21. 8/8/2013 - At least there's free Galaga.

Blood counts steadily drop for 7-10 days after receiving the VAC chemo cocktail. While Hattie could get a transfusion if her platelets or red blood cell counts got too low, she would have to be admitted into the hospital to prevent infections if her white count got too low. That's why we were back in clinic the next day to get a white blood cell booster shot called Neulasta.

Many people will experience bone pain and just feel awful after receiving a Neulasta shot. Fortunately, Hattie didn't get any bad side effects. She definitely didn't like the actual injection in her leg, but was soon up and running around.

Of course, going to clinic meant there was a healthy dose of waiting. First you check in, then get vitals and a quick exam and then the pharmacy makes up the meds. The Jimmy Fund really does a great job giving you lots to do to stay occupied: child-life specialists, musicians, toys, and games to play with. Hattie had to teach her old man some new tricks on Galaga here.