It is crazy how fast time goes. It seems like I was just at Sanford getting my Avastin and my blood transfusion. But 3 weeks has passed and I am scheduled for another round tomorrow morning.
I was feeling low last Monday. My Doctor ordered a blood draw which I did. My hemoglobin was low again, not as low as 2 weeks ago, but low that I need a unit of blood. My RBC was low too, as low as 2 weeks ago, but instead I was told to drink more water. Ok. I still feel sluggish. I guess I will see in the morning what my numbers look like.
Today I was at the store getting some Halloween treats for my nurses aka "drug pushers" and a few other things. When I go shopping or to get gas I wear a mask. I have noticed more people wearing them again. But there are always a few who give me that disapproving look. At least no one says anything to me or loud enough behind me like last year. I think I give off the vibe of "don't start with me"....I will politely, but firmly set people straight. Last year I was in the store, with my mask and passed some people who commented that masks were stupid. I spun around real quick and said, "I am fighting cancer again, I don't have an immune system, I have to protect myself". The shocked look on their faces said ..'oh crap, its Dolly Dakota". They quickly hustled away from me.
Tomorrow I am asking my oncologist about my blood theory. I take Zejula nightly to kill cancer cells. I am considered NED, no evidence of disease, but have to continue my treatment for another year to ensure no microscopic cells are hiding. Bad cells waiting to act like bunnies and reproduce fast once the chemo stops. I think that since there are less bad cells to kill, the Zejula is attacking good cells now. That is why I am low in RBC and hemoglobin. I am hoping we can change up my treatment somehow. I don't want to be a regular customer at the blood bank. It is bad enough I walk into the pharmacy or lab and they know my name.
To those of you who donate blood, specifically A+..I say THANK YOU. To all who donate, thank you, you are saving lives. To those who are battling the dreaded C...keep fighting. To those who are dealing with Diabetes, MS, Heart Disease and other chronic diseases...stay strong! When someone says "you don't look sick"...say a prayer for them that they never experience what we deal with on a day to day basis. Smiles hide a lot!
Now here is hoping I get my favorite recliner tomorrow morning. I am taking a warm fleece blanket and snacks and will handle whatever comes my way.
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