Chemotherapy #4 [4/7] – Did not take place

I received a phone call this morning from the Oncology unit to be told that my blood counts were too low for me to have Chemotherapy today. I have been shivering and cold as described by the nurse on the phone and I have been feeling rather low again.
I did have my doubts about whether I would be able to have it as I have been keeping my eye on my blood pressure, I in BP machine. I also need to monitor my body temperature, which is also on the low side.
I may have to contact the hospital or my GP tomorrow if things have not improved overnight. In the meantime it is continued rest and relaxation, a very difficult concept for someone who is usually a little more active.

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On a bigger scale it has been a good day

It is a good day for the World [well let’s at least hold that hope for a moment] as the US have inaugurated not only their first Black President but also someone who appears to be in touch with World events, both economical and diplomatic - traits that appeared to be missing in the previous incumbent and his administration.
It’s a day to say good-riddance to Bush and one in which to welcome Obama with an open mind without putting pressure on him to change things quickly, the World has been hurt and is still smarting from decisions even we were fool enough to be dragged along by. Now let us all move slowly and with care to repair the damage and like all most medicines it can be a bitter pill to swallow.

Blood test – pre chemo

I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I was not to have to wait in the queue with everyone else to have my blood taken today. I was informed last week that as a chemotherapy patient I did not have to take a ticket and wait. I put it to the test in a full waiting room as I just stood waiting for an available pathology nurse. The looks I got when I went straight in were to die for! [Excuse the pun].
The staff are so sympathetic towards me when they go to take blood, my arms are as thin as they possibly could be and are full of holes and marks left by the plasters that have covered them [they are a pig to wash off].

I have been feeling pretty low all weekend despite the transfusion on Friday and I am not expecting my blood counts and levels to be that good for tomorrow.

I also took the opportunity of returning the TENS machine to the hospital that I was so kindly given on loan when I required it for the pains in my back. I signed myself off from the Pain Clinic now that I am being tended to by the Cancer ward at the University City hospital.