Happy New Year!

Woohoo!  My white blood cell count (WBC) is back up!  It's still "in the red" coming in at 4.5 (normal range is 4.8 - 10.8), but at least it didn't dip down as low as it did 2 weeks ago. Oooh, that's right, I havent blogged in awhile so you didn't know that tid bit of info. Well, let me catch you up to speed... 2 weeks ago my WBC dropped to 2.9.  This is typical and was somewhat expected to happen... Not just with my new drug, but with taking Chemo in general.  

To refresh...

Chemo works by killing fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemo can’t tell the difference between cancer cells and fast-growing healthy cells, including white blood cells which help to fight infection.  As a result, one of the most serious potential side effects of some types of chemotherapy is a low WBC.

I've been fortunate enough this last year that I haven't had any major problems with this.  2 weeks ago when it was as low as it was, I ran the risk of NOT being able to receive my infusion, causing an unwanted interruption in my treatment schedule. To stay on track and continue with treatment, I was given a WBC booster, an injection called Neulasta.  Neulasta works by helping the body make more neutrophils (a type of blood cell needed to fight infection).

Boom!!  The Neulasta worked!  I received my treatment last week and again this week.  The WBC is "in the red," but at least it's high enough to continue on w/ treatment!  So now I'm supposed to be cautious of being around anyone who is sick and I probably need to avoid shaking hands and giving hugs... do you know how hard this is going to be?!  I'm a hugger!  I love a good 'ol hug!  Although this is probably the perfect excuse and chance to break what has become the awkward, uncomfortable and frequent hug I've been giving the guy who takes out my trash at work.  What?!?  Is that weird?!  But it's Joe!  He's sweet as can be and is old enough to be my grandpa.  Okay, okay, no more hugs... even w/ Janitor Joe.  

Other than my WBC, the last couple of weeks haven't been what I call fun.  I've had a difficult time dealing with some side effects, but I guess that comes with the territory.  If this cocktail is working... Bring it on!  I just hope things aren't quite as uncomfortable.  Don't worry, I'm not going to bore or disgust you w/ the side effects I've been encountering, but don't think you get off that easy!  By now you've learned I like to bitch about something or other!  Today's bitch session... it's something we all know and love... acne!!  Awe, let's take a second to recall those prepubescent years.  Ugh!  I know!  I've developed a rash that "resembles acne."  It sucks! I don't remember puberty being this bad, but I tell ya, I feel gross, dirty, ugly, embarrassed... and not too mention it flat out hurts!  You know, I actually had a pimple on my eye lid... MY EYELID!!!  I mean who gets a pimple on their eyelid?!  I'll tell you who... Woogie!!  That's who! You heard me!  Dom “Woogie” Woganowski!  You know who I'm talking about... you know how I love a good 'ol 90's movie!  ;)

I've said this before and I'll say it again... Bring It!  I said... brrrrr, it's cold in here.  There must be some Clovers in the atmosphere!  Okay, okay, Bring it On was made in 2000, but it might as well have been made in the 90's!  For those of you who HAVE seen this movie... try getting that cheer out of your head the rest of the day!!  Goooooood Luuuuuuuuuck!!! 

Anyway, I have a lucky CT scan scheduled for Friday the 13th and I'm excited to see what this new cocktail is doing!

Until then, here's to a happy AND HEALTHY new year!!  

CHEERS (Insert Spirit Fingers)!!!!!!