White Count Soars !!! December 4th.

The past four days have been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Jan still has no energy, is fatigued just walking from the bedroom to the living room, and has almost no appetite, although in the past day or two she has taken a few bites of some foods that she showed no interest in just a few days ago. So, I call that progress.

On Monday, Jan went to the hematologist to get blood drawn. The results were to be faxed to her oncologist. Today we had a meeting with a social worker at the Moffitt hospital to help evaluate and assist with Jan’s depression and anxiety. We’re scheduled to return for another visit soon. We’ve learned that you must attack any serious illness both physically and psychologically. In many ways, the depression and anxiety can be more debilitating than any physical problems. Jan had more blood tests today, followed by a visit with her oncologist. It was a busy afternoon. We received some uplifting information. First, her white count has increased. In fact, it has gone hog-wild. Remember when I told you that a normal white count is between 5,000 and 10,000 cells per microliter (see biology lessen in the article dated November 27th). Well, Jan’s white count today was 53,000!! Normally, this might be reason for alarm, but not in Jan’s case. You may recall that we have been giving her nightly injections which promote the growth of white blood cells. It appears that we may have given her a couple of unnecessary doses and stimulated a little too much growth. Not to worry. The human body is a marvelous machine, and it will adjust the numbers to within normal limits in a few days. However, with this news she will no longer need bi-weekly blood exams, so a few less needles.

We also learned that her consolidation therapy (that 5-6 day follow-up chemo) will not be done until after Christmas. So, with grandson Lucas arriving from Utah next Wednesday, it was great news to know that Jan won’t be in the hospital. Instead, she’ll be home to give him a big hug. We’ve had to forego most of our Christmas plans this year, but at least she’ll be home for that as well. On a down note, we confirmed that the 5-6 day consolidation chemo will have to be repeated 2 to 3 times, every six weeks. Each will require a hospital stay. This treatment is necessary to ensure a prolonged remission.

The doctor tried to explain that her body has taken a pounding these past few weeks, and it might take a month for her to regain her strength and energy. It continues to be a long, hard fight, and I look forward to that day when she is smiling again.