Day 4: Consolidation Chemo

WBC: 11.7

Neut: 10.9

Haem: 104

Platelets: 360

I get the print out of my blood results in the last few days and have to keep checking they have the correct name on them, as these results are so far removed from what I have been looking at for the last (nearly) 3 years!

Yesterday they were higher - but the chemo is working to bring them back again, and I have been assured these high results are an expected result of the stimulating shot they have given me (which I get again at the end of this course). The expectation is that the results remain high, and this gives me a period of being well whilst I get worked up for the BMT - due to start in Jan (still anxiously awaiting a start date).

I have been feeling well - no nausea this time (yet - which is nice) but just attached to the IV 24/7 which of course just makes moving around a little more challenging, but OK when feeling OK.

My only ongoing complaint is the shared room and almost impossibility to sleep. I sleep with noise cancelling headphones and an eye mask, but it is still not enough to drown out the snoring from the bed next to me (world record chance there) and the noise & light from the nurses station. Add to that little frustrations like the room of 4 beds and 4 TV's has one remote control and the 4 of us have to share the remote. I would love for someone from admin to come down and spend 4-7 nights in the room and see how much they enjoy it! I am sure if they did this, things would be improved. And don't even get me started on the food. Essentially I eat what Anth brings in for me. And if I do want something (such as a lemonade tonight) they don't have it available.

I actually refused to sign my private health cover this time as there is absolutely nothing I get from doing this as a patient. The admin staff actually seemed quite happy that I was making a stand, as she indicated she had been raising this issue with hospital admin for some time. Over the course of a week, the hospital can claim $1000's from my private health fund, but I get absolutely nothing in return. I could go on about a private room, food etc, but the main bug bear at the moment is the parking. Surely they can offer a family member $21 parking pass for the week free of charge, in exchange for the $ they receive from the private health fund!

So, without work to channel my desire to debate issues - and feeling well - it is all directed at hospital admin!

I have no complaints about the front line staff here - they are all fantastic, and it is also for them that I feel having to be the front line for chasing up remotes, dealing with everyone complaining about the food, the parking (no, it is not just me!).

I have also made use of the time here to plan some travel. Aiming to get away for 3 nights (after being given the OK) just before Xmas - before I am in a hospital room for 2-3 months, and then have another trip planned for Melbourne in July next year - so something to look forward to. I have always said, as long as I have something to look forward to, I will make sure I am well.

I was due to get on a flight to Perth tomorrow for a conference, and feeling a bit sad that I won't be joining the team over there, and missing the whole thing. I know there will be others in the future, but I really feel 'left out' by not going, and then there will be the next one at the end of November, which I will miss, and again, I know the disappointment will be great.

But, getting better is top of the agenda at the moment and that's what I am working on.!