Yes, you read that right.
It almost wasn’t going to happen, which would have been most distressing. Messing with my plans.
I had my bloodwork done today – as I always do on the day before chemo is scheduled. They have to ensure that my blood levels (especially white blood cell count) are high enough. I got the bloodwork done at about 11 am, and I had an email with results within 30 minutes. I clicked on the email to open the link.
I didn’t like the numbers on my WBC (white blood cell) count. Despite the fact that I feel absolutely fabulous – full of energy and vitality, the number was low. Almost as low as it was around Christmastime when I was feeling lousy. But I don’t feel lousy at all!
How could this be?
More importantly, would this low number disqualify me from getting chemo – as has happened in the past?
“Maybe they won’t notice,” I thought to myself. I’ve got some significant travel plans in the coming weeks, during which I have fitted in a CT scan and follow-up appointment with my oncologist a couple of days before I leave for South America, during which I envision him saying, “Your CT scan showed no evidence of any cancer anywhere!”
If I don’t get chemo tomorrow, it’s going to throw everything off schedule.
My chemo nurse, Sunny, after which my Christmas kitty is named, called in mid-afternoon.
“Damn,” I thought as I read the caller ID. “They noticed.”
Of course they noticed. Kaiser has given me phenomenal care, and I knew this result would cause them alarm. As expected, Sunny told me that my white blood cell count was low. She knew about my plans to travel to Patagonia early next month but wasn’t aware of my plans to leave for Michigan the day after tomorrow.
I explained my schedule and the fact that I am feeling perfectly healthy. She also said, “You need to be extra careful because your immunity is low.” That, too, is especially strange (in a good way) because three of my employees have been sick in the last 10 days and I’ve stayed healthy. “I’m not sure. I’ll have to talk to the doctor,” she said. “Give me a minute and I’ll get back to you.”
“Damn it!” I exclaimed – loudly enough for my employees to come running to see what was the matter. How awkward for them – after I explained the situation – to be rooting for the boss to get a chemotherapy treatment. We all waited expectantly for Sunny to come back on the line. A minute later, I gave them the ‘thumbs up’ signal.
“Yippee, I’m getting chemo tomorrow!”
Bonnie
March 15, 2017Hooray for chemo. I was so happy to finally get it today. The battle has officially begun. I hated all the waiting to get started. I do realize that it was important to choose the right doctor and plan of attack but it is a real relief to be doing something. Enjoy your travels and continue to feel well and energetic. My best thoughts and prayers go with you. ❤️
Angel O'Hanlon Tinnirello
March 15, 2017It’s that trip to Vegas you got in. Got you all zippy 🙂 Good luck!
I am seeing more and more people wearing masks and using hand sanitizer as they move through the day. You’ll fit right in!
May the chemo flow and do its’ job and you enjoy Michigan!
Tina Meyer
March 15, 2017Woo Hoo! Great news!! Wishing you peace and ease for your treatment (ha double meaning) and safe and healthy travels! You’re a rock star! Love ya!!!
Julie Franz
March 15, 2017So funny for us to be rooting for you to get chemo, but we’ve been through that with our grandson and totally get it! We’ve also seen times where the counts don’t seem to correlate with how he is feeling and active. Our bodies are so confusing sometimes. Glad you will be able to keep your schedule as planned and I can’t wait to hear (and celebrate) when the doctor tells you that you are 100% cancer-free!!! 😊👍
Rose Provenzano
March 16, 2017Sending positive thoughts and prayers. Glad you are able to keep your travel schedule. Enjoy your trip to Michigan. Give my best to our fellow classmates!
Luv ya!!
Jill Stoliker
March 18, 2017You go girl! I am visualizing your wonderful healthy Body, Mind and Spirit lifted and encouraged by your long overdue travel plans. Traveling with you and your staff always makes ME feel HEALTHY, engaged in LIFE, in addition to making my SPIRIT happily soar!
P.S. (I continue to throw you into the healing flames every Sunday at CSL)
Socorro Manzanilla
July 1, 2017Hi Marilyn, I rarely make time to use social media so I’m way behind in learning about your health news. This long time friend wishes you well. Keep your spirits up and may God bless and heal you. Senfing you my prayers much love and happy thoughts.