Saturday, March 6, 2010

Drip... drip... drip... DENIED!!

We checked in early on Friday for Gidget's 9 a.m. port placement and blood draw with Kelsey:

port placement by gnjbeach, on Flickr

We sat around for an hour in the waiting room, enjoying the killer Lake Union view:

Lake Union at SCCA by gnjbeach, on Flickr

So far so good. Then we met with Charlie and hit our first real road block in this little exercise... Gidget's platelet count was too low to give her chemo. Her count has dropped after each chemo session, and it is now too low to sustain another round without a break. The platelets are responsible for clotting - too few platelets and the chance of bleeding from a minor cut increases dramatically.

So, there you have it... we get a two-week break. This is good and bad. Gidget will enjoy feeling "normal" again (just in time for a quick trip to Portland next weekend), but it will also push the end date for her regimen out at least another two weeks. The doctor said this is a very normal part of the colon cancer regimen - not to worry, we'll pick up where we left off in a couple weeks.

Since we were over in the "big city," we took care of a few errands and went to Antika to have lunch with Merd, Fevzi and (of course) Tonka. Rumor has it Tonka has developed his own fan club via this blog, so we'll continue to put him in the spotlight! He's at 42 pounds and counting, and he's a non-stop blur of furry puppy energy:

Gidget and Tonka by gnjbeach, on Flickr

Gidget will write more later...

6 comments:

  1. Hi Gidget it is your cousin Kerri. I am here in anch with my kids. your pic are looking good. hope you are feeling ok.hang in there. love you tons.

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  2. Hey Lovey:
    I agree with the comment on your previous blog about the timing being good to skip a treatment. Buying a house, packing and getting the remodeling organized is going to take tremendous amounts of energy! I was also very happy to hear that Daddy and Joyce will be coming up for a visit! I can't wait to see them!

    I have been thinking that a painting party would be a good idea. I know your Mom is coming down to help but I am not sure of the dates she will be here. What if we organized a painting day for Sunday the 18th of April? Hopefully Mel and Don (plus 2 beautiful puppies!)can join us! Having Joey and Melissa would be another big bonus! The more bodies the better (friends, family). Let me know what you think. I'll try to get Beckie to work so Fevzi can be there to help too! Saturday the 17th would work except that Daddy, Joyce and I will want to see Michelle at the airport on her way to see the President! I know Daddy and Joyce leave on the 18th so they wouldn't be able to help but I am sure they will do more than their fair share prior to that date.

    Gidget, the picture of you with Tonka licking your neck is a really good picture of you! I would love to have a copy of it (hint, hint).

    Okay my dear, I hope you have a good week!
    Love Merd

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  3. Hi Gidget - We were sorry to hear you had the interruption, but as Jay said, it will be nice to have the break.

    Be sure not to over tax yourself with all the happenings going on.

    Speaking of happenings, we can't wait to see you guys, the rest of the family, your new house, Tonka, Julie & Jatoba. There really is a lot of things going on up there.

    We love you and pray for you every day.

    Ed & Joyce

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  4. Wow! I'm glad you get a 2 week break, but I also worry about you. A trip to Portland sounds great! You all deserve it. I miss you all. Have a great trip!
    Laurie

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  5. Greetings Gidget from Zambia. Im staying here a month on a medical mission with a wonderful couple that moved here from the States about four years ago. I am really enjoying it. There is a lot of sadness here, but some joy as well. Ed and mother can forward pictures I send them if you like.
    Please remember you continue to be in my prayers. Much love, Tammie

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  6. Hi Gidget ~
    I just love your blog! Acey is adorable and you look beautiful ~ even when getting treatments! Thank you for letting me peer into your world, as I have been thinking of you and wondering how you are doing. I am sending you healthy vibes and my best wishes for a full recovery!
    Best Regards,
    Heather
    (foster mother of Hody (the frog!))

    ReplyDelete

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