WBC - White Blood Cells -- Word for the Day -- Thursday, July 11, 2008

White Blood Cells

DEFINITION: White blood cells (WBC), or leukocytes, are cells of the immune system defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. Several different and diverse types of leukocytes exist, but they are all produced and derived from a multipotent cell in the bone marrow known as a hematopoietic stem cell. Leukocytes are found throughout the body, including the blood and lymphatic system.[1]

Okay, Kids.... I warned you that at some point in time you would have a pop quiz. Well, there was one tonight that just FELL into my lap. As Chemo Sabe was bragging on his lab results this evening, a 'CLOSE' family member, that reads the blog every day, asked what WBC meant..... Without mentioning any names, I will just tell you we know her as "Ringer". Another test for you... if you read back far enough you will know who Ringer is!!! ha

Chemo Sabe is about to run out of gas. He has worked each day this week and I believe today was just too much. We had company for dinner, the kids (another hint for you... hee hee) and before they arrived he had to lie down. He has had a headache since yesterday, but he never complains and you would never realize it by his actions. He asked the nurse today about Tylenol and we always get STRICT instructions not to take anything other than what they prescribe, but they did tell him he could take two. We just have to tell them tomorrow that he did, in fact, take something.

He ate a very good supper. I fixed meat loaf, fried green tomatoes, beans, fried zucchini, new potatoes and a relish tray. Thank goodness the son forgot to bring dessert. We had no left overs.

Chemo Sabe has gained six pounds since yesterday. He had gained three from Tuesday to Wednesday. He did not collect that much fluid on the last chemo, but he did when he started the growth factor shots. His face is flushed and puffy. He admits he needs to drink plenty more water so he can run the fluid through. I can see the tiredness in his eyes today, but not in his smile.

His WBC is at 6.59 and his platelets are still 85 with CRP still being a <5. These are all good figures, if you remember? Never know when I will run into any of you and ask those questions. HA. I promise I won't spring the big words on you like -- hematopoietic.

He wants to ride this weekend, but I just don't see it. I believe he will dropping by Saturday. I am hoping for the best, but I think next week will be a low, too. Will just have to wait and see. He was a little light headed this morning when he got up so I see that also getting worse the next couple of days. That is the Thalidomide from the night before and I am certain that is why he had a headache. This is the start of having to check him throughout the night to make certain he isn't running a temperature.

His mom did get out of the hospital today, but she too has a port for antibiotics daily. She is feeling very poorly. Please remember her in your prayers.

Chemo Sabe has spoken with Billy and Sherry, our Alabama friends and he had his bag disconnected on Tuesday. He, like Chemo Sabe, feels a lot better on this round that before. If you remember, (gosh, I said that a lot), he was the one that had massive pain and swelling throughout his growth factor shots, but collected his limit in two days. He, too, is liking his bald head.

Well, I am calling it a night since I have given you another repeat lesson on WBC. But, refresher courses are good for everyone.

Good night -- and Love --- Pepper