"How Still - Remission" by Susie Hemingway

How still this life of ours becomes
this joyous quiet silent scene
this plateau held in time
this tableau captured in a dream,

rest here on this your island
marooned with only me
for peace is all that's needed
to complete this tranquil dream;

my pilgrim, breath this air
your days are restful now
nothing to weigh more heavy
than my hand upon your brow;

as your friend I stand protective
wishing to clasp this pause,
as your lover I fight your corner
always asking for much more!

suspend this moment fast in time
and navigate all hurt away
this dreamlike state, this voyage this journey,
how still this perfect scene...

All Rights Reserved August 2008

Neutropenia - an explanation

I have been asked to explain what Neutropenia is.

Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of neutrophils in the blood.
Neutrophils serve as the major defense of the body against acute bacterial and certain fungal infections. Neutrophils usually constitute about 45% to 79% of all white blood cells in the bloodstream. When the neutrophil count falls below 1,000 cells per microliter of blood the risk of infection increases somewhat, when it falls below 500 cells per microliter, the risk of infection increases greatly. Without the key defense provided by neutrophils, a person has problems controlling infections and is then at great risk. The cause of Neutropenia developing happens when neutrophils are used up or destroyed in the bloodstream faster than the bone marrow can make new ones, for example in the case of certain cancers and the use of the very strong drugs, such as those used in chemotherapy. Still there are other reasons why the bone marrow shuts down - Aplastic Anemia is one. So to sum up, people who have severe neutropenia can rapidly succumb to infections because their bodies lack the means to fight invading organisms.

I am sure I will be corrected by the very many knowledgeable readers if this is wrong in some way, but this is my understanding of Neutropenia and I hope it helps in some way.

Hamada Up-Date

Latest trip to see Hamada's Doctor at Lincoln County Hospital shows that the Bence Jones results show a very small increase @ 0.05 which is still such a tiny reading, this is such a relief really, after the 'scare'. The Doctor was also pleased with Hamada's blood results all except the Absolute neutrophil count, which is still very low. So we must continue to be watchful and cautious about infections and move really fast if he succumbs to the slightest thing or even small temperature change. He is relaxed and contented after our lovely holiday. Best wishes to you all.

A Helping Hand

Hamada had a wonderful time and yes he managed to dip his toes in the Med once more. Many thanks go to Ian who helped Hamada every step of the way. Could not have made this journey without him and Jenny, bless you both xx Many thanks also to the wonderful support received from the services at both Doncaster/Sheffield and Mahon Airports who sped us though baggage and passport controls and who treated Hamada gently and with the utmost care. It just shows you minor miracles do happen. Best wishes to you all.

See further post "So Miracles Can Happen" on http://www.susiehemingway.com/

:Poem Sea Dreams shown below.