12/18/18. Day 71 Cycle 4 - Blood Test Tuesday

It’s once again blood test day. The 1st Tuesday since chemo. Every Tuesday after chemo a blood test is done until the next chemo cycle. The purpose is to see how the chemo has effected my levels and organs.
Let’s keep in mind that last Friday we started the daily booster shots. One shot every day for seven days to increase the immune system. Today is shot # 5. We have not taken the shot yet. We will wait until we get done with the hospital and return home.

My appointment is at 10 am. The blood test takes around an hour to get the results back. If all is ok you go home until next Tuesday . If not then infusions take place. Depending on what they are for they can take up to 3-4 hours to complete. An out of range blood test can stop all chemo treatments and throw the regiment out.

Oncology is different then all other medical appointments. There is no waiting in a waiting room for someone to get you and bring you in. When I arrive in the morning I go straight into oncology and have a seat in a chair like the picture above. By the time I get the TV going recliner pushed back with a cup of coffee and all comfortable , the nurse will come over and start the required procedure for that appointment. It is all relaxed and comfortable. I have a couple of chairs that I sit at which are a little more private and roomy not the ones in the picture . There is enough room for my family to sit with me and even have lunch. There is always a family member with me.
They have created a friendly environment with the staff to match.

Here we go, they are getting ready to hook me up to pull blood and set up the IV. They will access the port in my chest. I find it way better then sticking me with a needle in my arm every couple days.
Now we wait for the results of the blood test.

And the results of the blood test. Not to bad. Improvements over last week. Red blood count and platelet counts are going to be low. Chemo destroyed these counts. This is the first week after chemo . Things will be lower due to That alone.
On Monday the 24 th I will do another blood test plus an infusion to strengthen bones. Then we will have another week before chemo starts again On January 2nd. (Cycle 5)

wolfhart