Do any of you ever have days where you feel like you are getting away with something but really aren’t? But are also waiting for the metaphorical shoe to drop on your head at the same time? Let me try to explain…
Ever since getting back home from Houston, I often find that a Cheshire Cat-like grin has snuck its way onto my face. Like I’m caught up in some mischief and doing something I ought not be. That something is me being at home, though, which most certainly isn’t wrong. It definitely feels like I’m getting away with something or waiting for the other shoe to drop.   It’s probably because, after not being able to leave after the first two cycles, I “escaped” immediately after infusion (with my doctor’s blessing, of course). I just have this feeling like I’m doing something naughty, ya know? Hopefully Santa still has me on the nice list!
However, the other shoe did drop a few days ago…that shoe being my red blood counts. My platelets went low again but my hemoglobin took a nose dive. I wasn’t surprised since it felt like a small child had sat down on my chest and refused to move. And any time I tried to do anything (walk briskly, go up stairs, lift something), that small child started to bounce. My heart was working overtime and I felt like I could barely breathe at times. Not a fun two days, trust me.
Because of that, I spent the better part of yesterday in another hospital getting my very first blood transfusion. When the nurse first told me what I had to do, I’ll admit I was pretty scared. I managed to make it to my car before the tears came. After the initial fear wore off, I was ready for what I had to do. I won’t bore you with the specifics; the highlight is basically 7 hours in the hospital. Caleb was able to be there and entertain me which I am incredibly grateful for.
Once I was done with the transfusion, despite the number of hours I was cooped up, I felt great! Small child had found a new seat and I could breathe freely again! My heart no longer felt like a jackhammer and stairs were no match for me!
Apparently, there was another shoe up there. It dropped this morning with my platelets so I’m headed back in this afternoon for another transfusion. The nurse said it doesn’t take as long so cross your fingers for me!
Hopefully these transfusions mean a higher starting point for next cycle so that maybe they won’t drop so low. But if I had to do this again, so be it. Just another step towards my end goal. I got this.