i'm normal

ok--
not really, but my white blood cell count today is NORMAL!  my dr. called to tell me my WBC was 9000--just inside the normal range. so exciting. i'm hopeful that this speaks well of things to come.

the side effects of gleevec continue--my digestion is still very questionable, and i have developed a pretty good case of adema.  in particular my face and hands are quite swollen each morning. altho most afternoons it seems to be better. unfortunately, this is apparently because gravity acts and my feet and legs are swollen by evening. i've been told i really can't take a diuetic because it will lower my blood pressure, which already is quite low. (yesterday my blood pressure was 108 over 58) and since diuretics often lower your blood pressure as much as 20 points, i can't take any. oh well.

in other news, i have had the most bizarre run-in with the cancer care clinic here about my medical records. Yesterday i went to request a copy of medical records from the cancer care clinic for my own personal use. i wanted to look up some things, but in order to really know much i need to know the specifics in my medical records. when i arrived they explained to me that there was a charge for the copy.
                  Me: you're going to charge me for a copy of my medical records?
                  Receptionist: yes
                  Me: but i already paid for the care, why on earth would i have to pay?
                  Receptionist: that's what the hospital makes us do.
                  Me: how much is the charge?
                  Receptionist: let me get my supervisor, she can tell you more.
                  Me to supervisor now: how much do you charge for a copy of medical records?
                  Supervisor: well, if it's for a dr's office, we provide it for free, but for personal use, it's $20 for the first 10 page {in my head: holy fuck-$2.00 a page?) plus 25 cents for each additional page.
                  Me: You must be kidding. i'm happy to pay the actual copy costs, but $2.00 a page?
                  Supervisor: well, i'll talk to my supervisor and have her call you tomorrow.

so today, i got a call, and the supervisor's supervisor explains to me that the cost is to "offset administrative costs." I explained that i had looked up the law, and they are allowed to charge a "reasonable copy cost" (ie: a quarter a page) by state law. then she explains that if i pick up a copy to take it to a physician (even though they won't follow me to the physician's office so they have no idea if i will be providing it to a physician.

                 Me: so you're telling me that if i lie and say it's for a physician you won't charge me, but if i tell you the truth and say it's for me, you will charge me?
                Her: yes, i suppose if you want to say it that way.

so, i end up saying, truthfully, that i need to take a copy to my GP when i go next and that i will simply copy myself some from a copy for her. but i am irritated that i am being told to lie to get around a ridiculous rule. oh well.... welcome to the world of medical records... what silliness.