It's always something

This was supposed to be an off week, but as usual, nothing goes as planned.

Mike's blood cell counts are low because of the chemo and he has to have a transfusion on Christmas Eve. The counts were low last week so they started him on a weekly medication called Procrit, but it takes a while to kick in. The numbers were even lower this week, so the doctor is insisting on a transfusion, which works immediately.

Normally, low red blood cells make you feel weak and tired and short of breath. Mike has been feeling fine. Last week's chemo was pretty uneventful. His numbers this week were 7.8 and apparently normal is 9. A nurse told him a lot of people who have a 7.8 are in a wheelchair. So even though he might feel fine, the nurse said his organs are crying out for the blood.

It sounds like a big deal, but it's really not. It's done at the same place as chemo and is essentially just an IV. Unfortunately it takes four hours.

So on Christmas Eve, I will be at two of my least favorite places: the chemo room and work. Yes, I have to work Christmas Eve night. My heart is aching because I will miss getting my girl dressed in her Christmas jammies and putting cookies out for Santa and tucking her into bed. And I'm missing our friends back home so bad I can't stand it. And don't get me started on all the snow.

I'm feeling a little bah humbug!

But if we can just get through the next couple days, our little family will have Christmas day together and this weekend we are going to Naples to see the Casales. So I'll try to suck it up and be as tough as my husband...

Here's hoping all of you have a fabulous and Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year!