Tuesday, July 21, 2009

'Pleasant' day at the clinic

I made some red blood cells!

Woo hoo! Who knew this could feel like a big accomplishment?

On Friday my hematocrit was borderline for a transfusion, around 25, and Melissa said I'd probably need blood today. But I went up to 27 on my own. This still is not very high, but I feel pretty good and was glad not to get transfused, which for two bags of blood is usually at least three hours.

My platelets were 17, also good for me at this point, but I received two bags because they were donated for me and would have expired. White count was stable. (I'm not sure exactly what it was, because I forgot to get the printout and Melissa didn't tell me the exact number.)

It was crowded at the clinic today, and there were no chairs or beds in the infusion room. So I got transfused in a new unit called Shields Warren, which is kind of like flying first class. The chairs are further apart, it's nicely lit, and it's blessedly quiet. My nurse got me a warm blanket and asked if I wanted to take my shoes off. I bent down to do it but she took them off for me. Meanwhile another nurse from the infusion room had ordered lunch for me  – my typical egg salad sandwich and Sun Chips – and she waltzed in with them on a tray held high. It was all actually very pleasant, including the Benadryl snooze.

I was disappointed that I had lost a pound, especially since my appetite is back, nausea is gone and I'v been eating. I guess it's like reverse dieting. If you get hung up on each pound in either direction, you can drive yourself crazy. Well, I think I'll go eat a Klondike bar, the newest thing in our house. They're kind of small, often necessitating another trip to the freezer for a second helping. We have a crunch kind and an old-fashioned vanilla. I think I prefer the plain kind, but maybe I'll have one of each.

11 comments:

susiegb said...

That's GREAT news Ronni! Little step by little step ... :)

Susan C said...

Gee, that does sound like a pleasant afternoon. Too bad they didn't throw in a foot massage while you had your socks off. That would have turned it into a perfect day.

I'm still a few pounds shy of my ideal weight, but I'm reluctant to gain them because they will all go to all of the wrong (stomach and sides) and none of the right (bust and booty) places. Someone jokingly accused me of being "fat" the other day, and I freaked out.

Carolyn and Chip said...

Let us add our Woo Hoo to yours. So happy to see you making progress on the counts. Glad you had a pleasant day.Hope to see you soon. Carolyn and Chip

Meryl said...

Having gotten a good look at you this weekend, I had a feeling things were going in the right direction. You were walking as fast as I could go! So happy to hear this news and I just know you are going to continue to get better and stronger. As for the weight, I think I owe you a giant dish of mac and cheese- we'll figure out a time. Much love.

donna said...

It's the granola!!!!!!!!
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Great post and good news!

pam said...

Runder-Woman,

You are on the mend...go for that Klondike bar, though now the tune is running, no pun intended, through my head...

xop

PJ said...

I'll have one of those klondike bars, lady. Keep making those cells. Maybe I'll seh.e you next week. Sig

Wendy S. Harpham, MD said...

Dear Ronni,
I've been out of the country, so now I'm home and plugging back into my favorite blogs.

Your post made me feel happy, happy, happy. More baby steps toward renewed health. But these recent babysteps seem to have taken you over a threshold to a new level of wellness. Yippee.
With hope, Wendy

SRS said...

It's just so nice to hear the energy in your voice! SRS

Nelle said...

So glad you had this nice and pleasant afternoon. Nothing feels as good to me as a warm blanket.