Day +5: Yadda Yadda Yadda

I'm so happy. But not because that I've been feeling any better. (As a matter of fact, my white-cell count nearly bottomed out this morning). And it can't be that I have my taste buds back. (That won't happen for a while).

I'm pleased as punch as my mother and I were able to take yet another early day to stop back at the apartment to pick up some things, and to get away from that god-awful boring hotel. Not that it's a bad place, but you can only live in two rooms for soooo long. If I played another game of Solitare on that king-size bed, I could scream.

Smiles all around for this guy.

But in all seriousness, I really can't complain. Although my energy level is pathetically low, at least the recduction in my drug prescriptions have allowed my to retain my lucidity and general good humor. Those who followed me at this time last year know that it was a completely different situation. As long as I can stay off the major drugs, it should be smooth sailing.



All that's required is to lay low for the next few days, and wait for the counts to come back up. If I hold up for another 5 days or so, I may be able to return to my apartment early next week.

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But while I have the computer again, I'd like to make a few public announcements.

• Philip Zimmerman is one month away from his first stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, he doesn't not have any close family or a dedicated caregiver for his treatment. Did I mention he has a mortgage to keep up?
  
  Please contact him at his website if there is anything you can do to help Philip out --- if only just for sending him a message wishing him the best during his upcoming treatment.
  
  
• My good friend Jason Verbovsky from Toronto is running a half-marathon on behalf of The Lymphoma and Leukemia Society.
  Jason has notified me that he will be running the marathon on my behalf, and for that, I am very thankful (I am tearing up as I write this). The Lymphoma and Leukemia Society helped me last year by paying for a portion of my chemotherapy medications. Please support Jason in this endeavor.

Well, my brain is about to shut down. I'll be in touch.