much improved

All sorts of events since the last post.
First the bad stuff.
For some unknown reason (although the antibiotic for the sinus infection is a suspect) my blood counts got really off. Hemoglobin dropped substantially as did the white count and, in particular the neutrophils. The doctor was quite concerned which only heightened my anxiety. And this was all happening just a week before my planned vacation (a Christmas gift from my girls) and with my insurance still hanging in the balance. So, I temporarily discontinued the oral chemo drugs, received 2 units of packed cells and 2 neupogen shots (to raise my white count). I felt pretty good after the transfusion. 🙂
Now for the good stuff.
Our vacation in Destin, Florida was exactly what I hoped for. We went to the beach and the pool. We sat on the balcony watching and listening to the ocean. We talked a lot, played games and had a fantastic time.
My blood counts are good now. Only the hemoglobin is still a little low but not enough for concern. The chest xray shows no new pleural effusion. I'm back on the chemo drugs. I am having frequent CBCs and chest xrays to keep a close eye on everything. I feel pretty good and have a more positive outlook for now.
Oh...and my insurance was FINALLY reinstated 2 days ago.

Malignant

So the fluid was malignant. The doctor seemed very concerned and spoke about the fluid coming  back. If it comes back quickly, the current med isn't working. I don't know if she heard something or what, but she sent me for a chest x-ray and I need to have another one next week to see if there's new effusion.
In the meantime, I've had an awful sinus infection. I'm miserable.
To top it all off, I have yet to receive my COBRA information. I really need to get  my health insurance up and running. I have emailed and spoken to the HR manager at Job Corps but haven't heard back yet. I know they have up to 45 days to send me the information but it's been 32 days and I am freaking out. Nothing is easy. I've about had it.
Aren't I a bundle of joy?