This Too Shall Pass

This morning, I went back to clinic. Well, I tried to, but on the way, I popped a tire, found out my spare wasn't functional, got towed, had two tires replaced, got the car aligned and finally left the mechanic's with a much lighter wallet three hours after my scheduled clinic appointment

I knew i had to go in. My white blood count is still dangerously low at 1.6...ugh.  Linda instructed me to ALWAYS wear a mask in public until its back over 2.5.  WBC's fight off infection and without a safe WBC count level, I am at risk for infection all the time and have no ability to fight it off.

I am in need of a neupogen shot to stimulate my bone marrow to produce white blood cells. I received this shot in hospital on my previous stay and the bone pain that ensued was unbelievable.  I was treated with a morphine derivative and Percocet just to get through.

I am not looking forward to the shot, but I understand the necessity of it. When I ultimately get to clinic, my nurse and doctor are relieved I made it. They make some medication adjustments and I receive the neupogen shot. Linda tells me it should take about 8 hours for the pain to kick in. I am to take Vicodin to try to keep it at bay. The pain and need for Vicodin should last between two and five days.  It's difficult to accept, but I realize acceptance is my only option.

I do everything I can to get everything I can done before I need to be safely in bed and medicated. I got the shot at 2:15. The pain didn't take 8 hours, it started up by 6:30. Uh oh, I am now chasing the pain instead of acting first.

So I'm writing this BEFORE the Vicodin kicks in and renders me less-than-mentally capable. I'm feeling the bone pain, getting shaky and agitated, and sweating like I'm in a sauna.

My girlfriend let me know yesterday that her new mantra is "This too shall pass."

I'm borrowing this one from her tonight and hoping its going to be quick.