Every Day in Every Way, Im Getting Better and Better

The pre-school reopened yesterday (bless their little hearts!) as the young working parents made a lot of noise to impress the little darlings in a futile attempt to convince them their first day would be like a day at Disney World.  The kids weren't buying any of it. These folks arrived in BMWs, Mercedes, Audi's, Volvo's (all SUVs or wagons, mind you) and now I understand why both parents need to work.  Of course, since these families belong to the church that sponsors the school, they pay no tuition.  Nothing! It was through this maelstrom; double-parked vehicles and screeching tots that I had to zig-zag to continue my walk. 

That said, the walk yesterday morning was a hell of a lot easier than the walk home the night before. Another crisp and clear Autumn morning and as my gait remained a bit slow, I wasn't out of breath when I got to work. 

The guy I'm training to cover while I'm away was waiting for me.  He has a key and so I allowed him to show me what he remembered about getting the place open. He did very well - only missed a couple of things, one of them really important.  So I made a point of insisting he come back and do it again for me on Thursday.

That will work out well, (a nice segue, huh!) since I see the Oncologist at 7:45 am that morning and there's a possibility I will need to be transfused again.  Each unit of blood takes about 1.5 hours to be absorbed, (download?) so if I need 2 units that's 3 hours and I will make it in time to open the doors.  Yes, cutting it close, but I warned the locos guys that I would let them know if the transfusion was going to happen.

Treated myself to a Angus burger (not on the staff menu) plain, with a little mustard and A-1 sauce. Sense of taste has yet to return in full, but it went down well and I felt better afterwards, though shaky.

I was on the wobbly/weak side all day, began to feel feverish and headachy around 3 pm, but made it to the end of my shift. The walk home was not pleasant with the head throbbing, eyes burning, I walked as slow and gingerly as I could.  The really hard part was climbing the stairs to the apartment.  But, I dood'it.  I did the icepack thingy again which seemed to help. 

I am off today and tomorrow with only 2 errands that must be run. I should be back by lunch time. Other than that, I am staying home and resting. I don't feel like cooking - nothing sounds appetizing without a sense of taste - so I'll just choose something simple to prepare for supper tonight.

Summer has returned for an encore performance this week with temps (and humidity) steadily rising into the 90s by Friday. Doesn't matter, my focus is on getting better before next Tuesday at 10 am.  Just get that bird into the sky and bring her down safely in crawfish country, that's all I ask.

And so it goes.
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Van Gogh Found and Unveiled

Came upon this as I perused the Grey Lady this evening. I love stories like this one and I also love the painting.

AMSTERDAM — For roughly a century, the painting “Sunset at Montmajour” was considered a fake. It was stored in an attic and then held in a private collection, unknown to the public and dismissed by art historians. But on Monday, the Van Gogh Museumdeclared the work a genuine product of the master, calling it a major discovery.
“Sunset at Montmajour,” painted in Arles in 1888, “is a work from the most important period of his life, when he created his substantial masterpieces, like ‘Sunflowers,’ ‘The Yellow House’ and ‘The Bedroom,’ ” said the museum’s director, Axel Rüger, in an interview. The painting depicts dusk in the hilly, forested landscape of Montmajour, in Provence, with wheat fields and the ruins of a Benedictine abbey in the distance.

 The area around Montmajour was a subject that van Gogh revisited often during his time in Arles. “One or two early van Goghs do sometimes come out of the woodwork now and again, but from the mature period, it’s very rare,” said James Roundell, an art dealer and the director of modern pictures for the Dickinson galleries in London and New York, which deals in Impressionist and modern art.

Mr. Roundell said it would be hard to predict precisely how much “Sunset at Montmajour” would fetch on the market, but expected it would be “in the tens of millions and quite a few of them.” He added, “It’s not the iconic status of something like the ‘Sunflowers,’ or the ‘Portrait of Dr. Gachet,’ ” which sold at auction for $82.5 million in 1990.

Read the rest HERE.

And so it goes.

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Not There Yet - Random Thoughts

The day started out OK, shared a little Face-time with Ron before heading out.  The walk went well, albeit slow due to the continued weakness in my legs. I made it. It was a great beach day, so we weren't busy.  Fine with me. I did OK for most of the day, though I fatigue came upon me around 2:30 pm and a low grade fever hit me an hour later, so I was sent home.  The boss was happily surprised that I lasted almost the entire day. 

