Saturday, December Fifthteen, Two Thousand and Twelve

On Wednesday, December 12th, I arrived at my doctor appointment with low blood pressure.  This made me feel weak and dizzy in the morning hours.  It was exactly seven days since my chemotherapy treatment so my white blood counts were low.  This typically happens one week out.  I received my Rituxan treatment and went home.  I was told that if my temperature bipasses 100.5 (at any time) to call the doctor.
When you have a low white blood count, you are easily susceptible to infection. 

[White blood cells are the body's best defensive weapons in the fight against germs and disease. When white blood cell counts drop as a result of chemotherapy, it puts the patient in a vulnerable position. Without adequate protection from these disease-fighting cells, viruses and bacteria suddenly become much more serious threats.]

Needless to say, getting a fever is a cause for concern.  That night my temperature spiked to 102.5.  I telephoned the doctor on call and was directed to go to the ER.  I spent the night at the ER and was admitted to the hospital in the early morning hours.  I was given fluids, antibiotics and two units of blood on Thursday.  I was released on Friday once my fever disappeared.  My white blood counts were back up.  The doctor notified me that this sometimes happens with patients; that is, treatments constantly wear down the body and lower immunity.  I will stay indoors for the next several days to protect myself from germs.  The common cold can be a risk when the body cannot fight infection.

My chemotherapy treatments will now be every two weeks instead of every three weeks.  I have a CAT scan scheduled for this upcoming Monday.  I am both excited and nervous.  This will be my first CAT scan since starting the chemotherapy treatments.  The scan determines progress in eliminating the cancerous cells.  I hope to have postive news to share with you on the next blog update.  My third chemotherapy treatment will be on Wednesday, December 19th.  I will receive the CAT scan results at that appointment so check-in next week for an update!