The Hateful Platelets
Always something new at Camp Chemo. This year, it turns out, I forgot to pack my platelets.
Went back for my second treatment on Friday and was denied. Platelets, white blood cells, and potassium levels were all too low. So I was issued potassium pills, told to rest up over the weekend, then return this morning to try again. Upon returning, we discovered that my potassium and white blood cells had rallied like champs. But them platelets just kept falling. Not low enough to warrant a transfusion or anything, just low enough to prevent treatment again. There’s not much you can do to directly stimulate your bone marrow to produce more platelets, so I’ll be sticking with a few foods that don’t hurt (carrots, milk, lean white meat) and light exercise.
The most interesting thing today was the woman sitting next to me in the infusion waiting room. She’s younger than me, in better physical shape, and was equally anxious to get her chemo. Her reason, however, was very different. Small doses of targeted chemo are part of her post-surgical regimen after, this past February, receiving a double-lung transplant.
Seven months ago, she needed an oxygen tank to get around while she suffered from an auto-immune disease that deteriorated her lungs. Today, I had no doubt she could leave the infusion lab and immediately complete a 5K. And I say all that to say this.
With the creation of Patriot Day, 9/11 commemorations are supposed to be made with service as well as remembrance. If you’re looking for a simple, free, and invaluable way to help other people, become an organ donor. It is very easy to do, but too many people are dissuaded by all kinds of myths and misconceptions. Here are many of them and the reasons they’re not true.
Cancer’s terrible, but people also die everyday waiting for organs. The anticipation for test results or my chemo is peanuts compared to that kind of agony. So give it a thought. If you’re already one, thanks.
Musically, I embrace irony again with this number from Americana great (and Hendrix grad) Hayes Carll. My heart is fine, by the way, hope yours is too. The next update will come after some successful treatments.
