Saturday, December 12, 2009

Shooting Skeet

In Chapter 5 of Catch 22 (for those interested in research) Yossarisan and Dunbar discuss the merits of shooting skeet on the newly constructed range. Dunbar makes the argument that, while it is boring and unpleasant, the practice makes the time pass very slowly—thereby increasing the length of his life.
My life has lengthened considerably in the past two weeks, by this measure. And would seem to hold much more longevity in the future.
Cytoxan Mobilization , not being a perfect science, still leaves something to be desired in terms of side-effect management. Happily, two weeks later, I am sitting, once again, in apheresis, awaiting collection of sufficient white blood cells to proceed with the next, and final, phase of the transplant.
My hair is leaving town again. And to paraphrase Bruce Springsteen: “they ain’t coming back.” New hair will follow, though, if my experience proves correct.
Both Jane and I are going back to Bethesda for a few days of break. Will return at the end of next weekend, when the real work begins. Transplant chemo begins the 23rd of December. (Followed up on the 25th and 27th). Actual day of transplant is the 28th. The week or so following will be a replay of the week following the Mobilization, but with better special effects. Not sure how much blogging will be available in that time frame, but I will do my best.
Feeling a little Dickensian as we approach the holidays, I wish a “Happy Christmas to all” and the best of holidays to everyone else.
Saturday Morning, December 12

2 comments:

  1. Just a note to wish you well, and I understand congratulations are in order. Hugs to Molly and Julian Darl

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear Mike,
    My name is Jean and I’m a volunteer with the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link. Our organization helps patients, caregivers, and families cope with the social and emotional challenges of transplant by providing vital information and personalized support services. We subscribe to Google blog alerts, where we found your story.
    Please know that others are thinking of you and pulling for you! To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.nbmtlink.org or call 800-546-5268.
    All the best!

    ReplyDelete