Acupunture

Here is my theory about why acupunture works: For up to 30 minutes at a time (back, then front) you have to remain perfectly still while lying on a padded table. Tinkly music is playing softly in this darkened room. You have some of your clothes off. Your central nervous system begins to power down and you doze off. Soon you are dreaming of your daughter's laughing face.

Presents

Everyone knows what I got for Christmas last year: cancer. Today was my birthday, and on this occasion I got neutropenia — low white blood cells. We're talking 800, people. "Normal" is between 4,000 and 11,000. Below 1,000 and it's "oh, shit." So, as when I was getting Taxol, I received a Neupogen shot today and will get one tomorrow. The day after that I get my counts checked again and they should be better.

The main effects I'm feeling are: I tire very easily, my concentration is poor, memory is dullish, and my hands and legs swell up.

Last Treatment Today

Today is my last treatment of chemotherapy. I'm typing as fast as I can before my brother gets here to pick me up. I am very glad this is the last time I have to overcome my natural urge to simply run to the airport instead of going to the infusion suite. I'm supposed to get a T-shirt from the cancer center today, but if they don't give me one, that's okay. I'll still be able to remember that this happened to me.