Progress Report 2-4

4th Treatment; Last week was iffy energy wise again nothing that crippled me but just felt tired and achy which was uncharacteristic to my superwoman disposition leading me to wonder if someone had slipped some kryptonite into the IV. I still pushed through going to a Yoga class and playing some tennis on the WII and supervising the bathroom construction. The worst day was Sunday and I went to bed thinking that I may not be able to tolerate Monday’s treatment but by the morning the kryptonite had worn off and I was almost back to my old self. Sure enough the WBC was pretty low so the dose was cut in half as Randy wants to keep me on schedule for 6 treatments in a row before I get a week break. Randy is being pretty aggressive always pushing me to the max and I am happy to oblige as long as I continue to function and so far the plan seem to work as I continue to feel very good.
Karim had chauffeur duty dropping me off and returning a while later with “Skyline” for lunch. The highlight of my day this time was running into Ruth again. She looked better than ever. Ruth was getting her 6 month check up and was getting her port flushed one last time before having it removed. Deciding to remove a port takes a huge act of faith and I was thrilled to see she was doing so well. It is also an official sign of graduation. When she asked me how I was and why I was at the clinic, I had to tell her that I had flunked my 3 month test and I had to come back for summer (or fall) school for remedial work. “Don’t give up” she yelled at me. “OH NO” I yelled back. Don’t worry it’s a minor setback. I will get back on track. The truth is this “setback” has - if you can believe it- made me stronger and more fearless. It thickened my skin and tightened my faith and I feel that nothing can hurt me anymore. I am fixated on healing no matter how long it may take or how many times I may have to do this. I continue to believe there is a purpose for everything that happens and remember that blessings often do come in the most unusual disguise as I remain eternally grateful for the gift of learning to live in the present.
Jennie was my nurse this week. Another one of the smiling angels who cares for you as if you were the only person that ever mattered in the world; Karim and I were engulfed in a conversation with another patient and before I knew it I was done leaving me little time to get to know more about Jennie but as the nurses rotate I am sure I will have that chance another time.
Much love