Surprises at the City of Hope

My follow-up visit at CofH today included a blood draw, a consultation with Dr. Forman, a mini chemo infusion and at least two surprises.

I was surprised to learn from Dr. Forman that my white blood cell count, which was drawn last Friday, had plummeted from 1,000 to 400. Dr. Forman was concerned enough that he thought about calling me at home last weekend. The surprising thing is that I didn't feel "fatigued" at all. As a matter of fact, I had an active weekend that included a dinner party on Saturday night (thanks, Debbie!) and a large gathering of Andrew's family on Sunday. I've taken time for "resting" during the day, but haven't napped once since I checked out of Hotel Hope a week ago. It's encouraging to see that I'm still feeling energetic in spite of the white blood cell dip. I received an inoculation to help me keep the count up during the next round. (NOTE added July 2007: At the time I wrote this, I didn't understand that white blood cells have nothing to do with fatigue.)

While scheduling my next appointments, I spotted City of Hope CEO and President Dr. Michael Friedman, a diminutive but dapper man in a trademark bow tie. He stopped to chat with a volunteer and then with Dannie, my scheduler. I thought about introducing myself to him, but didn't want to be presumptuous. The next thing I know, he's introducing himself to ME because it turns out I'm the person he's looking for.

My friend Barbara R., who is on the Hillside's board with Dr. Friedman's wife Libby, is responsible for the connection. He said that he tried to visit me while I was an in-patient, but I had already checked out. Cindy, Andrew and I sat down and chatted for several pleasant minutes with Dr. Friedman. When he asked how I was being treated, I told him that I had the best doctor in the house. He disagreed and said that Dr. Forman isn't just the best in the house; he's one of the best in the world. I did tell him that I'd experienced a couple of administrative snafus along the way, but everything was satisfactorily resolved. He gave me his card and asked me to call him personally if anything ever came up.

It was no surprise that Dr. Friedman, like Dr. Forman, seems to be that rare combination of genius and graciousness.