Responsive -- Word for the Day -- Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Responsive
DEFINITION: (adjective) reacting quickly and appropriately.

We got our hopes up today, quickly. This morning Chemo Sabe was given information that his WBC was coming up fast and would be scheduled for stem cell collection on Monday. This would mean he would not be taking half of his meds. About 20 pills a day right now. I heard the responsive excitement in his voice when he called. He has to be up to 2.0 on WBC with 3.0 - 12.0 being the range. I left work so I could pick him up. CH (his niece) took him this morning. She is the RN, remember.

We got back to UAMS by 3:45. He got his growth factor shot and we were told we could leave. I reminded them of the follow-up visit he was promised. I also wanted a copy of the lab report from this morning. I was for certain he would need platelets again since his were 24 yesterday. Remember, below 20 is the marker.

Well, his WBC is only 0.7. His platelets were 14. The normal range is 150-500. So, with a disappointed face he accepted the news and told the APN, why be in a rush?

I see his eyes getting weaker and his face getting thinner. His weight is still steady and his appetite is better. He wanted pizza tonight. That encouraged me.

He was ready to drive himself tomorrow with hopes of going to the office for awhile. I am trying to convince him it is just too soon for him to drive with all the meds he is taking. Which brings us to our Word -- Responsive.

His WBC will be responsive by the end of the week. More blood tests will be made tomorrow and Friday to see if the bone marrow has been responsive to the twice a day growth factor injections. If they are, then we are a 'go' for Monday collection. After that, I am hearing he will get a rest for a week. Then another round of chemo.

The crap (CRP) is coming down some and he is not having the stomach problems he had earlier this week. He laughed tonight and said he had eaten too many fish sticks last night. He had a belly ache and couldn't sleep.

I have heard through the grapevine he is not wearing his mask like he should. I got him a few new ones at the Infusion Center today. Treesie bought some at the store and they are painters masks, so he convinced me they were too thick to breathe through.

He comforts others in the waiting room now. I see the tables have turned since we first started when we were comforted. I saw his hand go to the shoulder of a man today that was so weak he couldn't make it to a recliner. This is his fourth round for stem cell. When we first started this he told me when he got through it he wanted to be a volunteer to those needing to hear his story of success. Responsive

It is early and he is sleeping. I hate to wake him for his round of pills. It is hard for me to keep back my tears in front of him when I see him hurt. It was tough today, but those nurses keep us laughing.

Please continue with your prayers for I feel them working.

Our friend, Keith, that is back from Alabama had a vehicle accident on the way to his bag change on Monday. He always wears a black wide brimmed hat and he has lost it. He is for certain he left it on his vehicle when it was towed. What memories that hat holds. He is in responsive remission.

Thank you for your emails and calls....... Love, Pepper