Another delay

I’m sorry to report that I’ve been forced to take another week off my treatment. This time my white blood cell count is low—by a lot. I’ll hopefully finish the high-dose track next week, but it will be at a dose that’s a third lower than last week. The white blood cells are integral to the body’s immune system, so anything that diminishes their number can’t be good. Interferon is supposed to make my immune response to cancer stronger, not weaker. My oncologist expects the WBC count to rebound with the week off. In the meanwhile, I need to be extra careful to avoid anything that could lead to an infection.

I’m pretty bitter about this turn of events. I was counting on Friday being the last day of my infusions, and to have the PICC catheter removed from my arm (through which the interferon is administered). Having committed to interferon treatment, the reactions I’m now having are out of my control. My fatigue is persistent, although I am able to get out during the day to do chores. Mostly I just feel like hunkering down and finding a way to get through the day. Not a great way to live.