YIKES… this makes them all VERY unhappy and nervous). They slapped a mask on me and sent me to get a shot of Neupogen; this will help raise my white count. It also means no chemo this week. I’m grounded and can’t be in public for a week: no fresh flowers, fruits or vegetables, no small children, no yard work or emptying the cat boxes.
I’ll be taking a Neupogen shot every day. They aren’t so sure I will slide through this episode without a hospital visit. No worries, they just don’t know the warriors I have on my team. They say I am at the top of the hill with 3-4 days still to drop my counts. The side effect of low blood counts start day 7 after chemo and last through day 10. I “feel” fine just a bit tired.
I’m praying the Neupogen kicks in and by Friday I can get my next chemo dose. SO my mighty warriors, sometimes I have a task, sometimes I don’t. Your task this week is to pray I stay healthy and my white blood cell count is high enough for chemo on Friday. I will rest, avoid yard work, and stay away from small children. I will let John do the grocery shopping AND empty the cat boxes ; -}
I love you all! I WILL be the victor in this latest battle.
Grace & Peace,
Stephanie, John, Jennifer & David