Neutropenia

‘From Latin prefix neutro- (neither, for neutral staining) and Greek suffix -πενία (deficiency), is a hematological disorder characterised by an abnormally low number of neutrophils, the most important type of white blood cell, in the blood. Neutrophils usually make up 50-70% of circulating white blood cells and serve as the primary defense against infections by destroying bacteria in the blood. Hence, patients with neutropenia are more susceptible to bacterial infections and, without prompt medical attention, the condition may become life-threatening (neutropenic sepsis)’

I also think it would make a good name for a band, or at least a first album.

Anyway, with the nausea under control, today is officially the day that Janine enters her neutropenic phase.  Temperatures are being checked regularly and visitors will be subjected to a full body scan and intimate questioning about their current and previous medical history.  We have our emergency numbers and procedures but if we could avoid a rush down the A329M to the Royal Berks that would be good.

It probably wasn’t the best day for our boiler to break down.  Well actually it broke down yesterday and should get fixed today.  This time we need to thank that Macmillan Nurse of all our domestic appliance and house crisis, Steve Fazey who very kindly came straight round last night and worked out what needs to be done.  He had only said to me on Sunday that he was very concerned at the thought of me (DIY = Don’t Involve Yourself) being left alone in the house.  Hmmm.

The only other news is that all being well, Janine should be back in hospital on the 3^rd February for the next cycle of treatment.  She will then be scanned to check on progress and decisions made as to whether a third cycle is needed. 

I’m not sure who wrote them yet but two friends have sent us the following fantastic quote in the last 12 hours:

'Cancer is limited: it cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot erode faith, it cannot eat away peace, it cannot destroy confidence, it cannot kill friendship, it cannot shut out memories, it cannot silence courage, it cannot invade the soul, it cannot reduce eternal life, it cannot quench the spirit, and it cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.'

Powerful words to take into the weekend.  Challenging as well, of course, because you could allow your experience of it to do exactly some of those things.