Took the walk home really slow as my eyes began to water and burn.  By the time I arrived at the apartment the eyes were on fire. Threw some ice in a zip bag, wrapped it in a towel, placed it over my eyes and relaxed (as much as possible) in bed. Half hour later the burning was gone, but the fever lingered. I took a couple of Tylenol and went back to bed.

Finally got out of bed to have a bite to eat at 6 PM, turned on the living room lights and took a look around the apartment for the first time in weeks.  No, really. Sick and struggling to keep awake and vertical takes all one's energy and I've had no time, or reason, to look around.

Found the Travel Pro lying on the sofa with main compartment gaping wide open ready to receive holiday attire. Shirts and slacks ironed, hung and ready for packing, the shorts and ultra-light cargo pants/shorts will go in before the others. Socks and undergarments are already packed and the Dopp Kit and daypack will go in just before the shirts and slacks. 

A small group of old NOLA friends have planned an evening of fine, elegant dining on my last night, but unless someone has a sport jacket to fit me, I won't be attending. Or, they'll chose another venue. I don't mind dressing up, but even Galatoire's doesn't require jackets unless you want to be seated on the main floor. If there is no one close to my body type, I might suggest "Remoulade" a semi-casual restaurant owned and operated by Arnaud's, which has a great menu and extensive oyster bar.  We shall see.

Meanwhile, I slept OK, except for massive sweats overnight when the fever finally broke. Changed bed linens and tee-shirts and went back to bed. Feel a little stronger this morning so , not to overdo it, I've had a coffee, breakfast and will have a yogurt before leaving for work.

Taking stock of camera accessories for the trip, I realized that the Canon DSLR (gifted to me) didn't arrive with an extra battery or the AC wall charger. So I went shopping on Amazon just now and found what I needed at half the price listed at the Canon site.  The best part is that there are no wires, the battery slides into the charger which then plugs directly into the wall outlet. Small and compact.  

While on the subject (and on the hunt anyway) I remembered the excursion on the Kalmar Nyckel revealed the limitations posed by the original lens (18 to 55 mm) I searched for a better, more extensive zoom lens. Many were either too heavy and bulky, or way beyond anything I would spend.  Years ago I used to lug around  a huge camera bag stuffed with various lenses for all kinds of situations.  I am no longer so inclined; needs have changed. Found the exact lens I was looking for(again, at Amazon) in a Tamron 18 to 200 mm lens with a $20.00 rebate.  Same wide angle as the original lens, but with a zoom range to 200 mm which is comfortable and still hand-holdable in most cases. It's compact design looks comfortable since it is around the same size as the original lens, with only a slightly larger (about 4 mm) barrel diameter.  The many reviews rated the lens at a 4 or 5 out of 5, and offered other information that novice users of DSLRs can share.  Yes, I ordered both of the above.  They will be delivered tomorrow. (I love Amazon Prime.)  

The restaurant is closed for Lunch Tuesday and Wednesday, now that the season is over. At this time that is very good news to me,  I get 2 days of rest.

Still no word from the sister.  I tried calling her again, but no answer. Maybe she's decided she'd rather not get together after all. Wouldn't surprise me in the least.  No more letters, but I try to get her by phone throughout the week. 

Time to take this act on the road. I'll be training someone to handle my duties while I'm away. This guy should have no problem with the basics. 

Hope today ends better than yesterday

And so it goes.

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This Isn't That Hard

And they are pet peeves of mine.  I cringe especially when the wrong word is used in a sentence by a teacher or professional of any kind.  It really isn't that hard, people.  Just laziness, I guess.

And so it goes.
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Photos From Hell and Back.

Wanted to post these so I could delete them forever from the hard drive and camera.  I have enough to remind me of last weekend's four-day excursion through and ultimately out of oblivion.

I arrived Friday morning in very bad shape. Two days of intense testing, medications, transfusions and great care helped me make it through. Sunday was the first chance to get the camera in hand. It was the worst day on the healing side of the 4-day process. The surprise high fever (of 102.4) was a setback, but ultimately a good thing, even if it meant staying another night.

The first time I was up and able to move about on my own without holding on to something. Yes, that is the "magic fingers" bed mentioned in earlier posts.

The beautiful flower basket had the nursing staff oohing.  The were from the guys at Dos Locos, of course.  Yes, those are carnations, one of my faves, and they actually had their own real scent. Everyone stuck their noses in for a good whiff, too.

Just a few vials of someone else's blood coursing through my veins. These samples were taken after the 5 transfusions and I was still not feeling well. 

