Halfway There!

Hi all!

Friday, December 27th, was the half-way mark for chemo! Twelve sessions down, twelve more to go!
I am still handling chemo quite well, with very few side effects. My white and red blood cell counts continue to be strong, much to everyone's surprise.

I still haven't lost all of my hair, although there are signs it is definitely thinning out. I don't regret shaving it off early. I think the sporadic thinning over time would drive me bonkers! I may even shave my head a third time. We'll see.

Regardless, chemo is now my new normal and a non-event. I wonder where we go after we finish the Taxol?

I look forward to the PET scan scheduled for early February. I want to see how we're doing on kicking cancer to the curb, specifically Voldemort!

My only complaint? Allergy side effects. We had cedar fever really bad in the Austin area right before Christmas. I got hit with it like hundreds of others. Although I am not running any fever, I am still coughing up gunk (still white, some light yellow in color). I still feel as if I have congestion in my throat and/or my chest. I am not sure who to go to about this. Dr. Kocs? Dr. Zook? I have a chemo session on Friday, where I think we meet with the PA; I will bring it up.

Until then, everyone have a safe and happy New Year's Eve!  May 2020 be all you hope it to be and more!

Pre-Christmas Time with My Boys

I spent the last two weekends before Christmas with one grandson or the other. First up, David!

David had oral surgery on Friday the 13th. Since my daughter had her hands full as it is, Mike and I offered to let David recoup at our house. We have the time to spoil him, plus we can tag-team it, if need be. Since Friday is my chemo day anyway, Mike and I are home. 

Mike and I got back from chemo before David got to the house post surgery. He was a bit groggy, as one would expect. We put him to bed, complete with ice packs to minimize swelling. David and I both slept most of the afternoon. I left David with the "sick bell" that he could ring in case he needed anything. That bell got a workout over the weekend. Always for food!

By Saturday, David was doing well. There were no signs, other than staying on soft foods, that this boy had surgery the day before. So what do we do? Head to the fabric store and pick up supplies so David can make his family pillows for Christmas. While we were there, I picked up extra fabric, some great remnants, and extra batting (surprise Christmas present for my little sewer).

Anyway, we spent the next two days sewing pillows, stuffing pillows, and wrapping pillows. My contribution was mostly financial (supplies), but I also stitched up the hole we left open to stuff the pillows. I helped wrap the presents and tie them up with a bow. David was the bus driver on this project; I was just his assistant. Here is David with his finished products:

Fast forward one week plus a couple of days, and I get an overnight visit from oldest grandson, AJ. AJ is at the house to make a variety of cookies for his family for Christmas. Again, my contribution is mostly financial and to help wrap. AJ is the bus driver. Note: AJ and I have been baking together for at least 13 years. It's what we do.

First up is shopping for ingredients. We needed to put our math skills to work to determine how many eggs, butter, chips, and containers we would need for the finished product. After that little chore was done, we ate dinner, then got busy making cookies. 

AJ made 5 different types of cookies:

1. Regular chocolate chip
2. Peppermint and white chocolate chip
3. Peppermint and Semi-sweet chocolate chip
4. Lemon and white chocolate chip
5. Chocolate and peanut butter chip

When all was said and done, AJ made over 160 to 170 cookies. That includes cookies for everyone  in his family plus extras.  A great time was had by all.

Between pillows and cookies, I was worn out by Christmas Eve! Both boys are very proud of their efforts to make something for their families. I see a new tradition forming here. Next year I need to find projects for Katie and Grant, then when she's older, Hazel. Looking forward to next year's projects!

Here are pictures of my little baker, pre and post baking. I neglected to get a picture of David and his pillows; his Mom will send me one before the weekend is out and I will update this post.

X-Mas Sam

See Sam. Sam is posing in front of the Christmas tree. Sam looks happy. Mom is holding a treat outside of the frame that awaits Sam once we get the shot. Sam will do anything for a treat. At least he didn't have to wear a hat this time. Sam is too cute! We love Sam!

Surpirse Visit

My friend Jen asked to stop by for a visit. Of course! Anytime!

Y'all know my friend, Jen. I've mentioned her more than once. Mother Earth, knower of all things to help you get through cancer, the most loving, caring, compassionate person I know. She always …. ALWAYS …. gives to others! Jen is a true gem.

