Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Dracula and Blood Transfusions


Been a wild week. I got an infection, blood counts plummeted, doctor wants to do a transfusion, which grosses me out. There's just something about having someone else's blood in me...who are they? Did they wash their hands after using the restroom? I need to convince the doctor tomorrow to wait a day until my next blood test on Friday and then go from there. I'll see if she will go for that.

Then in between the health crisis I have my big benefit concert I am
producing/co-sponsoring at work....Dracula the New Musical! Much running around getting stuff for the VIP reception, making flower arrangements, getting sponsors, creating ads, creating all the graphics for the program and on and on. Somehow having a low blood count is starting to make a lot more sense. Wasn't that a bat I saw fly by my window last night?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Whoops, a possible transfusion: I can imagine that you feel uncomfortable envisaging getting someone else's blood Brenda.

I'd probably do the same: suggest if it's safe to see if your blood count normalizes. Let's hope for the best.

It's an utmost weird coincidence that your current work involves producing "Dracula, the musical" at this time in your life.

You know, I admire you. In Belgium, anyone undergoing treatment for cancer is not even allowed to brush their own teeth.

I don't think you would like the Belgian approach though: while we have universal health care (taking away the financial burden) our healthcare system will sent you a social worker, someone to clean your house and a note stating that you are now receiving monthly insurance checks, including the clear message that no work is allowed at all.

Really, I had to read your post twice: you're actually running around for the Dracula musical while possibly in need of a transfusion.

I feel a movie script coming up: "Die Hard V: Vegas".

Hang in there.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

Oh man.....listen, Brenda, hogs and kisses and I hope things get better!

PEACE said...

I don't know the Belgium approach sounds pretty smart, rest and get well, don't worry about work.

Here if you want to keep your insurance and thus continue your treatments, you got to work. I was fortunate that I had accumulated many sick days I already took off 8 weeks after the surgery. I still have 55 days left, but I want to make sure if things got worse, I would have the days to take off. So, as long as I'm feeling half way good, I'm working.

I like your knew Die hard movie, but like I keep singing: I'm not dead yet!

PEACE said...

I don't know the Belgium approach sounds pretty smart, rest and get well, don't worry about work.

Here if you want to keep your insurance and thus continue your treatments, you got to work. I was fortunate that I had accumulated many sick days I already took off 8 weeks after the surgery. I still have 55 days left, but I want to make sure if things got worse, I would have the days to take off. So, as long as I'm feeling half way good, I'm working.

I like your knew Die hard movie, but like I keep singing: I'm not dead yet!

Anonymous said...

Dear Peace,
First, I have to warn you, what I am about to write might be totally tacky. But I've been staring at the screen and have decided that instead of debating to just go for it. I liked the jokes you posted on Potters blog so much that here I am.
About transfusions: I once read a comment about Keith Richards "Does he have an original blood cell left?" Second, I have never read this book but "Body and Soul" is about a dancer who received transplanted heart and lungs. She became impetuous and started eating different foods. She found out the donor was a daredevil motorcycle rider . . . on a lighter note (if there is one,) I have no idea if he washed his hands after using the bathroom. But I think you're right to ask these questions.
We're so work-oriented in this country that we think it's everything--the measure of our worth as people. I like hobbies and puttering myself. Hope "Dracula" goes without a hitch for you!

Anonymous said...

I hope you're doing better, and glad you're still active. Rest is good when you need it, and I know you've often needed it, but I also think having a purpose and incentive to keep going helps you heal and move forward.

Take care.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...I donate blood, but I never thought about how the person getting it would feel.

Just to let you know, I wash my hands...constantly. I hope you are feeling better.