Day 3 Chemo

I am sitting in my little hospital room, hooked up to Stringbean, my IV pole, as they infuse my 1st chemo of the day. So far so good. Just that funny taste in my mouth. I didn't get my workout in yet since Holly stopped by earlier than usual on her way to work, and they started the chemo earlier than usual. They are trying to get me on a 9am and 9pm schedule. On Saturday, when I have it for the last time, I'll be able to go home. It will be late, of course, but I'll be happy to go home to sleep in my own bed.

Yesterday they gave me a Daypass to leave the hospital, and our friend Sandi gave me a ride home. She was over here getting her flu shot and called to see if she could stop by for a visit. Her work is nearby; in fact, I can see her building from my window. She was sweet to run me home and take time from her workday to be out and about for a bit shuttling me to and fro.

I had a relaxed, low key day at home with my Daypass. I walked down to Weaver St to stretch my legs. I also returned that mystery book by Ian Rankin that I read yesterday (fluff but fun fluff). I picked up a new book by Thomas Frank entitled "What's the matter with Kansas, " which hey had on hold for me. I have started using the library several times a week now. It makes a good destination walk, and they have a terrific collection for a small town library. The next time I am there, I am going to buy the $2 bumper sticker that supports their services. It still amazes me that the library is free. I mean books, magazines, computers, and DVDs all free. They do alot of programs for kids too. I always see lots of young kids there with their parents or being read to in the activity room. Of course, the older kids are glued to the computers doing email and whatever else they do (?homework?). When we lived in South Windermere, a neighborhood in Charleston, I could ride my bike or walk to the public library. I really liked to go there and hang out. I would read parts of the Encyclopedia, since we didn't have one, and I loved history/biography books. It was fun to peruse the shelves or the card catalog picking up interesting reads that I stumbled upon. Wikipedia is pretty cool too, but it's harder to just stumble onto something else when you are using the computer as the search agent.

Well I'm hoping for another Daypass tomorrow. My hemoglobin has already fallen to 8.7 so I will need a blood transfusion soon-either today or tomorrow. My platelet and white cell counts are still high, however.

Another photo from the w-e trip. This is the lighthouse on Chincoteague island. It is actually 5 miles from the shoreline now as sand and marsh has built up over the last 200 yrs with all the hurricanes, tropical storms, and wave surges. Our sea kayaking trip was held in the little cove created by all those past surges. This lighthouse was built in 1833 and automated in 1965. Its signal extends 22 miles out to sea as a warning for nearby boats. The signal consists of 2 flashes of light every 5 seconds. I did get a photo of it as it turned on one evening. I'll include that photo with another blog entry.