As it turns out, her platelets are just over 78,000 (75K is the threshold) and her absolute neutrophil count is 0.94 (threshold of 1.0). Near as I can tell, that has something to do with the white cell count and an increased risk of infection. Gidget has been pretty run-down the past few days (more than usual), and that is probably a result of the low white cell count. I guess 0.94 is close enough... Dr. Whiting said that a GCSF shot on Sunday (when they disconnect the pump) should keep Gidget in the safe zone, and even dramatically improve the odds of keeping her white cells up the rest of the way.
We checked in at 10 a.m. (later than usual) and waited about 30 minutes for Kelsey to become available for port placement (she was training a new nurse, Kara, today):
We met with Dr. Whiting at 11 a.m. We usually meet with Charlie or Jackie (they share nurse duties for Dr. Whiting) on infusion day. This "pre-chemo" meeting is just to go over blood work, talk about any issues Gidget might be having, refill prescriptions, etc. But Dr. Whiting likes to get an eyeball on his patients in-person every 2-3 treatments, so today we met with him. He's good, really good at pumping people up and getting them to see things in a positive light.
We had an hour or so between seeing Dr. Whiting and being assigned an infusion bay, so we had lunch at the Red Brick Bistro. It really is killer food... mostly organic, fresh ingredients. They use corn-based plastic products (sandwich wrap, utensils, etc.) and recycle or compost everything too, which is pretty cool.
After checking into Bay 39 (strategically located around the corner from the "free food" kitchen), we're rolling with treatment #7... YAY, CHEMO!
Acey is spending the weekend with Auntie Merd – patrolling Antika as their security guard. Merd brought a bobby whistle and antique handcuffs back from England for him, and his Uncle Fevzi had a custom "Antika Security" hat made up for him to wear. We're counting on getting some pics from Merd next week... should be classic!
Speaking of next week... I keep meaning to post before/after pics of our new (1977!) house. The remodel work is nearly complete, so I'll try to shoot a few pics this weekend and get something posted next week.
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Hi Jay and Gidget - It's sure good to hear that everything went well today. We had you on our minds a lot and talked about it several times. Also we visited Mother in the hospital and she asked us to let you know that she also was thinking of you and also had you in her prayers.
ReplyDeleteGidget, I notice you went back to the V for victory sign and then showed the remaining treatment count on your left hand. It's so nice to know that you are more than half-way through now.
We love you both. Be sure to keep us up to date on how things go.
Ed/Dad and Joyce
#7....you are getting there! I love both of your upbeat reports. What troupers you all three are! How exciting about the new house. I can't wait to see the pictures. Hang in there you guys and know that my prayers are with you. I talked to Aunt Biddy Thursday night. She is also a trouper. It must run in the family.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers,
Joan
Hi, Jay and Gidge,
ReplyDeleteRound SEVEN- you are making great progress. I'm happy, Gidget, that you are able to get this round down. It sounds like the doctors and nurses that you work with are awesome. I am so glad they are taking such good care of you guys!
Can't wait to see the Acey "security patrol" pictures- what a hoot! Merd called last night and we talked for just few minutes and then are going to talk later tonight- I'm sure she will have stories to tell.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! Love, Michelle
Hi Gang:
ReplyDeleteIt's me again, the crazy Auntie that took on a six month old puppy and a nine year old boy. Acey was a model child while the furry one got in so much trouble that I was thinking about selling him to the highest crazy bidder! We spent a couple of hours on the beach this evening after working at the store and Acey was a huge help trying to control a crazy dog that ended up destroying a bag of fried chicken (stomped on it, chewed on it and then got sand all over it!). His next goal was the mac and cheese and that ended upside down in the dirt. Poor Acey had to starve until we left the beach and hit a Subway for his favorite cheese sandwich!! Regardless, both of them are exhausted now and hogging the bed once again. Auntie Merd had about 4 inches on the side last night and I suspect the same will happen tonight!
Gidget I am sorry that you had such an extreme breathing problem today. It sounds scary just hearing about it and I can't imagine what it must have felt like!!! It sounds like you are feeling really good otherwise which is excellent!
Love Merd
Glad you made it to #7. The one picture you looked in so much pain. I'm glad to see you are going better. I liked the last picture much better. Keep up the hard work and we all are praying for you! Miss you!
ReplyDeleteLaurie