So what is a platelet anyway?

Or why would we have to ask that question in the first place?

10:15 am
Arrived a little late this morning but made it just the same. There was some anxiety, a few tears, but we got the day going, port accessed and took blood. They always test before proceeding with chemo. Results today show good white and red cell counts but very low platelets. We can't proceed until we get the rest of the results back and talk to the Dr. So far in her treatment, it's about the only side effect of the chemo that hadn't shown up so far. I guess it was waiting for just the right moment and then take center stage right when we had everything else in order...

So, what is a platelet? From wikipedia:

"Platelets or thrombocytes are the cell fragments circulating in the blood that are involved in the cellular mechanisms of primary hemostasis leading to the formation of blood clots. Dysfunction or low levels of platelets predisposes to bleeding, while high levels, although usually asymptomatic, may increase the risk of thrombosis. An abnormality or disease of the platelets is called a thrombocytopathy."

"A normal platelet count in a healthy person is between 150,000 and 400,000 per mm³ of blood (150–400 x 10⁹/L). 95% of healthy people will have platelet counts in this range. Some will have statistically abnormal platelet counts while having no abnormality, although the likelihood increases if the platelet count is either very low or very high."

Nancy's count was 75,000 this morning. Chemotherapy is famous for having this effect. So we sit and wait....

10:40 am
It's a go. A normal count for chemo patients is 100,000 we were told, so Nanc's 75k is not so bad that we have to delay. Grace started her pre-meds and should start the chemo by noon or so. They will however monitor the count in a week and depending on the result, may or may not have to order a platelet transfusion.

One of the more difficult things that some cancer patients have to deal with is the emotional fallout of having a life threatening illness hanging over their head. It is a challenge some days to stay positive when there's so much negative in the news, on TV, etc.

And someone explain this one to me please - why do people always want to share their nightmare stories with you when you are going through a life changing experience like this? It happened when Nanc got pregnant the first time. "I remember my first pregnancy. It was a total nightmare! I gained 75 pounds, had a 72 hour labor and then they wound up doing a c-section..."

It is so important to stay present and positive - I can't even begin to tell you how much...

12:05 pm
IP port accessed and Paclitaxel is on its way. Nanc rests while I try and get some work done.

1:30 pm
Chemo almost done. Should be drained by about 2:00 is my guess. I got a buck that says 1:55.

2:05 pm
Damn - missed it by 10. Oh well, so much for my gambling... BUT - that's 18 in the bank ladies and gentlemen!

2:15 pm Half of an egg salad sandwich and a few Sun Chips for lunch, 500ml of hydration more and we get to go home.

3:30
Said our good-byes. Lots of hugs and encouragement for Nanc from the nurses. On the way home she did admit that a weight was lifted today but not until we walked out the door. I don't think she appreciates the magnitude of what she just finished. Is the right word accomplished? It could be. She came through a very, very tough protocol, still standing. Not steady all the time, but standing and willing to help the next woman in line. Don't anyone ever let tell you she's not tough....

I didn't get a picture of everyone stuffing their faces today but the sure did enjoy the cupcakes. I offered one to the nutritionist and wish I had a picture of her reaction. She's a vegan...

6:00 pm
Nanc is resting and Atley and I are watching the news and getting dinner ready. It would almost seem like a normal night if it weren't for what has gone on for the last 5 months and what will be with us for a very long time. The trick is to not let the cancer run your life. And just like that, we now have to go about the business of living life...

xoxo