Nov 12: Milestone after waiting 2 days

 I was hoping to get out Friday. I got out today at noon. Better late than never. 

Ringing the bell to signify "end of chemo round!"

Methotrexate was kicking my butt. I was still retaining it and couldn't get down to the "safe" level to leave. You have to ask lots and lots of questions to get to the reasoning behind some of the decisions. 0.05 is the "safe level." Not sure exactly what measure of unit is, but I was 0.09 Friday and still at 0.06 late yesterday after waiting most of the afternoon for the latest results. Talk about a patience-building experience. Cytarabine was my other chemo butt-kicking Thurs & Fri, along with an intrathecal dose of Methotrexate on Thursday. I call cytarabine, "cy bean of terror." Oh, and a unit of blood yesterday to get the O2 flowing a little better. Now, to get the taste buds and appetite back in shape for Thanksgiving. 

So, this was round 4, a milestone. I'm not real clear what's next on the horizon, other than waiting for the transplant people to let me know if we have a match for a stem-cell to bone marrow transplant. One of the residents let slip there might be another "round of 4" after this "round of 4." I guess I'll find out this week. 

I got to practice piano keyboard a bunch thanks again to the BUMC music therapy group. It's a lifesaver; I mean you can only watch so much Judge Judy. 

I still have my port and so, I guess the calculus will begin whether to maintain it for big round 2x4, or pull it if it's not going to be used in the next couple of months. 

Incredibly thankful and grateful for all who have cared and supported us, for the prayers upon prayers. I don't know how people go through life without a clear hope in the eternal triune God the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit. With all the evidence of God, it seems like it would take more faith in "not believing" than in believing. 

May your week and Thanksgiving be filled with faith, hope, thankfulness, gratitude, and most of all, love. 

G