Today I went in for blood chemistry analysis, a consultation with the oncologist, and a chemo treatment.
After looking at this morning's blood-test results, the doctor canceled the chemo treatment. My white blood count is too low and more chemotherapy now would put me into the dangerous range and probably send me to the hospital. With neutropenia even normal bacteria in one's mouth or digestive tract can cause serious infections.
Whoops. Don't want that!
Of course, I wanted to know what caused this. White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. Typically, white blood cell production decreases after a chemotherapy infusion and rebounds before the next treatment. That did not happen this time, with the result that my white-blood-cell count is too low to effectively fight infection. Evidently this is not unusual, but it throws a monkey wrench into my treatment plan.
Chemotherapy has now been postponed until next week, assuming the next blood test looks better.
(Have I said how much I hate having blood drawn? I asked if the staff if they are feeding vampire bats in the basement. I think they have heard that more than once.)
During this next week, the hope is that my bone marrow will start cranking out white blood cells. The doctor said it is just something that needs more time. Nothing much to be done on my part other than to continue with healthy food and regular exercise, wash my hands a lot, and and avoid people with colds.
Ironically, I have been feeling OK, except for my usual springtime allergy that has me sneezing and sniffling. I have managed to get out to walk at least 30 minutes each day (except for one day when the rain never let up) and I have been getting enough sleep. So it was a surprise to be told that I am once again experiencing a side effect that I encountered back when I had my first chemo treatment. I am hoping I won't end up in the ER again, as I did last fall when I developed a fever.
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