Jen and I had a great visit! We talked cancer some, family, shared experiences, and I got more advice on what may come. We're both pleasantly surprised that I am handling chemo well. I have always suspected I was on chemo light, but Jen said something that stuck … maybe they take it slower for metastatic cancer because we are looking to prolong life. Things seem a bit more methodical. Regardless, metastatic treatment is a whole new ballgame.

Jen also came bearing gifts! And they could not be more perfect! Warm socks for the ice bath during chemo and a cup and saucer that I absolutely adore! I will post another picture soon with me pretending to be regal while I drink from my cup and saucer. Yes .... that will be a staged photo! I need to get dressed up, add my pink bow, and sip from my cup, pinky finger out and all!

Thank you, Jen! For the company and the presents!!

Food for Thought

Just a few quotes I find fitting right now …..

Sad News ... But Not MIne

I have a friend on my team who has been going through a series of tests to find out what is going on with his body. It seems as if there is one gut punch after another the past two weeks, with the latest news on Thursday. Final diagnosis is aggressive Stage 4 Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. My heart is broken.

Let me tell you a little about my friend. He's young, athletic, competitive, lives life to the fullest, funny, smart, loyal, one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure to know. He has a young son that is his heart and soul. He is married to his best friend. He has a very large, supportive family and tons of friends, including many from the softball and corn hole communities (he is a nationally ranked corn hole player - he's very good). He is a fighter! If anyone has a fighting chance to beat this thing, its him!

We became quick friends and allies. I trust him to always have my back and I will always have his.
When I was first diagnosed with MBC, he was one of the first to offer his support. He even had pink corn hole bags made in my honor. Let me tell you, the pink bags win more often than not. Go Pink!

He was also in the process of re-designing sports jerseys with the pink breast cancer ribbon in my honor. Note on this one: this guy has a knack of not only putting together winning softball and corn hole teams, but marketing himself and his teams, obtaining sponsors to help with tournament fees and expenses, and earning the respect of competitors and team mates alike along the way. That's a talent, folks!

My friend and I share insomnia. When he IM'd me around 11 PM two weeks ago to tell me they found cancer, I was devastated. Now we share something else, metastatic cancer. My friend and I always felt we had a special bond and now I know why God put him in my life and me in his.....so we can help each other through our new normal in a way that no one else can.

As much as I hate that we now have metastatic cancer in common, it is also nice to have someone I adore intimately know what it's like to have a catastrophic disease. I can have conversations with him that I can only have with a handful of others;  I know that he gets it from a different perspective:

• Testing and the angst waiting on results can bring
• Quality of life over quantity
• The need to chose happy 
• The need to be "normal" as much as possible
• The need to maintain a high level of confidence in our work
• The need to be aggressive about your health care
• Determining the best way to communicate to friends, family, and children
• It's okay to be mad, sad, cuss, cry, scream ... then get down to business to kick cancer to the curb
• It's all a façade 

Although I have MBC, I am now entering new territory in being a friend of someone with metastatic \cancer. I've realized this brings out the Mama Bear in me for those newly diagnosed. I want to protect him. I want to help him. I want to scream at doctors not moving fast enough. I want to provide advice based on my experiences. I want to give him space. So I am playing it by ear. The last thing I want to be is an over bearing, nosy, pushy, bossy Mama Bear!

I also want to be his chemo buddy, his chemo dance party partner. Let's wear matching Hoo Rags or caps. What about a pink wig at the next project status meeting? Will they be able to tell us apart? I want both of us to flip off cancer all day/every day. And if there is a day where my flipping finger just isn't as tough, I want him to double flip off cancer, just as I will pick up the slack for him when his flipping finger needs a break. I want us to beat this thing together! I want to be his cheerleader, just as he wants to be mine.

I want to give kudos to my hubby. I have been telling him about my friend and even asked what advice he can give him from a spouse/man perspective. I passed on his words of wisdom. When I heard the latest diagnosis I broke down and cried. Hubby was there to hold me and support me in wanting to do what I could to make it go away. I am a very lucky woman.

