I mentioned that I had a follow up appointment with my oncologist last Thursday to double-check my white blood cell count. Chemo not only does a number on the hair follicles, but 10 - 14 days after treatment my white blood cell count will be low and I'll need to get checked each time around the end of that period to make sure my count is coming back up. Unfortunately, I had my first real blip last week where my count was super low and that kept me from being able to go to our Rock 'n Wing Fest last weekend. My doc was looking for a number of around 1300 and mine was 700 -- 500 is dangerously low. So my body wouldn't be able to fight off infection. I had to get a shot of a drug that would stimulate my white blood cells and bone marrow, but was warned that my days of feeling great would be interrupted by the side effects of this shot -- pain in the bones, especially the hips, and flu-like symptoms were to be expected. My doc reminded me, that while I'd be feeling bad, to remember the side effects would mean the drug is working. I was fine for about 10 hours, then it hit. I was supposed to pick my niece Amanda up at the airport at 10:30 pm, but her flight was delayed until 12:30am. Around 10 I had the worst pain in my lower back I've ever had, and I couldn't take my pain killers because I had to drive to the airport! The pain pills helped when I could finally take them -- I was sick the next day, but it only bothered me for a couple of days. I was even feeling up to bringing my brother and niece to my friend's poker game Saturday night. I should have stayed home, though -- my buddy Bruce sucked out on me all night for all my money...uh, I mean poker chips!

I have my 2nd round of chemo tomorrow afternoon. You know, I can't help but think about how lucky I am that I found my lump early. I only have to have 4 rounds of chemo -- after tomorrow I'll be halfway through! I've talked to many people that live with chemo for SO much longer. It's another reminder that you shouldn't wait if you're not feeling right, or if you find a lump. It's amazing how far cancer research has come in the past few years -- they've refined the treatment so much. Will give you my chemo update soon!