Monday was a better, if confusing day. I was stronger and felt better, the BP had almost stabilized, and there were rumors that I would be going home by afternoon.  Note the "possible discharge" and the drug script at the bottom.  Yes, they were still on the lookout for occult blood at this late stage.  Talk about ultra-careful!

Yes, this was the view from my window.  That's Delaware Bay behind the city of Lewes, and the Atlantic beyond.  Unfortunately, the bed was on the other side of the room, so I didn't get to enjoy this view until I was up and moving on my own - on my last day.  

I have to say that this last visit gave me a whole new opinion about this hospital.  My previous stay seven years ago was anything but pleasant, comfortable, or handled professionally. The nurses and technicians have always been top-notch, but the support personnel and many of the physicians were very uncooperative and stubborn.  Today, I would have no qualms about recommending the Beebe Medical Center to anyone.

Well, that's over.  Now I wait for the results of the bone marrow biopsy, but after my return from New Orleans.

More later.

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Back Pain, Planning Ahead, & Caring Friends

Awoke unusually early today (4:15 am) with extreme back pain. I did my Quasimodo slide to the pain killers, swallowed one and slid back into bed. Took an hour for the pain to subside, though it's still making its presence known with any movement, it is bearable.

Brewed a coffee and cranked up the laptop to check email.  As usual,  tossing around the idea of investing in the Mac Mini.  The confining nature of the laptop keyboard is hard on my hands and I am just tired of the smaller screen, crappy speakers and everything else.  The great advantage of the Mac Mini is that the tiny CPU is the only necessary purchase. My wireless keyboard & mouse and monitor are compatible. I will think about the purchase while on holiday, ask a few friends (Mac folks, all) their opinions and make a decision when I get back. 

While having breakfast the phone rang.  It was another call from the Oncologist's office checking on my status. She asked about my appetite and offered that the first of the biopsy results will be in when I visit the doctor next Thursday, but the bulk will be another 2 weeks.  Probably the week after I return from New Orleans; around the 26th.

Received a phone call from Sasha asking if I needed anything, saying he could drop off before going to the restaurant this afternoon.  Assured him that all was well. Then a text message arrived from Linda (our GM) in Ireland visiting family, asking how I was doing and promising to bring home some Irish Sausages and a bottle of "Paddy's" Irish Whiskey. She said, she'll be in touch in a couple of days.  Very thoughtful, indeed. I am a very popular fellow today. 

Picked up a few Cara-Cara Oranges and Fresh Bananas that were on sale, filled up the car and took a drive down Coastal Highway hoping to get some pictures of wind surfers and small sailboats on the bay.  I  was deterred by the greed of the state park service who are still charging a fee to visit the bay AFTER Labor Day.  Unheard of until this year.  No matter where I pulled in to get a nice view there was the old man in his booth counting his money and hungry for more. After driving south for about 8 miles I realized it was useless to keep going, so I turned around and came back to town.

Stopped at the Post Office to pick up Passport Renewal forms (mine expires in October) and a Hold Mail Request for while I'm in NOLA.  Not that I receive tons of important mail, but the box here is rather small - about 12" long and 7" high - and pretty useless when it rains.  But, never mind.

It is a beautiful Autumn day here. Thought about taking a walk around town this afternoon, but with the back pain I am not sure that would be a good idea. Especially since my first day back to work is tomorrow; I don't want to do anything that might screw that up. 

And so it goes.
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Family Visit Caturday

Yeah, we've all had one in our lives, haven't we?

More later.
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Bone Marrow Biopsy: An Interesting Learning Experience.

The mounds of paperwork, medical mishugas, tests,; it was overwhelming and took longer than it ought to have, because of the damned legalese documents one must sign or initial before treatment will resume.  Some of the questions are silly and archaic;  "Do you have or have you ever had:  Diarrhea?  I mean, is there anyone on the planet who hasn't at least once in their life had that experience?  And they don't ask, when or why.  Just silly, because one has to provide explanations for these answers at the next office visit. Just another waste of time.

Glad I arrived early to get most of that out of the way.  Kim, the doctor's nurse/assistant was called and I was ushered into the comfortable examination/procedure room. She took my BP twice (once from each arm) then explained what was going to happen, what to expect. I asked questions (yes, you know me!) and received direct answers from Kim and, when he arrived, the doctor.  They wanted to put me at ease, keep me calm and comfortable, and assured that there would be no pain, only pressure.  Well, finally my upper pelvis was sanitized and prepped, the area marked and the Lidocaine injections begun.  They sent me to the roof, more than a pinch, I'd say.  Following the numbness Kim and I chatted about local eateries as the doctor made the small incision and the biopsy went off without a hitch. The rest is history.

