Better Late Than Never

SUNDAY

Sunday morning, Susan got the rare opportunity for another free massage from me. I'm going to have to start charging for my services. This is becoming a habit and I'm no richer.

Susan was sitting on the couch and she was practicing lifting herself up from the couch. Nobody really believed she intended to get up; I don't think she was even thinking about getting up. BUT SHE DID! On her own, with no help from anybody. Cheers went up. Victory! One of many to come.

To demonstrate it wasn't a fluke, Susan attempted to do it again ten minutes later. This time I was by her side, just in case her legs gave out from the first success. I touched her arm, but I didn't support her and I didn't lift her. Again, she did it on her own. There must be magic in my massages.

Later in the day she tried to do likewise from the chaisse lounge. It didn't go as she planned, but she was able to do it with a little assistance. Soon, maybe in a day or two, she'll be able to do it by herself.

MONDAY

On Sunday afternoon, Kay discovered a small irritation on Susan. Kay made an appointment with Dr. Nguyen's office to have Susan looked at on Monday afternoon. It turned out to be a minor tear in the skin. A little topical cream was needed. It wasn't serious.

While there, Susan had her blood platelets looked at to see how it had progressed since last Friday. They were still low. But her white blood cells was progressing really well. Last Friday, they were at .01. Today they were at .91. The ideal level for her next chemo would have to be 1 or 1.5. She's real close. Although her red blood cells and platelets were low, Dr. Nguyen believed that once the white cells rise, the hemoglobin and platelets will catch up. But he has doubts whether her blood count will be ready by Friday for the next chemo. He was hoping to shoot for Good Friday, but he said that even if her chemo took place the following Friday, she was still doing well - most chemo treatments are performed every three weeks.

He prescibed a shot to help boost her white blood cells. He even wrote up a prescription for two medicines to help her with the nauseousness she started experiencing Sunday.

Aside from all of that, she's doing well and the doctor seemed real pleased with Susan's growing strength, spirit and positive attitude.

A little repose with Luna until she is ready to go back to battle the next day.

Ray