On a final note, I mentioned earlier that my friend has a tremendous support group. His sports friends are rallying to help by holding fund raisers, donating all proceeds to my friend and his family. One friend even opened a "GoFundMe" page to help. I will post information on how you can help if you are so inclined, but only with the express permission from my friend. If nothing else, please pray for all patients with some from of metastatic cancer. And believe in miracles!

Chemo #11

Another Friday, another chemo session complete. Once again, chemo is quickly becoming a non-event. I hope the trend continues.

First up, blood work, then visit with the PA. Believe it or not, my blood levels are still good. Hannah described the results as perfect. My blood work is perfect. Anyone switching the viles?

I got some dancing time in this go around. One of the other patients heard me ask the nurse if I had time to dance before my meds were ready. The patient says "now this I gotta see". Next thing you know, nurses are chiming in saying I've got some moves. No pressure! I can't remember what I danced to other than it included some Aretha and some Michael Jackson.

Once the meds get there and I get the Benadryl, it's lights out. I slept during most of it, mainly so I can handle the ice packs. I figure it's easier if I can sleep through it. There was a lady across from me getting chemo for the first time and they asked her if she wanted ice packs. I told her she definitely should do the ice to avoid neuropathy, but she may want to wait until her next session when she is more prepared with protection for her hands and feet. She agreed.

Once again, we were out by noon! See? Non-event. Home and nap. Then make fudge and wrap presents. Happy Holidays!!

Reindeer Sam

See Sam. Sam is a Reindeer. Sam does not appear to be a happy Reindeer. Sam gets a special treat to be a Reindeer. Sam will do anything for a treat. His friends aren't as desperate. This is why Sam is the only Reindeer in the picture.

Chemo #10

Ten down, 14 more to go. Almost halfway there!

I have to meet with the PA every time I go in this month. I think they are waiting for my blood levels to start dropping. Actually, my red blood cell count is lower than they'd like to see but the hemoglobin levels are fine, so it counter balances the red blood cell count. I am still no where near the "stay away from crowds" levels.

I get the standard questions. Are you in pain? No. Are you fatigued? No. Side effects? Some but not worth adding more meds to counter act them. Actually, I find out the acid reflux could be a result of the heavy steroids they give me. Hmmmm. I believe there is some over the counter stuff I can take to help with that. Nothing personal against the PA, but I think the visit is a waste of $40.

Another irritation about seeing the PA every time this month, is that it cuts way into my dancing time. I go in, head to the infusion room, get my labs drawn from the port, head to the area wher I wait to be called back for the PA, visit with the PA, then head back to the infusion room. By the time I get back, they are already pulling my meds. I have very little time to dance before here they are with the Benadryl. I can't dance after they shoot me up with Benadryl. I can't even keep my eyes open, but Lord I try. I need to find a way to get some dancing time in with this new schedule, especially when I am using it as a form of exercise to shed some pounds. Even more urgent after seeing the huge woman in my PET scan images.

Now I have to project manage dancing time. Let's do it before I lose my "dancing queen" title!

Other than that, chemo is getting to be routine and uneventful. Rinse and repeat every Friday through April 3rd.

CT and PET Images

I picked up the CT and PET images on Friday when I went in for chemo.

The images were put on a CD by the ARA Diagnostic Imaging folks. It is really pretty cool. I get a CD with all the images, the software to view the images, and instructions on how to load the images. There is even a number I can call for tech support. Very nice! It also comes with the written analysis of the scans, which I already have, but still a very nice touch on ARA's part.

I put in the CD, open the viewer, select the scan I want to view and it begins to load the 1800+ images. What the hell was I thinking? First, I need a more robust computer than my old laptop because loading these images is slooooowwww. Second, I have some idea what I am looking at but barely. Third, I really need an X-ray tech to explain this stuff. All I want to see is Voldemort! 

One of the first things that came to mind is this girl needs to shed some pounds. Not a pretty picture, I assure you. The next thing that jumped out at me is my spine is not in great shape in the beginning stages of osteoporosis. I think I've always had more curve in my spine than what is normal but it looks worse than I thought. Getting old is a bitch! I am sure my bone doc will have a field day with this stuff. Sigh.

Who am I kidding? Myself, obviously. You know …. Wonder Woman? She can do it all? That's a crock! Well, when it comes to reading PET scans anyway. I am sure I will figure it out eventually but it isn't going to be a fast learning process. I still want to see the big asshole (Voldemort) that is causing all the hoopla.

