Life in the Slow Lane

Life in the Slow Lane

Friday, June 24, 2005

Chemofication Extention

Well, I just got the word and my chemo has been put off for a week. My blood counts are just too low. Initially I was bummed about this but I now realize that this makes me hit a “feeling good” period at my Dad’s birthday this August. It is a milestone celebration - the Big 75 – so it will be good to be able to partake in the ceremonies rather than staying home and feeling poopy.

And I am treating myself to sushi this afternoon, which is another very potent ‘cheer me up’ tactic. Horray!

I have to say that the good vibes you all sent TOTALLY WORKED! Last week my blood count only increased .1 over a two-day period. This time it increased .5 over the same time frame. Unfortunately it just wasn’t quite enough. But thanks for putting it all out there.

Apparently there is a drug I can be prescribed that is taken for 8 days in between chemos to boost blood counts. It is very expensive and I have to make sure it is covered for me. It also has to be self-injected. I can’t say I have a fear of needles but injecting yourself is a whole ‘nother bag of turnips. I don’t think I can do it. My mom initially said she wouldn’t be doing me the honours either but has since decided that if it is a small needle she can in fact shove it in my flesh. I am not sure if this is motherly love and concern or serious payback for every time I lipped off to her in my childhood. I will have to watch her face carefully as she pierces my skin. Very carefully.

12 comments:

Susie said...

I am sorry about your blood count. But how sorry am I gonna be, when you've already found a bright side? You ROCK. So are you saying that this means Dad's birthday won't be a chemo week? I hope that Rx is covered. Jif gave me injections for infertility stuff. A daily "subcutaneous," little one in the skin, in my stomach, and a weekly "intra-muscular," bigger one, in the muscle, in my hip. Here's hoping for subcutaneous, "skin deep." But whatever it is, you can do what you think you can't do. But you know that already, my friend.

Squirl said...

Oh, I hope you are ready to go back to the chemo when it's time. My brother had so much of that stuff, anemia, blood transfusions, etc. Yay, your dad is going to be 75. My mother turned 75 in April. Her health is frail, but her mind is strong as ever. Getting mad about politics really keeps her sharp. :-)

Katy Barzedor said...

I'm so glad you get to go to your dad's birthday party!

And do watch your mom's face for motivation...and let us all know what you see!

Susie said...

Just came back to give you "props" on the "what possessed her" comment at Jess's. Very good. I tried hard, but couldn't come up with another ghosty pun after "hauntingly beautiful" and "the spirit of the project." Possessed, indeed ;)

Kranki said...

susie-so you've had those type of things too? It wasn't too bad, I hope. I think I am going to ahve to have them every day for about 2 months. My chemo has changed apparently with a couple more sessions added to to end. Lower dose though. I will find out more on Tuesday. I was disappointed but shushi always makes things ok. Chocolate after makes things great.

Squirl-your poor brother. All that sucks. My dad is still working full time and is totally active. I think it keeps him young.

Bucky-my chemo schedule has changed so I am not sure about making my dad's birthday. But my mom will get plenty of opportunity to poke me though. I will try to get photo documentation of her expression.

Susie-thanks for that. I had pretty much given up punning a clever one as all the good ones were taken but that suddenly came to me. Divine intervention, perhaps. Your fabulous puns were not too shabby either. What a great photo it was. I won't be participating though.

LadyBug said...

Sorry 'bout your low blood count, hon. But that's great, that you'll be able to attend your dad's birthday party.

And the needle thing...*shudder*

jac said...

I hope that it is a small needle.

Kranki said...

Ladybug-my chemo schedule may change so I am not sure about the birtday celebrations any more. That will teach me to plan when things are really too up in the air.

jac-me too, Jac, me too...

Kranki said...

hdl-hat photos on Monday. I think.

Katy Barzedor said...

Just had to jump in and say I snorted like a laughing pig when I saw your "possessed" comment over at JR's too.
Our friend Susie is much more evil than she appears, and practically forced me into having this morally questionable photograph published.

Susie said...

Yea, let's see a show of hands for those who think SUSIE led BUCKY astray! Anyone? Anyone? I thought NOT! heeheeee

Kranki, those needles honestly weren't bad; like many things, the anticipation was the worst part. If it's the "subcu" kind, it's a little teeny pinch. Depending on where it goes, you might not feel much at all. The intramuscular kind is well, a pain in the ass, but just like the old elementary school shots we all loved to hate. Someone going through the same thing at the same time told me that she and her husband incorporated the injections into foreplay. Because I try not to go around asking people things like, "mother***k**! Are you crazy?!" I just kinda smiled and said, "oh." I'm not gonna tell you any crap like "pretend it's foreplay," but it really isn't so bad.

Kranki said...

BFE-making you laugh makes my day. I am pretty sure that Susie is significantly more devilish than she lets on. As far as forcing you...well, you are gonna have to sell that a bit more. ;-)

Susie-Yeah, I am not quite believing it. Almost but not quite. I am glad that the needles are not too bad. I feel pretty lucky needles don't freak me out. But I think I'll leave that kind of foreplay to the experts, though. Hmmmmm...