NOTE: I am sure the image above (the tools of the trade) is horrifying to some, but let me assure you that not all instruments are used in every procedure. They offer a variety of options to the doctor so he can perform the task as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Anyway, Doctor told me I have very strong bones.  A good omen? As mentioned, pain only from the first Lidocaine injections, the last three I felt nothing. Since I've lost so much weight the bone of choice was very near the skin surface so the dr. had no trouble choosing his entry point and doing his thing. Yes, there is a little pressure as he probed and removed the marrow, but no discomfort. He retrieved enough for the slides and vials he needed, sterilized the area again, and used his hand to put pressure on the incision point to stop any bleeding.  Ultimately there was none.

Since I had him captive anyway, I asked about the NOLA trip and told him I planned to go, eat, and drink (at least a little) for 7 days and asked if he would do another BC before the trip.  He smiled and said he was glad to hear I was going away - to eat plenty of good food and get rest.  He suggested that he do a BC blood workup on my next visit on 9/12 and if it proved lower than it ought to be, he would supply the needed blood units to bring it back up to hold me for the week. I felt calm and reassured by his words.

Aside from the crowded airplane, he warned against large crowds with my compromised immune system, which could still cause problems if not careful.  Fever and infection are the worst fears he expressed, especially since there are still few hospitals functioning at full capacity in New Orleans. Two of the biggest and best are uptown and would be my best bets in case of emergency. I will learn more from my friends when I arrive.

When I left his office I felt a relief and calm pretty foreign to me. On the way home I realized I was starving and decided to stop for a small sub sandwich at Cassapullo's deli.  Now, even their "baby" sub - though only 6" long - is stuffed so full of meat, cheese, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles that the thing weighs about a pound when all is said and done.  I figured I'd never eat the whole sandwich but wanted to splurge.

After filing away all the biopsy paperwork along with that of last weekend's hospital stay, I sat down with the monster sandwich, tall iced tea and as Eva Cassidy sang in the background I began to munch and savor the sandwich.  Sense of taste hasn't totally returned but it was enough to give me the thrill I was seeking.  In the end  the whole sandwich was gone I and didn't feel stuffed, only pleasantly satisfied. 

Got out of the street drag and into bed to read for a while, waiting for the Lidocaine to wear off and determine how much soreness I would have to endure for the next 48 hours.  Nothing happened. No pain or soreness was forthcoming.  No stiffness in the back or hip. Surprised and shocked, but a very happy camper to be sure. There isn't even any sensitivity  at the point of entry.  Amazing, really.

I'll take the blessings where ever they come from. This morning I got a call from the doctor's office checking in to find out how I was feeling and if there were any negative effects from the procedure. She was very happy when I told her there were none. 

OK, as an aside: It's that time again.  I have to go out tomorrow and fill up the car - for the first time since May. With the accumulated gas points I will save .50 cents per gallon while enjoying an early morning drive out to the bay and stop for a few photos on the way.

Looking forward (with some trepidation) to returning to the restaurant on Sunday. A good test to determine how far I have improved and healed. 

And so it goes.
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To The Rich Old White Men Ready to Attack Yet Another Country..

Support another new war?

If so, then your privileged children and grandchildren should be forced to serve in it!

PS:  John Kerry, you ought to hang your head in shame. You lie and grandpa walnuts shows he cares by playing fake poker during vital hearings.  Or is it already a done deal?

More later.
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Bone Marrow Biopsy at 11:30 am Today!

The bone marrow biopsy appointment is set for today at 11:30 am. (They moved it up due to frantic rescheduling, which is fine by me.)  I'm ready to get it over with and get prepared for work
on Sunday.

I've been asked if I am afraid, or scared.  Well, of what? Any pain or soreness?  After last weekend I don't think that's an issue. Of the possible diagnosis of cancer? I've admitted the possibility, but No.  I haven't allowed myself to drift that far down stream. Presently, I want to maintain the stability I am enjoying and keep the healing process going.

I've become acutely aware of my body's responses to every day activities. So far, I've noted little change in the energy level, an increase in appetite, a low tolerance for sodium in any form. (That may be due to the new blood or the antibiotics in my system.) I seem to have more strength in my arms, but not legs. 

Now for a quick shower, then off to the Dr's office. 

Wish me luck.

More later.
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Communication is Overrated.

(Image: current hospital fashion accessories.)