Guess what I'll be doing over Christmas break?

Sam and the Birthday Party

See Sam. Sam is the dog with the hat. Sam hates the hat. But Sam has to wear the hat to get the birthday treat his friend with the bandana brought for everyone to celebrate her birthday. Sam will do anything for a special treat, including wearing a stupid blue hat.

Just one of the many fun things he does at doggy day care aka Action Pack Dogs.

Why Voldermort is a Concern

As you know, I named my largest tumor Voldemort. He is the one messing with my carotid artery and Jugular vein.

Here is a description, from the October CT scan, that concern the doctors regarding the carotid artery and jugular vein:

There is a poorly delineated, highly infiltrative, and heterogeneously enhancing neoplastic mass measuring approximately 5 x 6 x 7 cm centered over the left mid to lower scalene musculature, diffusely involving the brachial plexus elements, invading the lower left internal jugular and upper brachiocephalic venins, with suspected intraluminal/intramural tumor thrombus at the lower irregular circumferential wall thickening of 4 - 6 mm, also suspicious for neoplastic mural infiltration. There is partial encasement of the mid common carotid artery without significant luminal narrowing.

The tumor mentioned has since gotten smaller, 32 x 25 mm in November vs 41 x 33 mm in October. But size and location continue to be a concern.

Here is a picture from the internet that may give you an idea of why people are a bit nervous:

I have asked for the images from the CT and PET scans but I haven't received them yet. I will continue to push, as I want to see what this monster looks like.

Am I worried? Not really. The chemo is doing its job. And as long as Voldemort continues to shrink, we're in good shape. The next PET/CT scan is already scheduled for February, so I look forward to the results of that testing.

Continued prayers are appreciated. I'll call on my Patronus to help as well.

Getting Older .....

Post PET Discussion w/Dr. Kocs

Mike and I met with Dr. Kocs Friday morning before chemo and labs. I made sure I was armed with my blood work spreadsheet and a copy of the PET report. Poor Dr. Kocs doesn't know what's in store for him.

As usual, Dr. Kocs comes in, tells me "there's trouble" and shakes my hand. We've been doing this for 6 + years now. Love him!! But I have questions.

First up, blood work. I told Dr. Kocs that I am a PM and, therefore, project managing my cancer and tracking my blood test results. He rolled his eyes and Mike mentioned that he saw the nurses doing rock-paper-scissor when they saw me coming in to see who got the short straw that week. Ha Ha! Actually, the nurses love me cuz I'm fun! Regardless, he looked at me and said Vicki - PM, Dr, Kocs - Oncologist. It is his job to worry for me. I know he has my back and I trust him (he is a straight shooter and never holds back); I just need to pretend I have some control. Anyway he says he is mainly looking at red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts. He is very pleased and surprised that I haven't reached "stay away from crowds" levels yet. I have the blood of a much younger woman! Who doesn't want to hear that on their 63rd birthday. Yeah!!  I ask if there is anything I can do, diet or supplement wise, to help keep my levels in good shape to minimize damage to my other organs. The answer - NO. Sigh.

Next up, PET results. Dr. Kocs is very happy with the PET results. The taxol is doing its job! My questions:

•  Physiological activity: There are references throughout the document that certain organs demonstrate physiologic activity without mass. To my untrained mind, this is something we need to watch. To Dr. Kocs trained mind it means everything is normal.
• Atrophic left kidney: Multiple small cysts and multifocal cortical scarring. I tell Dr. Kocs I was hospitalized at 4 years old for a severe kidney infection. He indicates the PET findings are most likely a result of that trauma. He isn't worried as blood work shows kidney function, in both kidneys, is normal. Yay!!
• Pleural effusion/thickening in both lungs: The previous PET scan in early October indicated there was small left pleural effusion/thickening and trace right pleural thickening in the lungs. My research indicated this could be caused by asbestos and possibly lead to or even be cancerous. I was told this is something to watch but no worries at this time. The new PET shows no abnormal metabolic activity or suspicious lesion in the lung parenchyma; no pleural effusion, pleural mass, or pneumothorax is noted. Per Dr. Kocs, that says to him that the pleural effusion and thickening WAS probably cancerous since it is now totally gone. No biopsy was done. I don't care one way or the other. I am just happy lungs are normal now. Taxol kicked that one to the curb. Whoop!!

