"Your white blood cell count has dropped down to 1900. Normal counts would range from 4000 to 11,000, so we are going to give you an injection of a drug called Nupogen. Nupogen will help your bone marrow produce more white blood cells." the doctor told us.
Here we were, right in the middle of flu season, both of us working in very public positions and exposed to many people. Don's immune system was already being taxed to the limit, so the new information advising us that his protection zone was eroding away made me tense.
The doctor told him the nurse would be in to give him the shot and that he needed to return to the clinic next Monday for another CBC (blood test). That blood test would be reviewed at our next Tuesday appointment. He left the room and within minutes the nurse came in with his shot."This is not a booty shot is it?" Don teased with the nurse.Blushing, she said, "No! Roll up your sleeve and remember what arm you are getting this in so next time, we will give it to you in the other arm."
I had read a bit about Nupogen and knew that most people who used it, had good results and their white blood cell counts rebounded fairly well. I also knew however, that there were more negative side effects with this injection than associated with Interferon. I did not share this information with Don.
That night he was quite restless. He rolled and moaned. My heart ached for him. Neither of us slept much and the next morning he was extremely sore. He could not raise his arms above his shoulders and sat on the side of the bed for the longest time with his head down. One of the things I love about our relationship is our love of humor and as strange as it might sound, this was a perfect time for a good laugh.
Don said, "Oh my God! I hurt so bad." with a soft whine in his voice.
With a bit of a sarcastic tone I responded, "Well, I don't know what you were expecting.....of course your joints are sore...YOUR WHITE BLOOD CELLS HAD SEX ALL NIGHT LONG!"
14 comments:
Good thinking with the humor. Did he laugh? Humor is supposed to help you heal faster.
Hugs, Susan
Laughter is good medicine!!
I just so totally 'get' you and that amazing sense of humor ~ and spirit!
ahhh, Julie...you are, no doubt, the BEST medicine for your hunk!!
I do love your sweet sense of humor...and I know Don does, too..
hugs for both of you!
Julie...
I too, believe laughter is sometimes the VERY best medicine. I recognize everything you have and are going through...laughter got us through my sweet hubbins treatment...he was in treatment for 6 months and by the time the last month or so rolled around the doctor was wanting to cease the treatment b/c of his low blood counts and white cell counts...my husband told him..."NO WAY! I've made it this far, I'm not turning back till I've taken the final injection"! Thankfully, that was only a month away...we are both thankful he stuck it out.
Praying for you both...again, if you need to talk or need anything...let me know...please. Upon reading your posts...it brought back so many memories...some good...some not so good...but all worth it.
Blessings...
Teresa
Just stopping by to see how things are going.
Loved the lambing photos!
Humor is a good thing.
it takes a special lady to do what you have done.
I would love to send you and Don a loaf of bread via email,but I don't think it would make it.
Where would we be without a little bit of humor? Glad that yall can keep your heads up during all of this. Hope all goes well~ take care
You are both an awsome couple to be able to laugh. And, to be honest, your answer really was a good one. Like BJ said, you're the best medicine he could ever ask for.
Patricia
You are such a great "nurse". I am so sorry to see that you are both struggling, although you are certainly coping well with love, laughter and patience.
Hugs to you, Julie.
Linda
xo
Julie, you are the most amazing person! I just love you. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I truly mean that. I wish I could do something to help you both. I love that you still have your sense of humor! You are such a loving wife and a truly beautiful person!
I have been on antidepressant for five years. It has helped me so much. I hope Don is still doing well with it.
Love and hugs,
Amy
Hi Julie,
I'm sooo sorry Don is sick but so glad he has you there watching out for him. I know you are in Chapter 15 here on the blog...is this in real time or is he further along now with his treatment? I'm hoping he is and it's all done...for y'all's sake. I love your precious little lamb...what a cutie pie! The shamrock china all came from A Classy Flea...bought it several months back. I'll be back to follow Don's progress but in the meantime, you are both in my prayers. Love to you, Susan
hi doll! I was away so I just had to read through to get caught up.. ok.. now I know where you are with this.. I'm ready for the next chapter. Having a sense of humor is such a blessing anytime.. but even more so when youre facing trials like this. Its great also that you have a strong and healthy marriage. hugs!!
vivian
Hi Julie,
Just reading up and catching up. I'm sorry you are both going through this but you seem very strong. I will pray for you both. I'm glad you all have a great sense of humor though. :)
Post a Comment