There is an afterlife...

After yesterday's phlebotomy, I worked a normal but sedate work day. Today, I'm driving to West Yellowstone for a conference, but with a phlebotomy kit in the car. A nurse practitioner in Montana is willing to drain this vein. (Not funny, I know!)

I'm getting familiar with feelings of tiredness, and they are not so debilitating now. I'm having a hard time with weight gain - eating balanced but smaller meals and still fighting for every pound. The reduction in physical activity probably accounts for lower metabolism and the "proud porker" feeling.

I look forward to going to the CRC (in the hospital) because of the nursing staff. They are so friendly and each one so good to work around - it's a pleasure to get stuck in the arm. I can't think of a group that is nicer - on a par with their fellow Huntsman clinicians and doctors. I think that their attractiveness as human beings might disguise their excellent medical skills.

I've added some charting (I must be a little OCD) to help me anticipate interruptions to my iron-shedding activities. The CHART (on the side panel) allows me to keep up with the response to cycles of chemo, phlebotomy and regeneration.