Dropped off the prescriptions to be filled at the Supermarket Pharmacy and completed the forms to become a member of their discount clue, then did the necessary shopping while waiting for them. I can no longer take plain aspirin for headaches (it’s a blood thinner, which I do not need) or Ibuprofen for the same reason, so I picked up a bottle of Acetaminophen.  The stuff  has never offered relief of any kind, but it is what it is.

I picked up yogurt with "active cultures" to replace the bugs killed off by the antibiotic, sweet potatoes and bananas (high in potassium) and lots of other fresh fruits and veggies. Also picked up a few thin sliced rib-eye steaks for quick suppers. Having lost 10 lbs. over the past week, I need to build strength, fortunately the higher blood count has given me more of an appetite.

Since the scripts weren't ready I called the dry cleaners to check on my shirts and slacks only to be told there was nothing there under my name.  I didn't have the receipts with me, so I let it go, though it would have been convenient to get all these things done in one trip.

Took a stroll through the health aisles one more time thinking of any necessities I might need for the NOLA trip. Nothing caught my eye that can't be purchased once I get there.  Yes, I still plan to go.  After all, this could well be the last holiday trip I can make, so I want to make the most of it. Imbibing will be kept to a minimum.  Just hope the blood count remains up and stable.

Meanwhile...

While paying for the scripts, I noticed the absence of the discount member card and asked about it. The pharmacist had not seen the forms, so it took another few minutes to sort that out.  Finally all was squared and I was off to checkout. 

Picked up 2 slices of pizza on the way home - a spur-of-the-moment craving - and the car smelled heavenly all the way home. Though more salty than usual (or is it me?) I enjoyed them and washed them down with some home brewed iced tea. Something I haven't done in a long time.

Played telephone-tag with the Oncologist’s staff all day Tuesday until I finally gave up and waited til after office hours, left a message with times I would be available to call Wednesday.

Watched a few documentaries on YouTube, had a broiled pork chop and salad for supper, followed by a little ice cream and a banana before bed.  I read for a while, but sleep wouldn't come. Must have been the caffeine in the iced tea.  The body is more sensitive to everything nowadays.

So far everything seems to be holding steady with no lack of energy detected. I have nowhere to go today, so I await a call from the Oncologist's office to finalize a day and time for the biopsy.  Hopefully before week's end.

And so it goes.

A Surprise Weekend in Hospital or How Not to Spend Labor Day

No, seriously.

"Do u want me 2 take u 2 ER?" text was received early Friday morning from a friend/co-worker and I was at the hospital in a half hour. I had to promise to call for pickup when finished and tests results finalized.  He's not from around here. I knew it doesn't work that way.  One can sit for hours in the ER waiting room before being admitted, and they don't do anything quickly - just thoroughly and then some.

I was so bad off (guess I looked it, too) they admitted me within 15 minutes of arrival (no chance to go back home to pick up a few necessities - which I regretted not one second) and whizzed into an exam room where initial work was begun.  I kept dozing off only waking to answer questions. 

I was rushed by gurney for a CT scan to check for kidney stones (yes, they found one, Not the problem.), then to x-ray for pics of the back and chest. Returning to the ER exam room, I could tell by the long faces on the nurse and doctor that something is really wrong.

The doctor asks: how long have you been anemic?  I answer, never.
Doctor: well it looks like you are now.

Then he proceeds to ask the usual questions about blood in urine, stool, etc., but of course, they won't take my word for anything. I had a low grade fever of 100.7, my words were slurring, and I kept losing my train of thought. My blood count was dangerously low (I don't understand the numbers right now) at 5.6 and 11 respectively. 

A potassium supplement prepared, what a nasty thing that was. More tests and a full blood workup was ordered.

I was asked if I had ever been transfused and I answered, no.  There was an anxious look on the nurse's face as he explained the pros & cons and possible side effects. Being weak and dizzy I don't care and figure I'll take my chances. Three units of blood were thawed and as my room was prepped upstairs, I began receiving the first of the three. 

For 5 hours I was poked, prodded and asked the most ridiculous questions about anemia which I couldn't answer because I was unfamiliar with the condition, my mental faculties were just shorting out from weakness.  I couldn't make a fist.  No kidding.

A morphine cocktail was ordered to ease the back pain, cramps and headache. As soon as it hit I took a nap as they continued to poke and prod. I didn't care.  I woke to a bunch of colored wires attached to various points on my chest.  It was a heart monitor and the tiny control box made by Phillips felt like it weighed a ton.

