You Don't Want to go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

I used to work and hang out at the Showdown bar where everybody knows your name. Those days are over, but now I'm such a regular at Texas Oncology that everybody knows my name. Except instead of yelling "James!" ("Norm!") when I come in they say "Hello Mr. Rohlich", "How are you feeling today, Mr. Rohlich"? They're all very nice at Texas Oncology.

The good news is I'm feeling just fine. My white blood cell count went back up so I was able to get treatment yesterday and I'm still attached to the chemo pump, but I'll get that off tomorrow. Then 12 days of freedom before I have to go back. Not bad, not bad at all.

Pretty Good I Guess, for 8 Grand

I think this is a picture of a white blood cell. My white blood cell count went way up, which is a good thing. I was all set to go to chemo Wednesday when they told me my white blood cell count was very low and as such I should not do chemo this week. Instead they gave me two shots, one Wednesday and one Thursday. The shots cost $4000 each! They had to wait a long time before giving me my first one, to make sure the insurance company would cover it. This morning I had lab work done and they were really surprised at how high my count had gone, so I guess the miraculously high priced drug works. $4000 a shot, wow!

So now I'm back on schedule to go to chemo next Wednesday, assuming nothing else happens.

One other thing - I'm losing my hair!!!! I've always had a lot of hair but now it's falling out in chunks. I'll be the first bald Rohlich ever! Has there ever been another - I can't think of one. I'll get over it...

Another Break Watson!

I was supposed to get another treatment this past Wednesday but the lab work indicated that my white blood cell count was low, so the doc gave me a break. I was worried about that, but he said that it happens and we'll start back up this coming Wednesday.

Since we had the day off, we went to a movie. I thought it was pretty good.

New Chemo

Today was my first day of the new chemo regiment. They give me three drugs while I'm there - one just to prevent nausea. Then when I leave I get a bagful of the old chemo that I initially had with the pump (5FU). I only have to wear the pump for 48 hours, then I get it off and have 12 days with nothing, then more of the same. I can live with that.

The infusion center is not too bad, but they have to watch me the whole time I'm getting it, so it took 5 hours today. It should only take 3 1/2 after today. I even had to go to a "training" session the night before the chemo so I knew what to expect.

Here's what to expect: unpleasantness. But I'm whining too much, I have it good compared to a lot of others. The infusion center is always a reminder of that!

Yoga at the Senior's

This picture is from the front of the south Austin Senior Activity Center, where I go to my yoga class and where Mom spends a lot of her time playing bridge. I go to yoga MWF but that may change next week. I found out my numbers went up again, so they are going to do a CT scan tomorrow (Friday) and then start the new chemo Wednesday morning next week.

I'm disappointed that the numbers went up but the doc says this happens. You try one drug for a while and when it stops working you try a different one. This can go on for a long time so I'm hoping that these new drugs will last. I'm still feeling good and keeping upbeat. It's all going to be OK!

By the way, it's not all old people in the yoga class - it's actually very difficult, especially for me - the least limber person in the world!

You Gotta Make Do

It rained a lot last week and Barton Springs has been closed so we have been going to Deep Eddy to swim. That's Karl and Mom on their way to the pool. It was sunny but cold but once you get in the water it's not so bad. We're glad Barton Springs is opening on Thanksgiving day!

Meanwhile I am on my third day of 14 days of Xeloda pills and then I'll get lab work done and hope my CEA numbers go down. Whatever happens I'm a thankful person because I'm feeling well. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!

Good News

I talked the doc into another round of Xeloda. I think I can bring the numbers down. Wish me luck!