Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Neutrophil delight

Unless you're a lab tech or hematologist, or have a blood disorder, chances are you don't know how many neutrophils you have. (Those are the white blood cells that miraculously fight infection.) As someone who's often dangerously short of them (it's called being "neutropenic"), I decide whether or not to go to the movies, wear a mask to the grocery store, or get my teeth cleaned depending on how many of these little guys are in my blood on any given day.

Today, I was thrilled to find out that my neutrophils have almost doubled since last Friday which means that even though I'm still immune-suppressed, I don't have to be quite so worried about going out and about. PLUS, my red blood cells are holding firm which means I can probably make it through the holiday without a transfusion. Happy Tofurky, everyone!