Everything is all set for tomorrow.  We have someone watching the kids. Paperwork is signed and by the door. My bag is packed with clothes and a generous amount of toilet paper (I’ve actually received a few rolls as gifts since I’ve been home). I’m all ready for chemo # 2!

Friday night was one of those times when none of the kids were happy. It’s times like Friday where I stand in front of them and wave my hands around like I’m the conductor of an orchestra.  I call it the crying orchestra. Migrated, my musicians don’t follow the conductor whatsoever, but it gives me a bit of levity during a trying situation. On Friday night I was thinking that a few days of R&r in the hospital don’t sound too bad.

Saturday was a good day. I ran to the bank and used the drive thru of course.  I also visited another drive thru and had my first Starbucks in 6 weeks.  Then on the way back home I saw some neighbors outside.  Since it was so nice out I stopped and we chatted for quite some time.  Eventually someone came by with a bottle of wine and we all partook of some liquid refreshment. Without such nice weather this wouldn’t have been possible. Finally I went back home and watched the football games with a friend.  Good times.

Father thank you for a good weekend and a good day.  Thank you for safe travel for my family.  Thank you for keeping me healthy while my immune system is suppressed.  Thank you for a great cancer center only a short distance away.  Thank you for another day. Amen.

One of my coworkers has a child in 1st grade.  The 1st grade class made cards for me while I was in the hospital.  They were all decorated as you might imagine a first grade class would decorate.  A few misspellings.  A lot of cards where they ran out of room and kept spelling the word on another line, and then there was Addison’s card.  Addison wished me well and she was sorry I was sick…Addison also wrote her phone number on my card.  Since it’s been some time since I’ve gotten a girls digits, it’s nice to know I still have it.  Alas young Addison, I’m a married man and you’re in first grade.  It’s just not meant to be.

I told my coworker about Addison’s phone number.  She burst my bubble and let me know that they are practicing phone numbers in first grade.  Apparently Addison thought my card was homework.  That’s not quite as flattering.

I had a message from Dr. Cripe’s office.  I have an appointment on Monday, where I was hoping to get more information on my next steps.  The voice mail mentioned my appointment and then it also said I was getting a port.  Hmmmm…didn’t know about the port.  Guess I should call them back.

I called back and had a conversation similar to this:

Me: This is Rob Culross, you left me a voice mail a little bit ago

Stacy: Hi Rob, I was calling about your appointment on Monday.  They have you scheduled to get a port.  Did you know about that?

Me: No

Stacy: Also, after your appointment is over and you have your port, they want to admit you for your next round of chemo.  Did you know that.

Me: No

So there you have it folks, apparently my next round of chemo will start with an admission on Monday.  Glad I found out before my appointment!

After my appointment with Dr. Cripe, I should have a better idea of next steps.  Obviously I am getting admitted on Monday.  I’ll be in the hospital for four days.  I get 4 chemo infusions total.  Two on day 2 and two on day 3.  On days 1 and 4 I get some other meds.  I’ll get discharged after day 4 and recover at home.

At some point after this 2nd round I’ll get my 2nd bone marrow aspiration.  I’m looking forward to that like one looks forward to a swift kick in the junk. It’s a necessary kick though.  That aspiration will tell us if I’m in remission (90% chance) or if I’m not (6%-7% chance).  You mathletes may notice those don’t add up to 100%.  The other 3-4% are those that passed away before the 2nd bone marrow aspiration.  All indications are that I won’t be in that group.  Assuming I’m in remission, I will then continue with 6 additional chemo treatments (1 per month).

Father God, I’ve got nothing.  My mind is a blank.  Sometimes it’s not about the depth of the conversation, but just about having the conversation with  you.  You know the thoughts that aren’t coming to the front of my mind.  You know the desires that are in the deepest parts of my heart.  Thank you for listening when it seems I have nothing to say.  Thank you for hearing my heart and healing my body.  Thank you for another day.  Amen.

If you recall, I’m working from home now.  Even though I sit in my office chair and work on a computer all day, I’m tired by the afternoon.  This thinking stuff can wear a guy out.  In the hospital I could relax and watch some TV.  I’d still be tired, but it was more physical than mental.  Now I’m just tired all around.  It’s 830 and I’m heading to bed as soon as this is done.

WBC – 1.6

Hemoglobin – 10.2

Platelets – 159

ANC – 0.9

So the ANC is rising.  I guess I’ll be around 1.5 or just under when I have my appointment with Dr. Cripe on 1/14.  I’m guessing that means the next round of chemo is just around the corner.

Father thank you for good numbers.  Thank you for good days.  Thank you for a roof over my head and food for my family.  Thank you for another day.  Amen.