Dear Sylvia,
Today, on a perfect New York day, I visited my doctor for his analysis of my
latest period of consolidation. I live near Columbus Circle and took a taxi to
77th and 1st, where my oncologist has his office. What a town. How it makes
you want to live forever. Especially at this time of year. With the leaves
gone, as the taxi went up Central Park West you could see clear across the
park to Fifth Avenue, and there is something about the New York light. Some
people hate this place, but to me it is the center of creativity. I love
London. I love Paris, Rome. They are all just as important, just as beautiful,
exciting. Not to mention Hong Kong. But if I've got to be struggling with
cancer, here is as good a place as any, and it sure keeps your blood moving.
Talking of blood, my doctor told me my white cells are at 2,800, which is
excellent so soon after chemotherapy. I am injecting myself nightly with my
now old and expensive friend neupogen (just did my third one; seven more to
go). My last self-injection will occur on my next to favorite day of the year,
Christmas Day. (My favorite is Christmas Eve.) I shall have to time it so that
I can celebrate as I like to, quietly, with a few good friends, including my
cherished one.
All in all, I had a very good reading from my doctor. Things could not be
better. The small discomforts I have are an inevitable result of the chemo. He
says I should have a platelet transfusion on Monday, a red-cell transfusion on
Tuesday, and that I should see him on Christmas Eve for a review of where
things are going. So you could say my Advent Calendar is an unusual one this
year!
Returning home, the taxi went through Central Park by the Tavern on the Green,
which I saw the other night from my friend's car. The lights this year are
almost all blue, with one tree outlined in white. It is almost as beautiful as
usual, but not quite. (Pity the food doesn't live up to the lights!) Of course
at this time of the year there are lights everywhere. My particular block
covers all its trees, from 8th to 9th Avenue, with lights.
Hope things are sparkling where you are.
Have a great holiday season. Thanks for your words.
Start spreading the news ...
-- Ron
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