Flexible like Gumby

My doctor's appt was at 12:30p today, but I didn't get home until after 3pm. My doctor sent me for a chest X-ray and EKG at the big hospital in preparation for my chemo next week. I figured it would just be a quick in and out visit to set up the hospital admission next week, but I have learned to ALWAYS carry something to read just in case. It turned out to be a good decision as I had to wait for him a bit. They were still backed up with overflow patients after being closed Monday (Labor Day holiday). Then, of course, I had a bit of a wait for the Chest X-ray and the EKG. Good reading time for the NY Times Book Review from last Sunday. Reminds me how fortunate I am to be flexible-like Gumby - as one of my friends used to say.

Dr Long and I did have a pretty brief visit since I am doing so well right now. I go back into the hospital Monday morning for the next 5 days of chemo. He isn't on the inpatient/hospital service now, so I will have one of his colleagues taking care of me while I am there. We planned out the rest of the chemo courses to occur roughly every 4 weeks. I should finish the fourth and last round at the beginning of November. He'd like me to stay out of work recovering until January 1st.

Wow, I never would have expected to be out of work from June 4th until the beginning of 2009 with this leukemia. But again, I'm not in charge, and it really is best to be flexible (I guess Gumby will go back to work in January of 2009). At least we are getting to Asheville on some of these w-e's when my blood cell counts are good. That has been an unexpected treat. Hopefully we'll get to do that with these coming rounds of chemo too. It has been a real treat to see friends, hike, and be in the Asheville house like old times.

I did a longer Hillsborough run this morning, about 4 miles. I am trying to work back up to 6 miles before Monday. I'd like to run my route around Beaver Lake when we are in the mtns this w-e.