The Boy In The Plastic Bubble

Good evening all!

Did anybody ever see that amazing 70's movie "The Boy In The Plastic Bubble" starring John Travolta?  Well I did, and I can tell you I felt like him this past weekend as I waited for my immune system to recover in the hospital.  Now in the movie he rides off on a horse with a blond girl, which is slightly different from me, as I rode off in a gold car alone.  Either way, I can empathize with the guy.

So yes, my white blood counts finally rose above the critical level Tuesday morning, and I was eventually free to go once the doctor signed off on my case.  They warned me of a potential need for blood transfusions as I was leaving, due to my red blood cells steadily dropping near critical levels.  This wouldn't involve admittance to the hospital, but it would take a few hours from what I gather.  I had to go back this morning for blood work, and since I didn't get a call from the office indicating my red count has become severe, it must mean that they finally turned back up as well.

So I sit here after an unexpected 4 day hospital stay, and I can see my next treatment cycle fast approaching.  I will be back in the hospital for the usual routine next Thursday for cycle 4.  I am starting to see the finish line off in the distance, so hopefully this will help pull me through cycles 4 & 5, as I've heard they can be some of the most difficult of the treatment process.  One very positive sign that I hope is the beginning of a trend is the way my body is reacting to the chemo once I'm done with treatment.  The amount of time I've spent actually feeling bad post discharge is really getting less and less.  I mean even though I had to go to the hospital this past week, I felt very good the whole time, and in reality my fever had broken by early Saturday morning, the remaining time spent was just precautionary. 

I hope this means that instead of being worn down by the cumulative effects of the chemo, my body might be adapting and getting used to the treatment.  I have really had very little nausea, and only lost my appetite a few times over the entire course of treatment.  I have yet to develop these mouth sores people keep talking about, and my energy level has remained steady if not quite 100%.  Of course this could all change with cycle 4, but I am really trying to convince myself and my body that I have this thing licked, so hopefully this mental "strength" will help pull me through these last few cycles.

Until I go back in next week though, I am going to enjoy this next week on the outside.  I am looking forward to a great weekend, and heck, I'm even looking forward to some productive days at work.  Thank you again to everyone who has sent cards, called, and checked in via email, it all plays a role in how well I've done to this point!

Oh, and any thoughts to the best Halloween Costume involving a bald man?  I mean Dr. Evil is a given, but I wonder if something funnier exists?