Wednesday, January 9, 2008

The Numbers and a PC (pre-Chipmunk) photo

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Results
(Numbers in parentheses are normal ranges.)

Day 42, Thursday, December 27, 2007

WBC 4.3 (4.0-11)
RBC 2.54 (3.8-5.2)
HGB 8.6 (11.5-15.5)
PLT 47 (150-350)

Day 48, Wednesday, January 2, 2008
WBC 3.2 (4.0-11)
RBC 2.56 (3.8-5.2)
HGB 9.0 (11.5-15.5)
PLT 51 (150-350)

Day 55, Wednesday, January 9, 2008
WBC 0.7 (4.0-11)
RBC 2.44 (3.8-5.2)
HGB 8.2 (11.5-15.5)
PLT 37 (150-350)

As you can see, the numbers were still going up on my last out-patient appointment on January 2. We wrote off the slight drop in WBCs to what I assumed was a "slight cold."

Since then, all of the numbers have dropped. I've received two red blood transfusions since Sunday. The plunge in WBCs is causing some head scratching and further investigation, but I'll be starting Neupogen injections this afternoon to boost production.

I'm feeling more like myself today with my bed set up like a little office. The laptop is in the middle, the hospital phone to my right (for local phone calls) and the cell phone to my left (for non-626 calls). I'm sitting by to take your calls on my cell phone (626 319 5737) or CoH direct line (626 359 8111).


My infectious disease doctor just showed me how to use the photo booth feature on my computer. Here I am with my latest fashion accessories - the stylish beret created by Lisa CK and my breathing tube. My cheeks have not yet reached chimpmunk proportions. Don't I look breath taking? Well, truth be told, I'd rather look breath giving these days.


And, since I'm in a photo booth, I'm obligated to take at least one mugging-for-the-camera shot. Or could this be a pathetic display of inappropriate happiness? (Note to self: must professionally whiten teeth this year.)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ahhh...your doctor is truly a Renaissance man. If you're feeling better, then happiness is totally appropriate!

Barbara F.

Piper Robert said...

Okay.......you know what happens when you assume. From our last conversation, (you going back to work, trip to S.F., Bonnie and I coming out for a visit) I assumed you were doing great. I haven't checked your blog, assuming you had hit the ground running. Assume, assume, assume. I learned my lesson and stand corrected.

Glad you're on the road to recovery.......steroids and all.

Inappropriate happiness: laughing when George has just passed out. Does anyone else know that story?

I'll be at the College of Piping on Prince Edward Island (Anne of Green Gables fame) starting Feb. 4 for 6 weeks, but I'll keep up with your blog.

Don't forget about the "Kilted" Mile race on October 19 at the Stone Mountain games. That would be great if you, Bonnie and Emily all participated and quite the accomplishment for you. The race course goes through the middle of the pipe competition venue. Big Will and I will be cheering everyone on. Awesome.

Love ya!!!

Susan C said...

When Piper mentioned the College of Piping on the phone, I became temporarily confused because he was once a member of the Pipe Fitters Union. Yes, he's a piping piper.

I definitely want to do the kilted mile race. I wonder if we can get George into a kilt? Now that would be funny!

I don't think I actually laughed at the time that George passed out. (That would be too Oprah like.) It's just funny in the retelling.

Mrs. Duck said...

George pass out? Do you mean that at some point in his life he tossed a pass out of bounds? Do you mean he once got a pass to get out of doing something? Do you mean he passed while you were playing bridge and you were out of the running for that hand? Or do you mean that once you went to the Palm with Ricky and George passed out when he saw the check? Other than that, I can't imagine George passing out.

Piper Robert said...

Hello, Mrs. Duck. Long time, no see.

I was not in attendance for George's loss of consciousness, but you did say the magic word, Ricky. I do know, during times of high stress or a sudden, tragic incident, Sue will inexplicably burst out in laughter. Hey, Sue, are you sure you didn't at least snicker?

If George needs a kilt, no problem. I've got an extra, a little on the heavy side, but it'll work. George in a kilt.......awesome. BTW, what's his waist size?

Susan C said...

Barbara, I never thought I'd see the day that I'd begin a sentence, "My infectious disease doctor . . ."

Mrs. Duck and anyone else interested: I'll happily share the George passing out story when I next see you. It does involve Ricky, jazzman Pancho Sanchez and a soon-to-be-adopted Cynthia. We should have seen the writing on the wall: she was causing us to swoon even before she was officially "ours."

SAMO Calling said...

Wow, I hadn't checked in since Jan 3. Surprised to see the latest developments were so alarming. Between you and Lola, I'm never sure to visit or not visit.

On another note, Duck, I was there for the "passing out"! George's head just fell quietly onto his dinner plate. We weren't sure what was going on. Smooky got a backstage pass and free CD out of the fiasco. Way to go Smook! (and George)

Susan C said...

Oh, boy! I'm not only a stress-laugher (it's true - I laughed while exchanging wedding vows), but an opportunist.

SAMO, remember how we had margaritas and Mexican food while George was undergoing tests at the Hollywood Hospital?

Gee, I'm sounding lovelier by the moment!