November 13, 2008 5:55 PM

Let’s begin with the really good news! Happy Birthday, Jen!!! (She’s one of my daughters)

Well, I am sitting here pondering what to say today. In many ways, it’s been uneventful. In other ways, it has its fair share of things that have gone on.

Of course, the biggy is that the 7 day chemo regimen is over. It means that I do not have to remain tethered to an IV pole 24/7. What does that mean? It means that I can now shower! Which is precisely what I did this morning! It also means that at times, I can feel like a real live human being because I do not have to be connected to it 24/7 any longer! When I first got here, the nurses told me that some patients were not only physically attached to the pole – they became emotionally attached as well and would give the pole a name! Personally, I think that there must be something seriously missing in your love life if you have to backfill it with an IV pole!

More importantly, everything is still going according to plan. But, for me, there is still an element of the surreal about everything. I have felt fine from the get go and continue to so. Other than being tired at times, I have never had any problems. I am certainly not complaining, mind you, and I am grateful for every “feel good” moment. I would certainly have to say that any and all prayers have been answered so far. And I thank each and every one of you who is thinking of me in that regard.

Next Tuesday is when the bone marrow biopsy will be done according to the doctor’s comments this morning. Final results will be available on Friday. That result is a BIG DEAL. Because if everything is in full remission, I get to stay here for another 2 weeks and then go home for a bit before we launch in part 2 of the program. If it is not in remission, then I go back to a 5 day chemo regimen and have to remain here for another 4 weeks. For all of you who are praying for me – let me give you a hint – I prefer the 2 week option!!

As an aside, so many of you have commented about my writing style. As I said at the outset it was just going to be a stream of consciousness thing about what is going on here. That is what makes it so easy to write about. I know that I get carried away with it at times and have a little fun. But, you know, I have the time and that’s me! And isn’t that what writing is all about – taking you and your thoughts and simply bringing them to the printed (in this case, electronic!) page. I’m glad that you enjoy the entries and I am happy to get such comments because it means that I am not writing simply to express myself but that there are many people who do care enough to take the time to read my meanderings and find them of some value. Again, thanks to all of you!

Funny, when I sit down to compose the entry for the day, I kind of wonder what I am going to say and before you know it - a whole page of ideas have been put down. I keep thinking that I have set the bar so high that I will feel like I’m shortchanging everyone if I don’t keep up the pace. But, you know what? I’ll get over it!

Tonight’s the Pats game which, obviously, I will watch.

Go Pats (sorry Paul)

Bob