Terry's Health Report

Terry's health report for the week is not much to talk about because it was the same as the past couple chemo weeks.  I will share this information for inquiring minds who really want to know.

We went daily, Monday thru Friday, for Dacogen chemo infusions.  On Tuesday we saw the doctor and received blood transfusions, and had more blood transfusions Friday.

Tuesday's (partial) Report Card:

Collected:  08/12/2014 10:00 AM

Component	Standard Range	Your Value	Flag
WBC	3.6 - 11.3 10*3/uL	0.2	LL
RBC	3.72 - 5.85 10*6/uL	2.67	L
HGB	12.3 - 17.1 g/dL	8.0	LL
Results confirmed, test repeated
HCT	36.9 - 49.9 %	23.4	LL
Results confirmed, test repeated
Platelet Count	136 - 331 10*3/uL	5	LL
Results confirmed, test repeated
Absolute Neutrophils	1.2 - 8.0 10*3/uL	0.0	LL

Tuesday - Terry received his chemo on the fourth floor and then went to the third floor for 2 bags of red blood cells and 1 bag of platelets.  The doctor visit was short and nothing new was learned.

 

Friday's (partial) Report Card:

Collected: 08/15/2014 9:10 AM

Component	Standard Range	Your Value	Flag
WBC	3.6 - 11.3 10*3/uL	0.2	LL
RBC	3.72 - 5.85 10*6/uL	2.96	L
HGB	12.3 - 17.1 g/dL	8.9	L
HCT	36.9 - 49.9 %	26.4	L
Platelet Count	136 - 331 10*3/uL	7	LL
Results confirmed, test repeated
Absolute Neutrophils	1.2 - 8.0 10*3/uL	0.0	LL

Friday - Terry received his chemo on the fourth floor and then went to the third floor for 2 bags of red blood cells, no platelets. 


Terry is feeling somewhat crummy today, blaming it on the effects of chemo.  His sinuses have been worsening this week too, so we can surely blame that as well.   My experience with this week can also testify to the fact that five days in row driving to Wenatchee and sitting in those clinic chairs or on those hospital beds for so many hours each day can also make a person feel crummy.   We are happy to have this week of visits complete, yet we are grateful for all that is done for us while we are at the clinic.

Terry has said many times that he is "living on borrowed blood" - surely there is truth to that, and we thank those who donate to the cause of making others healthy and alive! 

image from here
A simple explanation:  I chose this image from a Google search because I immediately noticed that the full drop was still full even after partially filling the other drop.  To me, that visual is two-fold -
1. It signifies that the donor can produce more of his own blood to remain "full" while sharing with another that cannot produce his own blood so becomes depleted and is constantly relying on the donations from others. 
2. It reminds me that as we serve we are blessed as much as the receiver, because we cannot out give the Lord and when we are in the service of our fellow beings we are only in the service of our God, and He blesses us for that service to His sons and daughters.  (see here)

So today we say...THANK YOU!...to all you awesome blood donors!!!!!!  and platelet donors!!!!! and bone marrow donors!!!!!  ... We need you and we appreciate your good works!  We are grateful to you!  We hope you feel blessed as you give and serve and share in this way ... and every way!