Almost Normal... Hiccup... Normal (Almost)

As I recline in bed with my swollen feet propped on the infamous wedge pillow, I'm reflecting on a few wonderful days...

My week began "incognito"at our new faculty orientation, the first of several events that convinced me I'm in a special place among amazing people :)

I rocked Bertha, even posing for a few requisite pix, and had to stifle giggles when folks commented on my great "hairstyle" :tup

Wait for it...

This is a HICCUP - in case you couldn't tell ;)

Midweek brought me back to reality with my between-treatment labs.  My counts were down again, nearly as low as last round, this time with a BONUS!!!  My RBCs and hemoglobin were down too - hoorah! (NOT)  Because labs don't typically involve an appointment with my oncologist, I met with another onco in the office - they wouldn't let me leave after getting my results :@

He checked my blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, legs, etc. and said I was "borderline" at this point for a blood transfusion.  I begged off, explaining, "I'm ALWAYS low.  I've been anemic since the age of 12!"  After checking my records (a rapidly growing trail of quantitative data, I provide a qualitative argument.  "I really feel great!"  "No, I've NOT had shortness of breath, a rapid heart beat, swelling in my extremities..."(that was then ;))

He agreed to wait, but warned me the chemo's impact would be cumulative and to expect the need for a transfusion before round #4 - but not THIS week :)  

Steak dinner anyone???

My WBCs (infection fighters) will bounce back thanks to Neulasta, but he put me on an antibiotic again for protection.

Aunt and cousin were in town part of the week - 'Cuz has a new client in the ATL - so I met them and my mom for a bit of shopping (got precious daughter this beautiful chevron dress for back-to-school/sorority events:

Thursday brought a full-faculty event that included several inspirational conversations as well as smiles and welcomes from some familiar faces - did I mention how excited I am about this job?  Today was long and busy with meetings galore but, again, productive and informative.

On multiple occasions this week I literally forgot about my battle.  Mama warns me continually NOT to get TOO stressed, "because you KNOW that stress brings on bad things!!!"  "But," I tell her, "good stress, the exciting, challenging kind, is SO therapeutic."

Yes, Bertha gave me a headache, but instead of scolding her, I thanked her for her help this week and put her gently back on her stand this evening :)

Oh, one MORE victory - NO BONE PAIN this time!!!

Now it's time for some much needed rest.

HAPPY WEEKEND to all my praying angels :angel  And I'll leave you with this, an image sent to me by one of you ;)

'Hiccup' pic from: http://www.advances-in-medicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Persistent-Hiccups.jpg