Thursday, May 14, 2009

Platelets low, no admission

Yesterday I failed to mention that Summer did not make counts for admission for cycle 3 of chemo. Her platelets were only 69,000 and they needed to be at least 75,000. They did not give her any though because they were not too low overall, just too low for chemo. Her white blood count was 4.5 which kind of surprised me. On Monday it was 9.?. Her ANC was still fine at 2000. So, despite all those numbers being good, chemo was delayed another two days. If we were on a perfect schedule, it would've started Tuesday, but we don't live in a perfect world. If we did, people wouldn't have cancer, among other things.


We go back tomorrow instead of Monday. One Dr. was going to be nice and give us the weekend off, but another wanted to press on with chemo. If my glass was half empty, I would see this as a bad sign: the fact that we have to hurry up and pump her full of these drugs before it comes back. But, I guess that is the reality.


Anyways, my cup is full and runneth over thanks to God. I was thinking just this morning how blessed I am despite it all. A friend reminded me the other day that God does not give us more than we can handle. And it is true. I have learned to deal with the cards I am dealt and just try to make the best of it. And that is how I live. I try to make the best of everyday and just enjoy all that I do have in life (which is a lot). I try to forget about the "what ifs" and focus things I can control. Like my attitude. Thinking positively definitely leads you on a happier path than thinking negatively. Notice I said happier, not perfect. Okay, off the soap box.

Summer threw up this morning around 6:15. She didn't get up until about 9:15 and shortly after that she had some dry heaving. I am not sure what all this is about, but I called the Dr. and they said she may have a virus. I don't think she has a fever although I am on the lookout for a thermometer right now. The main reason I called the Dr. was because her heart was racing so much when she was throwing up. I have noticed it before when she was sick from the chemo and it just made me nervous that maybe her heart is causing her to be sick since it is racing. But, the nurse thinks it is just racing from the vomiting. I hope so. I know they did an EKG before they started chemo to make sure her heart was strong enough for it. So????? Okay, I shouldn't worry, but she is my baby! God please keep her in Your hands!!!


I am going to get off her and go find her. Last time I saw her she was headed off with her fishing pole and her Paw-Paw. Wonder if she is actually practicing casting or if she has moved on to one of Paw-Paws games. Last night at the neighbors she told us she didn't like fishing. She just likes to play with the pole. I still have time to convince her much fun it is. I guess we will go down and feed the fish again in a little bit. I saw a huge one yesterday, about 1'-2' long. I don't think Summer's pole would reel it in. So, I hope we don't catch that one. Plus, I don't want to try to unhook a fish that big. I just love the lake though. We have turtles, squirrels, birds, ducks, geese, and cranes in our back yard. I think I saw a beaver the last time we were here. Thankfully Summer is an outdoorsy girl, as long as it is not too hot and there are no geese attacking us. They have moved on since their last egg was finally stolen/lost. I'm glad to have the dock back although it might be better that Summer is scared to go out there. Luckily, she is not too much of a wanderer. I just have so much to be thankful for I could go on and on all day.


Thank you God!!!

4 comments:

Stephanie said...

I don't have as great an attitude as you do right now and I'm not going through the trials you are either. You are such an inspiration to me! Praying that her counts go up and her stomach will ease up alittle so she can enjoy the day! :)

Bridgett said...

Jennifer, I've told you before...you've amazed me through this time since Summer's diagnosis.

I honestly think I'd be falling apart, but you've really kept it together and not only made it doable...but fun in the process. Plus, you've remained so optimistic. It really is inspirational.

Good luck tomorrow.

And I have to agree with the nurse. I'd bet the throwing up is causing the heart to race. Vomiting is a pretty exhausting bodily function.

But if you're worried, have them run some tests on Summer's heart.

Remember, they're your employees. And they should do what you ask as long as it's not unreasonable. Which, this isn't.

XOXO

Molly said...

Doxorubicin is a drug that is known to cause heart problems. It doesn't, most of the time, but I think that on Summer's regimen she should be scheduled for multiple heart screenings.

Frustrating about the platelets, isn't it? We had the same thing happen! Too low for chemo but not low enough to transfuse.

As for whites, that's normal that they go down because once she is off the neupogen, the bone marrow has to do its own work. So don't worry about that either.

Anyhow, enjoy a few extra days out, especially since her white count is decent (just make sure she doesn't knock herself around too much). We think about you guys a lot.

Stephy said...

Oh you will be in my thoughts!
Good Luck tomorrow!
And I agree with Bridgett you should have them test it to ease your worries.

Stephy