Chemo Treatment #3

It was another very good, full day for lots of reasons... (1) one more dose of chemo moving me closer to being cured, (2) spending time with family, (3) impromptu meals with awesome people both young and closer to my age, and (4) seeing and reconnecting with long time friends.  

Alison and Jen accompanied me today since Alison had a day off from school. We started with her 8:30am physical therapy appointment to improve her arm positions on her swim strokes. Jen and I had coffee and breakfast at Atwater's cafe while we waited for Alison and then all three of us headed over to my 10am chemo appointment not too far away. 

We're into the rhythm now that starts with a quick question and answer session in Dr. Seifter's office, followed by a review of the most recent blood work, and finishing with a checkout in his exam room across the hall. The numbers we are watching continue to be good starting with my blood pressure at 120/70 this morning. The white blood cell count is at 2100 (slightly up from the last CBC of 2000) and remaining in a good place. And I noticed the red blood cell count is actually up slightly from the last CBC. I meant to ask a question about the granulocyte/lymphocyte counts but forgot and will follow-up at Chemo #4, which is on the Monday after Thanksgiving, a little more than two weeks away. My good friend Eileen will also be in for chemo that day so no doubt we'll  be texting each other as chemo buddies.

My most recent CBC is below and the trend data for all prior results is just below that.

CBC on 12-09-12

CBC Trend Data

Five others were in for treatment today. A couple people were there for 3+ hours like me, and the other two came in for short treatments and were gone in under an hour. My treatment ended right around 1:30pm, just after I received a text from one of my most favorite young women, Erin. So this can only mean that it's time for a trip to Miss Shirley's for an awesome late lunch. It's only 10 minutes from the chemo facility and a Southern style diner/restaurant. Jen and Alison are psyched because we try to eat there when we are in this part of town - usually for a swim meet. And it was a chance to have lunch with three incredible college students that we just love.

Erin is the same age as my oldest, Chris. And Erin rousted her older brother Ryan to provide transportation. The two of them are just spectacular, loving individuals who bring a smile or twenty to your face whenever they are around. And Erin was able to bring her roommate Caitlin, who we have come to know as yet another wonderful young woman. All three swim at Loyola University and were available for lunch. And we had such a fun time laughing and eating really good comfort food.

When we got home we were treated to a visit from another long time friend, Gabby who was up from Williamsburg today, in the area on business. Her husband Rick and I are friends and fraternity brothers from way back and it was great to see her. She stopped in for an hour or so and we caught up and shared photos. She's spending the night on the north side of town, here for n overnight stay  to watch her son Sam play in a lacrosse tournament tomorrow.

After an unusual 1-hour power nap  (unusual due to the anti-sleep effect of the corticosteroids coursing through my veins) we were off to dinner for a casual Italian meal at Luna Bella with John and Elaine. I work for John and it's just refreshing to be able to enjoy some quality time outside of the office with both of them. Another very good meal accompanied by great conversation. And one of things I am learning is to not over eat on chemo day. So far so good.

One of the many upsides to this slight diversion in my life is the amount of time I get to spend  more time than the usual with my family and friends. The depth of personal character of both close and extended friends continues to amaze me. From Deno's solidarity head shave this week (complete with photos on Facebook), to a quick call from Cheryle, to the usual emails or texts from the same core group asking how chemo day is going, to the weekly emails and calls just letting me know of the thoughts and prayers flowing my way, to Ellen's tips and advice that are making my treatments easier to adapt to (nice tat Ellen!), to the weekly chemo comparison with Eileen and Mitch, to random work email from a cancer survivor who appreciated a smile from me on the elevator and offered some good advice, to the comments from people I don't even know (thanks Kay and Steve)...the outpouring of love continues to amaze me.

My love to you all.