Weekend Update

I'm still feeling good, and my fatigue level decreases a little each day. I went in on Thursday for another blood draw and checkup and found, once again, that I didn't need a transfusion. I'm getting close to the platelets transfusion parameter of 20, so I'll no doubt need a boost when I go in for my next appointment on Monday.

Day 18, Monday, December 3
(Numbers in parentheses are normal ranges.)
WBC 2.7 (4.0-11)
RBC 3.39 (3.8-5.2)
HGB 11.3 (11.5-15.5)
PLT 41 (150-350)

Day 21, Thursday, December 6
WBC 2.0 (4.0-11)
RBC 3.26 (3.8-5.2)
HGB 10.7 (11.5-15.5)
PLT 27 (150-350)

I've managed to do an outing each day, but I'm very careful about not over-exhausting myself. I'm getting spoiled with curb-to-curb pickup and drop-off service. Friends drove out of their way on Wednesday evening to take me to the IWOSC holiday party at the Biltmore in downtown LA. My plan was to sip one permitted drink, stay for 45 minutes and then drive home with George, who works just a few blocks away.

I looked around in amazement at the many people who could stand, sip and carry on an animated conversation simultaneously. I, on the other hand, headed straight for the nearest plush sofa in the opulent Rendezvous Court. Of course, my inability to stand and sip may have had as much to do with my stiletto "slut" pumps as post-chemo fatigue. Nonetheless, I was plum tuckered out by the time George picked me up.

Yesterday, I was out and about for nearly three hours with another friend. We finally got to try the recommended almond green tea (more about this later) at the Tea Station in Alhambra and shopped at two produce markets. I was tired but not exhausted when we returned home. And I managed to pull off an entire day without a nap.

I just got back from a neighborhood walk that was probably the same distance that I hoofed while a guest at Hotel Hope. The difference, and it's a huge one, is that my neighborhood is hilly. At the hospital, I could power walk the 1.5 miles without stopping, but I need to take frequent breaks during the ups and downs of my neighborhood hike. I know that I'll see steady progress, just as I did after Hyper CVAD. For now, it's very humbling for someone who was doing 4-mile mountain hikes in Colorado just a few weeks ago.

I try to do a little bit more each day while listening very closely to what my body is telling me. Oh, excuse me. I think my body's trying to tell me something right now. What's that? Take a little nap? No problem.