Looking at the numbers: recent lab results

Last Friday I had an appointment with my oncologist.  While it was just an exam, we also did lab work for the first time since February.  I was especially interested in my White Blood Cell (WBC) count and hematocrit as both those numbers have been consistently low since finishing chemo in September.

I am, for lack of a better word, psyched with the results.  Through good nutrition and taking care of my body, my insides seem to be bouncing back, and to be honest I was not sure it was possible.....

Since I keep close track of these numbers, here are some charts I made:

To put things in perspective, I finished chemo September 20, 2013 and radiation November 22, 2013. To my lay person's eyes, everything looks pretty darn good.  My lymphocytes are still a bit low, but they are creeping up and based on my Total Protein, BUN, and Creatinine, it appears as though my (mostly plant-based) protein consumption is keeping up with my body's demands.  

I also had my Iron, Ferritin, and B12 checked:

Iron and Ferritin numbers look good (to me).  B12 is just a touch low.  This is interesting as I have stopped taking a B12 supplement (per the recommendation of my Nutritionist).  Since B12 supplements can serve as a methylating agent (turning genes on/off with no discrimination for good vs. bad genes), she preferred I get my B12 from natural sources (i.e. high quality beef).  I do eat a small amount of grass fed, organic, local beef (approximately once/month).  It may be time to "beef" that up just a touch:)  I will run the numbers by my Nutritionist this week.  

The number I am most excited about is my hematocrit.  I have been hovering in the mid to high 30s for way too long.  I am now back to my "normal" range.  Bring on the Fall racing!

Speaking of racing, I am feeling ready to experiment with increased focus and structure in my training and have called on Plan7 Endurance Coach, Pro MTB racer, friend, and hardest working gal I know, Sarah Kaufmann to be my coach.  In the next few months, I have some exciting races including Steamboat Stinger, Wasatch 360, Draper 25/50, and Moab Rocks stage race.  Even though these races are quickly approaching, and I am not giving Sarah much time to get me in tip top shape, I am looking forward to seeing how my body and mind respond.