Blood work and Lenore's news

Feeling good again today. I went to the clinic for a blood draw this morning to monitor the effects of the chemo. My red blood cell counts are still well within the normal range so all that oxygen-carrying capability probably helps explain why I still have good energy levels (still plodding along on dissertation related work and even starting to catch up with grading in a couple of my courses). My white blood cell counts have dropped (which is good since that is where any remaining goblins might be holding out) but probably won't 'nadir' (bottom out) until the middle of next week. At that point, I'll be especially susceptible to secondary infections so I'll be actively avoiding sick people.

We had another nasty surprise this week. The growths which were removed from Lenore's face last week (and were thought benign) turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma. It is almost as if we've decided to open our own oncology ward. As our friend Laurie put it, kind of makes you wonder if there is something in our water. Lenore had an appointment this morning and her doctor is not especially concerned with the situation at this point. Lenore will use a topical drug called Altara for a few weeks and that should be the end of it -- in any case, it seems like empathy above and beyond the call of marital duty!

Although I remain optimistic and eager to get this whole process behind me, I was reminded of the seriousness of cancer yesterday when I received the news that Susan Smith, a member of my church only a few years my senior, succumbed yesterday after a prolonged struggle against this insidious disease. Susan was a great and kind soul who had a positive effect on our church, on Bemidji State University, and on the larger community. She will be missed and remembered by many. /dps