A New Word: Neutropenia

(Note: I have no idea what this graphic is supposed to mean, but I thought it was funny, like Bowling for Dollars or Bowling for Columbine.  And besides, if I don't laugh right now, I'll sink into a depression and that wouldn't be a good thing in my present situation.) 

Yes, home again.  But, for how long? 

Spent another 5 days in hospital alternately spiking fevers up to 103.8 leaving me weak and achy, then no fever to speak of leaving me with loads of energy and feeling like a million dollars. All in a few hours time.

Both white and red blood cells took a dive last week, leaving me unable to walk, forcing me onto a Neutropenic diet (no fresh fruits or vegetables) and an order for an additional 2 or 3 units of blood. Anyone in my general vicinity must wear a face mask and I must wear one in public. Yes, even while shopping or filling prescriptions.  Oy, such looks I get. 

Definition from Mayo Clinic: Neutropenia (noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh) is an abnormally low count of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infections, particularly those caused by bacteria and fungi. The threshold for defining neutropenia varies slightly from one medical practice to another. Neutropenia in adults is generally defined as a count of 1,700 or fewer neutrophils per microliter of blood. The cell count indicating neutropenia in children varies with age. The lower your neutrophil count, the more vulnerable you are to infectious diseases. If you have severe neutropenia — fewer than about 500 cells per microliter of blood — bacteria normally present in your mouth and digestive tract can cause infections.

A parade of unknown specialists tramped through my room, poking, prodding, ordering tests and various procedures - many I had never heard of and will probably never hear of again.  They balked at having to mask up, but my darling nurses were relentless, so the honchos did what they were supposed to do. Cursing under their breath maybe, but did as they were told.  I must admit, as they came and went I was tempted to ask "who was that masked man?" but stifled the urge, fearing no one would get the reference.  They're all far too young to get the joke.

Just received 2 new prescriptions from the Oncologist office which I will have filled tomorrow morning, early, before the place gets too busy. I just realized that there is precious little to eat in the freezer.  I am so used to fresh salads, chocked full of goodies, that I've neglected to replenish the frozen food section of the refrig.  I will have to do a bit of that tomorrow morning, as well.

And so it goes, for as long as it goes.
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