Infusion #7: Stooping to an all-time low

Unlike previous infusion Fridays, there was no time for sleeping in today.  With a 9:15 am appointment came the uncertainty of Seattle-area traffic.  Would the carpool (HOV) lane require 2 or 3 people (deeming us ineligible to use it)?  If we’re unable to use the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lane, then we’d relinquish to the scenic route (twisting and turning through all the neighborhoods).  The difference is a 15 minute versus a 25 minute commute to travel the measly 6.5 miles to the hospital.  Not knowing our fate, we left 25 minutes early.  Much like carrying an umbrella in fear of rain, the fact that we left early ensured the 2 person carpool lane was available and our rapid arrival. 

Despite our 10 minutes to spare, the check-in line weaved through the entry door, since there was only one receptionist checking in patients.  After receiving our stickers assuring we aren’t sick, we didn’t wait long before the polite laboratory technician accessed my port and drew blood to check the effectiveness of the medications.  Unfortunately, our appointment with the doctor wasn’t until 10 am, so we had to wait 30 minutes in the lobby before vitals were obtained, another 15 minutes to see the doctor and 30 minutes later (10:45 am), we finally reached the infusion center.  My ANC (absolute neutrophil count) was 0.3, the lowest I’ve ever recorded, landing about 85-95% lower than normal levels (normal is 2.0 - 7.3).  After our typical, benign, uneventful exam and lab results discussion, which often deviates to gardening topics, we agreed to continue with chemotherapy again. 

The infusion went smoothly and I was delighted to discover a friend in a bay not so nearby.  We talked until one of my bags needed to be exchanged and then I returned to talk again.  It made the time fly by more quickly and before I knew it, it was nearly 2 pm and my treatment was completed.  Another one in the books. 

It’s getting much easier now.  Chris and I come prepared with our books, kindles, puzzle books, and even games to play together.  He always gets his nap in, which is more difficult with me because we have to verify my name and date of birth for every chemo drug that is hung and so I would be interrupted quite often.  Usually, I feel so wiped out afterward that I will take a nap as soon as we get home.  But, I wasn’t going to miss the gorgeous sunshine this Friday.  Instead, Chris and I went down to the cafeteria where they make wood-fired pizzas and I had a pesto chicken one while he ordered all-meat.  We sat outside, soaking in the sunshine while devouring our perfectly done, cheesy concoction.  This is not the hospital cafeteria food of the old days.  

I apologize for the decrease in blog postings.  It’s not that I haven’t been inspired or have thoughts and experiences to share, but the clarity of my prose has been lacking and I don’t want to publish either uninteresting, uninspiring or lackluster work.   That being said, I have at least a dozen or more partially written works that I will be trying to fine-tune in the upcoming weeks.  With my low ANC, I will be home, when not enjoying the fresh air.  No meetings or gatherings are planned, so I hope to get a few minutes on these overcast mornings to wrestle with my brain and produce something readable and entertaining.  Thanks for being patient with me and for your continued support and prayers!  God Bless you all.

Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become YOUR WORDS.   Keep your words positive, because your words become YOUR BEHAVIOR.  Keep your behavior positive, because your behavior becomes YOUR HABITS.  Keep your habits positive, because your habits become YOUR VALUES.   Keep your values positive, because your values become YOUR DESTINY.  ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Dear friends, from Kansas, whom I met after Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, came to visit and brought me this Wonder Woman bracelet.  It embraces the power and beauty that a journey like this can provide.  Thank you, Kurt & Susan!