Saturday, January 14, 2017

Nothing is the same

With each round of chemo, my reaction changes with each round and even within each round.  The previous two rounds I was binging on red Powerade, Hawaiian Punch and ginger ale.  Currently it is Martenellis sparkling cider, Shasta orange soda from the 99 cent store and tangerines from Clare's back yard.  She brought a large bag of them during the Christmas break.  Now these are not your Halos, but a tart taste that most would return to the store if they bought them.  For me they became addictive consuming four or five a day for two weeks.  I bit into a Halo today and spit it out due to its sweetness.  Every time I think I have adjusted or have prepared for the next round, the body reacts differently.  According to the wife, it is me being me (not normal is the implication, a constant theme in our marriage).

I am in week two of round 7.  Low white blood count remains a strong concern.  The ability to fight off infections has motivated Gayle to impose a quarantine  on my activities.  No exposure to the latest cold front, especially at night.  She conceded to allow me to attend my senior video class tomorrow providing I wear a surgical mask.  So much for being inconspicuous.  I need to explain that it,s purpose is to protect me from germs and not the other way around.  I'm thinking of printing "germs, it's you, not me" across the front.  I did notice they come in only one color.  They have boxes all over the infusion and waiting room like Kleenex boxes.  So if you run into me around town, don't freak out, don't be offended if I wash my hands after greeting you, or if you detect the smell of hand sanitizer .  It's just me with one more round to go.

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