Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Thanks to the helping hands of Ulrike, Susanne K, Tanja C, Torsten S (of BM IT legend), and a newlywed Andrea and Christian, the move is complete. Everything is over at the new place, with the exception of the internet/phone connection and a sofa that will either be hoisted, airlifted or, if all else fails, catapulted into Samantha's attic loft (meanwhile, the sofa has landed.) Now we're just hoping to hock a garage full of stuff at this Saturday's garage sale, which, if you're in the market for kids clothing, this is the place to go. (meanwhile, 95% hocked)

Sammy loves her new room, by the way, and is enjoying her summer vacation (meanwhile, she starts 3rd grade tomorrow). Anke has been working double shifts on renovations etc at the house, covering for me. I'm not all that much help, or rather, for my own darn good, not allowed to be.

I'm feeling well now, in between treatment sessions: the first of which was July 1-4, the second likely starts next week Monday (meanwhile, obviously, did start). Slowly dissipating are the usual side effects of nausea and fatigue, plus a third one which I can't remember right now. What have I been up to? Well, I spend about a third of my average day mustering up an appetite/eating; a third of it resting/napping after strenuous activity (such as walking a flight of stairs); and the rest I spend looking for things I'm continually misplacing. Oh, yeah, 3rd side effect: forgetfulness.

Every few days I'm going in for tests to monitor my blood values. (Brian, I've now started trying to predict what the values will show, guessing e.g. HB values depending on fatigue level; or thrombos based on how fast wounds heal, etc. Am getting pretty accurate at it.) When values are ripe after next round, I'll be in for the transfusion of my own good blood cells. Latest bone marrow tests show there's no new bad guys growing there, which is very good news. And a good, positive note to end on.

Wishing you all the best that money can't buy,

Chris