Where do we go from here? Six full months of Taxol. We are scheduled through February 8th, with PET on Feburary 3, chemo on February 7th, and visit with Dr. Kocs February 8th. We will schedule the remaining sessions after we meet with Dr. Kocs again. The last chemo with Taxol should end April 3rd. I'm not sure why they didn't mention that to me before. Actually, I think I do; they weren't sure how well the Taxol would work and probably did not want to tell me I could die in the next couple of months (Note: had I NOT done treatment, I was given 6 months, max 8 months).

I suspect it is because they are still quite worried about Voldemort. Although he is wounded (good!) we still have a ways to go. Dr, Kocs has discussed Voldemort with his colleagues because of his location. We have been in danger these past couple of months that Voldemort could damage or even break the carotid artery, in which case I would be dead within minutes. It is important that we wound Voldemort in a controlled manner and must be careful in how we break up that tumor, again, because of its location. 

Dr. Kocs will refer me to a radiation oncologist after we finish Taxol to see if radiation is even an option in prolonging my life. It may/may not be because of the large area (upper left chest through upper left neck) we would have to radiate. He says the risks are high, again because of structures involved. I think he just wants to rule it out or see if any radiation can be done safely.

Dr. Kocs then confessed that he sent off my tumor biopsy for genetic testing. I told him Hannah busted him several weeks ago. Regardless, the results are in and we do have a new tool in our box as a result of the testing. My tumor has a PIK3CA mutation. This occurs in approximately 15 - 30% of breast, colon and endometrial cancer patients and is associated with poor prognosis and lack of response to certain therapies (that part sucks!). This means I am a candidate for target therapy somewhere down the road that consists of taking daily pills called alpelisib (PIQRAY - A PIK3CA inhibitor) in combination with a fulvestrant shot once a month. This will prolong my life. Side effects can be nasty, though:

• Severe Hypersensitivity (dyspnea, flushing, rash, fever, or tachycardia) - 0.7%
• Severe Cutaneious Reaction ( a prodrome of fever, flu-like symptoms, mucosal lesions or progressive skin rash) - 0.4% - 1.1 %
• Hyperglycemia ( excessive thirst, urinating more often than usual or higher amount of urine than usual, or increased appetite with weight loss); will appear within 15 days if it is going to appear at all; 65%
• Pneumonitis ( respiratory symptoms ) - 1.8%
• Diarrhea ( severe diarrhea, dehydration, and acute kidney injury) - will occur within the first 46 days; 7%

Looks like lots of monitoring will occur while on this drug. I think you continue this treatment until it stops working. Regardless, just one of the many tools in our box.

Chemo session #9 was unremarkable, other than they weren't expecting me, even though this PM called the nurse on Monday to make sure I was on the schedule for chemo on Friday. I was assured I will be. She lied or someone dropped the ball. I suspect the later. According to the nurses, it happens more often than they care to admit.  Sigh!

Grateful

PET Results

If you follow me on Facebook, then you know the overall PET results are good. Here are the key impressions:

1. Overall a positive treatment response with decreased metabolic activity associated with nodal metastases in the left neck/supraclavicular region, mediastinum and left axilla
2. Improved metabolic activity associated with the left pectoral lesion
3. No new sites of disease identified

Here are some specific comparisons:

Lymph nodes:  Overall a positive treatment response in the left neck/supraclavicular, mediastinal and axillary nodal metastases. Most lesions have decreased metabolic activity while others remain relatively stable.

• Left supraclavicular/lower neck bulky, infiltrative adenopathy
•  32 x 25 mm; previously 41 x 33; SUV max 8.9 previously 10.3
• Left axillary lymph node
• 13 x 8 mm; previously 13 x 10mm; SUV max 4.3 previously 7.6
• Superior mediastinal lesion
• 6 x 6 mm; previously 14 x 10 mm; SUV max 5.9 previously 5.8

Note: I originally thought Voldemort hadn't changed much. I confused him with "someone" else; he has actually shrunk some; not as much as we need, but still shrinking. Whoop! Maybe I should name the other two. Maybe Lucius Malfoy for the left axillary and Worm Tail for the superior mediastinal. Suggestions anyone?

