Dear Marty and Barb and the rest of our family:
Marty, just wanted you to know I sent you a note this evening but it was
returned by that Daemon entity marked "access administratively denied". It was
about your photo, which despite your clarifications has so far remained beyond
my reach. But then look at my note about straws and positive thinking. Why did
it come out looking like that? Am I jinxed or has my dizziness entered my
computer? Is it trying to write some kind of blank verse all by itself?
I will report to my friends here at mol-cancer as soon as I can on my visit to
my oncologist today. In brief my friend and I rendezvoused at his office, and
it turns out that the chemo used in my consolidations, cytosar, has this
dizzying effect on some people. He pointed out that I have had my third
consolidation, and the effects build up. That's why I have been dizzyer than
ever lately (though I think it is already somewhat reduced). This plus the
anemia that results from chemotherapy accounts for my exhaustion and
unsteadiness. It will pass as my red cells increase, which should be soon.
Meantime I have agreed to a bone-marrow biopsy on 27 January -- provided I can
be well sedated, which he has promised. This will allow him to judge if a
fourth consolidation is necessary. Here comes the positive thinking! Positive,
positive, positive! No more loudspeakers, no more loudspeakers. Nurses address
your communications to each other and leave me out of it, please. Right out of
it -- right out of the hospital. Time and a biopsy will tell. ...
By the way he remarked that if he or my friend had my present red-cell count,
they would be unable to get out of bed in the morning. So these feelings are
now fully accounted for, and the meeting with the doctor has left me feeling
relieved.
Apart from the anemia, my blood count is excellent. My vital signs are fine.
By the way, if I may be allowed to recommend a product, for those with bone
aches from neupogen, I recommend Sportscreme. Especially at night, I really
think it helps.
Oh, and I did write to the CEO of my hospital about those loudspeakers and the
shortage of nurses. I understand he is unlikely to read the letter. (That from
an insider.) Well, if I don't get a response I will have to do a little
thinking about who to send copies to. Perhaps our Mayor would be interested.
(Just joking. I think.)
Now I have very little left to send you a report on -- nothing in fact -- but
you know that will not stop me from putting some words together. I almost
promise not to deal with anything cosmic. It ain't easy.
I hope others agree with me that when we are better we will still stick with
mol-cancer. This correspondence is rewarding and a wonderful outlet. It is
also addictive. And it certainly shows me, at least, that I am relatively
lucky. Your note last evening Carla -- was it last evening? like much else it
has disappeared from my computer -- shows what real courage is. My hat would
be off to you, were I wearing one. My hair is off to you anyway. And to all
you others facing your problems, and those of your loved ones, with such
fortitude, faith and good nature.
All together now!
Oh, that bed looks inviting.
Goodnight.
-- Ron
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