Close but no Coconut
So I should have been all day at the centre today getting my dose of chemo, and be home now connected with my pump that delivers the rest. Unfortunately after a delay in getting my bloods back, we found that my white blood cell count was too low and I couldn't have the special sauce. Every time I've been, I've seen other patients not make the grade for treatment and today it was my turn. Very disappointing, but my rational head knows that it's best to be safe than sorry. Having the chemo today would have weakened my immune system further and made me vulnerable to serious trouble from even just catching a cold. There's nothing you can do to boost white blood cells except take it easy and wait for your bod to make some more. It means I won't have a chance of getting my chemo done before Christmas, and mentally I'd wanted it done this year. I know, it'll be done when it's done. Relax.
Course by the time we found out, I'd already had my premeds, including the steroids so here I am, wide awake just before midnight having been on a mission all day. In honour of the UK's beloved Bake Off returning to our screens tonight, Amelie and I baked spiced oat and raisin biscuits. We half-dipped some in dark chocolate just incase the sugar and syrup weren't enough. Obviously they are the ones that have been eaten first. You can kid yourself that the jumbo oats and delish flame raisins are healthy, but I doubt it when in this combination. Blame the steroids but I've had six so far. Gannet.
Being full of beans from the steroids, and possibly the six oat biscuits, I've tidied up the house, done all the chores, done the baking, cooked a lovely dinner, done the ironing, the ironing, who does the ironing unless there's nothing else on earth to do? layered up panels for quilting, been for a walk, knitted about a third of a fingerless glove, sorted through loads of potential DMTV videos for archiving, sewn some stars, and now I find myself sat here still wide awake talking to you. Barring this morning's disappointment I love days like this, a satisfyingly long list of jobs done. Mission, almost, accomplished. We'll try again next week with the chemo. Wish me luck.
Love Laura
xx
Being full of beans from the steroids, and possibly the six oat biscuits, I've tidied up the house, done all the chores, done the baking, cooked a lovely dinner, done the ironing, the ironing, who does the ironing unless there's nothing else on earth to do? layered up panels for quilting, been for a walk, knitted about a third of a fingerless glove, sorted through loads of potential DMTV videos for archiving, sewn some stars, and now I find myself sat here still wide awake talking to you. Barring this morning's disappointment I love days like this, a satisfyingly long list of jobs done. Mission, almost, accomplished. We'll try again next week with the chemo. Wish me luck.
Love Laura
xx
Fingers crossed for you for next week and hope you eventually managed to get some sleep. The biscuits look delicious. x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny!
DeleteI find this really funny! You're ill with low white blood cells - and you achieve this! I am Sorry for the disappointment though. Keep smiling (and baking and sewing) through. Xxx
ReplyDeleteWell you know me, if I can keep going I will!
DeleteAnd which part of ‘rest and make white cells’ was that lot?! I hope you don’t crash too much today and the little grey cells let the little white cells grow.
ReplyDeleteRest! Hmm, that's what I thought after writing the post, but I only marched up one small hill, and did no gardening or other heavy stuff so I think I was pretty good. Still bouncing today! Will probably face plant into my dinner this evening!!
DeleteLuck, love and great admiration! I've had my rounds with steroids, too....and all you can do is surf the waves. You surf beautifully.
ReplyDeleteExcellent way to get through all this stuff! Bravo Laura! for the last 18 months, I have a little nephew (4 and a half years old) with leukemia, and all the ups and downs of white cells -chemo, etc. I know it could be very frustrating, but you are doing a great job! Maybe you can visualize your white cells going up! talk to them, ask them to help you. It can seem 'crazy', but it worked for me. Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I give my innards and good cells a pep talk everyday!
DeleteCrossing my fingers for next week. I remember my nephews disappointment when his white blood cells wouldn't cooperate. Hang in there! I like the visualization idea. Once when I had to have some GI tract tests done, the nurse told me to visualize something that would make my digestive system rev up. Strawberries! Peaches! Just the scent of both make my mouth water. Of course, the strawberries were fist sized and dipped in dark chocolate. LOL! It worked! I didn't have to spend the better part of the day having my guts photographed. Now those oatmeal/raisin biscuits caught my eye. I am up in the middle of the night due to nightmares. Dare I make a batch? I'm sure the only evidence left in the morning will be the dirty mixing bowl. Be well and know that you are being hugged.
ReplyDeleteYes try the biscuits, they are like flapjack but in a cookie and are gooey and delish. Here's the recipe link: https://www.bbc.com/food/recipes/classic_stem_ginger_83286
DeleteI didn't have stem ginger in the cupboard so we subbed with be jumbo raisins which are equally nice, but if you like ginger then I could see the original recipe being just right. We don't like cinnamon much so we swapped out that for mixed spice. Recipe says it mays 24, we ended up with about 40! I guess we must have made them smaller, if you divided the mix into 24 they would be huge. No need for the chocolate either, the plain ones are just as tasty. x
Oh! I love ginger! My Great Grandmother haunts me whenever I bake. She was born in Warwickshire and was in service there. Her big complaint about the Victoria era was the small cookies. She claimed that those who served small biscuits and sandwiches had small hearts. (Bitter a little? LOL!) So, whenever I try to make pretty little cookies for functions, I hear her voice and resort to man sized cookies. ;)
DeleteI remember those steroids - Super Woman!!!!! I agree the caution is the best way. I like your attitude about it being done when it's done. Have a WONDERFUL day. Blessings, Beth
ReplyDeleteSomeone pointed out that sending good thoughts isn't enough, that I should take action. I am sending good healthy thoughts and healing white light your way. However, if you need a postcard or a letter or some other task I can accomplish from the US West Coast, I'm your girl.
ReplyDeleteTumbs up. And tomorrow when I am in My studio I will burn again a candle for you Darling.
ReplyDeleteIt might help to make sure you eat enough protein and vitamin B12 and folic acid. You need these to make new white blood cells. It worked for me. It's tempting to eat sugar but it probably isn't what your body needs even if it feeds the soul!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, my medical team advise me that unlike red blood cells, there's no dietary changes or specific foods that are proven to support white blood cell regeneration. The body will make more, it just needs a bit of time to do it. The docs are encouraging me to eat whatever foods I fancy as it's important to keep strong and not lose weight through the bashing that is chemo. I'm eating a little sugar here and there but also all the good stuff to help the process, trust me, if there's research into how diet can help with cancer, then I've read it! Much of the advice out there is hugely conflicting, I guess the short answer is that no-one really knows what will work for any particular individual.
DeleteWhat a busy day and so much done and such an amazing attitude. Just keep doing what feels right and taking each day as it comes. Sending much love x
ReplyDeleteWith my upcoming surgery next week I so appreciate you sharing your process. You have shared the ugly parts, the funny parts and the disappointing parts. It is nice to also see the products of your journey. Those cookies look like a good last meal before my stomach surgery.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. I know I'm late but it is no less heart felt!
ReplyDelete