The second unit of blood was setup as it was announced that my room was ready. So, up I go on the gurney with the blood moving in the breeze. A bit unsettling, that. I was taken to the top floor consisting of two sections, the ICU and something called the PCU.  I had a private room in the PCU, but  as soon as they moved me from the gurney to the bed with magic fingers** nausea set in, head began to pound, and I began trembling with chills.  When that subsided all I wanted to do was what I had been doing for the past week - sleep.

It was not meant to be. Labs were taken every 2 hours, cardiac blood work every 4 hours and on and on. I was a captive; right arm attached to the blood drip, left arm sporting a blood pressure cuff (which inflates every hour to be sure I'm still alive) attached to the heart monitor.  I wasn't hungry, but the head nurse talked me into a little supper consisting of fresh blueberries, hot tea, banana, and a sherbet. And of course, lots and lots of water.

No pleasant sleep was had that first night. I was fussed over and made as comfortable as possible. The nursing staff was the absolute best. The third unit of blood was connected at around 2am while the other various technicians were hovering nearby waiting their turn to do their thing. 

I felt little physical change on Saturday morning, but more tests ordered and more visits by other departments for evaluation and suggestions kept me confused and everyone else busy.

Friday & Saturday all urine and stool (if any) was sent to the lab to check for blood.  The vampires ran out of places to draw blood at one point but eventually some genius found an untouched gold mine and had her way with it.

Saturday PT dept. visited, we took a short walk as she evaluated my abilities, as it were. The department physician arrived in late afternoon to inform me that there was no blood in either stool or urine, the ultrasounds of the liver and spleen also proved negative. My heart was fine and my blood pressure, while bouncing around quite a bit, stayed well in the safe numbers especially following the 3 units of blood.  Go fig.

Saturday evening, the head nurse tried to give me a break from all the poking and annoying intrusions in hope I could get a good, quiet night's rest.  Well, that wasn't meant to be, either.

An oncologist paid a visit and decided that my blood count was not up to where he hoped it would be and I would receive another 2 units, a diuretic (Lasix?) and another anti-inflammatory. In order to get to the lavatory (which was as frequent as every 15 minutes) I was unplugged from the Blood Pressure cuff for the night so I could drag the hat-tree bag holder with me to the john as needed. There was usually a nurse nearby, just in case.  That was a comfort.

By 4 am on Sunday morning the worst was over; I was dehydrated and exhausted. A special breakfast was ordered, which was wasted because I was just too beaten up. Oh, and no sense of taste.  I ended up having Cheerios, Banana, Blueberry muffin and a very good, hot cup of coffee. 

I felt like death warmed over when the dept. physician arrived to tell me I could be released, if I felt well enough.  I mentioned I had a headache, stomach cramps, and felt feverish. He insisted there was no fever and suggested that I think seriously about going home.

Half hour later, the nurse arrived to do the vital's thing, and found that, indeed, I had a fever - of 102.4.!!! Not good. I asked that she take the readout to the physician immediately.  She did.

Surprise!!! There was a sudden commotion at the nurse's station and 3 nurses deliver a beautiful basket of fresh flowers, mostly carnations (my fave) and other blooms from my bosses at Dos Locos. The carnations actually have their real scent and everyone stuck their nose in to verify that fact. Sure cheered me up, even with the fever.

Meanwhile the physician and Oncologist seemed to have had a differing opinion about my condition. The Oncologist clearly won the debate and I was to finally get my full night of restful sleep.  The morphine cocktail was administered after a light supper and I was out by 7:30 last evening. Sure they did their usual poking stuff, but thankfully, I experienced nothing but peace. 

Woke today feeling better and was told that my blood count had reached acceptable level; the extra 2 units had done the trick. The dept. physician arrived asking how I felt and told me the Oncologist was pleased with the BC.  He also wanted me to schedule an appt. for a bone marrow biopsy, since all signs point in that direction.  

The hospital sent me home by taxi this afternoon and it feels good to be in my own space and in my own bed again. I have 2 scripts to have filled tomorrow, (an antibiotic & painkiller) a little grocery shopping, then a call to schedule that appt. for the biopsy, which I can hopefully get out of the way on Wednesday.

I've lost 10 lbs. and it shows. I didn't know until today how close I was to sleeping through heart failure and dying over the weekend. Instead, I'm still here for whatever comes next.

** A new computerized hospital bed designed to help alleviate bed sores. It has sensors that activate various mechanisms that move the mattress in all directions to make the patient more comfortable. I found the bed most comfortable, considering…

And so it goes.
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