Day + 10 - Building up Body Chemistry

Deb had no belly shot- Interluken -2- yesterday or today. APN Kristen said the protocol allows for skipping a few shots when they cause physical hardship. Of course, we are concerned that we may be missing the benefit of shots in stimulating the Natural Killer Cells to kill cancer cells. We have to trust our medical experts.

The blood tests show that Deb's basic body chemistry is out of whack. Dr van Rhee wants that restored so the Natural Killer Cells can do their work. That's why Deb has been feeling so bad. So, IV's full of meds, pills, and infusers are all loaded by the pharmacists to restore what Deb needs. She has had fevers, low blood pressure,  low red and white blood cells, and shortness of breath. Meanwhile, her internal battle between the Natural Killer Cells and cancer continues.

Cathy was Deb's nurse again today. She is so cheerful! The nurse scheduler came by and 'filed' a complaint with Deb. She said Deb is so loved that the nurses fight over caring for her and cause the scheduler hardship.  

Deb has chatted with a caregiver named Marilyn who crochets constantly in the waiting room. She went to the free lessons here at the hospital and learned to crochet. She now makes caps for patients. Today she brought her bag of crochet supplies to our room and gave Deb a lesson on making the caps for patients. Then she gave Deb several nice caps she had made. Thanks angel Marilyn!

Tomorrow is more of the same as Saturday and Sunday. Later in the week we will have more tests to see how much cancer remains, if any. We are scheduled to see Dr van Rhee also but he may have to return to Holland to care for his elderly mother sometime soon.

Blessings!


White Count-below 2 is neutrapenic and indicates Deb's vulnerability for infection.
Platelets -a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2
6         2.32               26            214.0
7         2.29               11            209.3
8         2.84               25            230.2
9         2.32               12            234.1
10       2.66               24            220.1