Improved metabolic activity associated with left intrapectoral lesion.

• 13 x 10 mm, previously 19 x 14; SUV max 2.7 previously 11.7

Impressive! 

We still have more work to do. I have chemo every Friday through 12/27. I suspect a new PET after that, then discuss next steps for the new year.

Mike and I meet with Dr. Kocs Friday before chemo to discuss PET results. I know from the nurses that he is quite pleased. I will be bringing my blood test spreadsheet with me and ask which ones we really need to watch, what is a "stay away from crowds" level, and is there anything I can do to help keep my white and red blood cells in a healthy range, and minimize chemo damage to my other organs, especially my liver and kidneys.

Speaking of kidneys, the PET also says I have an atrophic left kidney; but a previous report said I have an atrophic right kidney. Which is it? We will discuss this as well. Plus what does it mean when it talks about FDG uptake? There was a statement about Physiologic FDG uptake in the bone marrow. What does that mean? Is it bad? Good? Something to watch?

Friday should be fun …. and informative. 

As Rachel Maddow says, "Watch this space".  

Blood Tests - What and Why

As many of you may know, I am project managing my cancer and its treatment. Part of that includes my Education Plan - providing information that is helpful to me and may be helpful to others in similar circumstances. One of the key things I am doing to try to feel like I have some control is log all of my blood work. I will not show you my actual results - that's taking being open a bit too far, even for me - but I will show you what they test for, what the ranges are, and what the results can show.

This is what my doctor is looking at when ordering blood tests. I hope you find it educational:

