Our visit to oncology yesterday involved an extended wait as my doctor was working with another patient who passed out in her office. I could relate – she’s in good company. We couldn’t get too upset about the delay since I was once the emergency case!
While we were waiting, I had a blog all prepared to tell you about the last time I would get chemotherapy, with anticipation that today would be the day. The nurse even started to give us a high five, then retracted her hand when she realized as we were still waiting for the neutrophil lab result. We felt certain, but not to the point of celebration.
The celebrations will come, but not today. The Lord must have other plans in mind. Labs reported my blood counts are too low for treatment (0.6 neutrophil), so I have to wait another week for the FEC. Neutropenia has once again delayed forward movement. I guess this is evidence that the chemo is taking its toll on my body. While disappointing, I know God is in control.
Honestly, I wouldn’t even know my counts were low if they didn’t look at my blood under a microscope. Overall I feel pretty good, with a little tiredness mixed in. Other than avoiding sick people, my life hasn’t changed all that much.
This could, however, affect some timetables.
The surgeon wants to give my body time to heal and recuperate after the last FEC infusion. If an infection were to set in after the surgery, neutropenia would be a huge detriment to the healing process, and potentially very serious. So, we are following the doctor’s orders. At this writing, I am waiting to hear from my surgeon.
I’ll keep you posted.