Lab	Range	Notes
(BUN/Creatinine ratio)	6.0 - 22.0	Kidney: Usually between 10:1 and 20:1; increased ratio could indicate congestive heart failure or dehydration. One to watch.
(GFR African American, estimated)	N/A	Kidney: If below 60, talk to Doc; can be a sign of kidney damage
(GFR non-African American, estimated)	N/A	Kidney: If below 60, talk to Doc; can be a sign of kidney damage
Alanine aminotransferase measurement (ALT/SGPT)	6.0 - 29.0	Liver: High levels can indicate liver disease
Albumin measurement (Albumin)	3.6 - 5.1	Made in Liver: Helps keep fluid in your bloodstream; carries hormones, vitamins, enzymes. If low, could indicate malnutrition
Albumin/Globulin ratio (A/G ratio)	1.0 - 2.5	Test the protein in your blood; can help diagnosis kidney and liver disorders;
Alkaline phosphatase measurement (Alkaline phosphatase)	33.0 - 130.0	Shows signs of liver disease or bone disorder; if low, could be due to a deficiency of zinc or malnution
Aspartate aminotransferase measurement (AST/SGOT)	10.0 - 35.0	Tests for liver disease; if ST levels are low, your liver is damaged.
Basophil count (BA #)	0 - 0.2	High level of basophil can be a sign of chronic inflammation; or it could mean something is causing too many white blood cells in marrow
Basophil, percent (BA %)	0 - 1.0	Healthy range is from 0 to 3; log level can be caused by infections, severe allergies or an overactive thyroid gland
Bicarbonate measurement (CO2)	20.0 - 32.0	Tests how much CO2 levels are in your blood; too litte or too much could be signs of liver failure, kidney disease, or anorexia.
Bilirubin, total measurement (Bilirubin, total)	0.2 - 1.2	Liver: red blood cells in the liver; Elevation can indicate liver disfunction
CA 15-3 measurement	<30 U/ml	Cancer antigen; Assists in determining disease recurrence after treatment of metastaic breast cancer
CA 27-29 measurement	<38 U/m;	Cancer antigen; Predicts early recurrenct of women treated for breast cancer.
Calcium measurement (Calcium)	8.6 - 10.4	Tests calcium levels in the blood; required for blood clotting and crucial for density and maintenance of bones and teeth
Carcinoembryonic antigen measurement (CEA)	<2.5 ng/ml - <5 ng/ml	Cancer Marker; measures a protein called CEA in blood
Chloride measurement (Chloride)	98.0 - 110.0	Measures chloride electrolytes; helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and PH of body fluids; high could = dehydration
Creatinine measurement, serum (Creatinine)	0.5 - 0.99	Measures how well your kidneys are filtering; 5.0 or more could indicate severl kidney impairment
Eosinophil count (EO #)	0 - 0.3	Special white blood celss that curb infection and boost inflammation; if high can indicate parasite infection, allergic reaction, or cancer
Eosinophil, percent (EO %)	0 - 3.0	Disease fighting white blood cell; normal range is between 30 and 350; destroys invading germs.
Globulin measurement (Globulin)	1.9 - 3.7	Test proteins in the blood; if levels are low, can mean you have liver or kidney disease
Glucose measurement (Glucose)	65.0 - 99.0	Measuring glucose levels; normal is less than 140 mg/dl 2 hours after eating
Granulocytes, immature, automated (IG #)	0 - 0.03	Early stage response to infection; high = infection, autoimmune disease, blood cancers; low -
Granulocytes, immature, automated, % (IG %)	0 - 0.5	Predicts severe bacterial infection; determine infected vs non-infected persons
Hematocrit determination (HCT)	37.0 - 47.0	% of red blood cells in the blood; igh = lung or heart disease; low = fatigue, weakness, izziness, shortness of breath; cold hands/feet
Hemoglobin determination (HGB)	12.0 - 16.0	Helps red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs: High = smoker or high attitude; low = anemia
Lymphocyte count (LY #)	1.2 - 3.4	Type of white blood cell; if high, evidence of infection, cancer of the blood or lymphatic system; low = greater risk of infection, cancer
Lymphocyte, percent (LY %)	15.0 - 41.0	A type of white blood cell; high = fighting infection or inflammation; low = significant illness
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration determination (MCHC)	33.0 - 37.0	How much hemoglobin is inside a red blod cell; low = not enough; anemia; high = red blood cell destruction or fragility
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin determination (MCH)	27.0 - 31.0	Mean corpusal hemoglobin; low = iron deficiency anemia; high = deficiency due to B vitamines, specifically B-12
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)	81.0 - 99.0	Mean corpusal volumn; elevated level related to increased risk of liver cancer, aging, nutrition; survival prediction in chronically ill
Monocyte count (MO #)	0 - 1.0	White blood cells in tissues; low = chemo; high could = lymphoma
Monocyte, percent (MO %)	3.0 - 11.0	% is the number of white blood cells that move out of circulating and into tissues; low = chemo, bone marrow failure; high = leukemia
MPV	7.4 - 10.4	Platelet volumn; average size of platelets found in your body; if high, bone marrow inclreasing output  re: old platelets beind destroyed.
Neutrophil count (Neu # (ANC)	1.5 - 6.5	Absolute white blood cell count; changes can be caused by chemo, radiation, infection, surgery, or anxiety
Neutrophil, percent (Neu %)	40.0 - 77.0	Type of white blood cell; makes up 70%; produced in the bone marrow; high counts indicated infection
Platelet count (PLT)	130.0 - 400.0	Platelets circulate within the blood and bind together when they recognoize damaged blood vessels; stops us from bleeding
Potassium measurement (Potassium)	3.5 - 5.3	Measures potassium levels needed for proper muscle and nerve function; increases/decreases can indicate health issues
Protein measurement (Total protein)	6.1 - 8.1	Measures total protein; if high, could indicated your body is fighting infection or other inflammation
Red blood cell count (RBC)	4.2 - 5.4	Normal not pregnant women is 4.2 to 5.4; if too high, could indicate heart failure, low blood ozygen and other heart disease.
Red cell distribution width determination (RDW)	10.5 - 14.5	Measures the amount of red blood cell various in volumn and size; High RDW means nutrient deficiency, anemia or other condition
Sodium measurement (Sodium)	135.0 - 146.0	Measures sodium; if too high or too low, could indicate kidney issues, dehydration or other medical conditions.
Urea nitrogen measurement (BUN)	7.0 - 25.0	Measures the amount of protein broken down in the body; If high, can indicate heart failure, dehydration or high protein diet
White blood cell count (WBC)	4.8 - 10.8	Determines your bodies ability to fight infection; less than 4.0 to 4.5 means your body cannot fight infection