November 17, 2008 8:20 PM

Well, my wife just left for the evening as I sit here and begin composing today’s entry. It was a pretty good day, however. The bummer being that I only dodged the “moving” bullet for 2 days and was forced to relocate to a single room. It seems so cramped in here. However, I know that if I initially started here, I would never have been spoiled like I was and the new room would be more acceptable. I tried to tell them that that moving me was going to be a huge setback on my road to recovery – but they wouldn’t buy it!

Also, they tell that there is a great view through the window. However, it was dark at the time we moved and I never really could see much of anything. Anyway, I would gladly trade for more space than for a view so the new room is certainly a comedown. The new room number is 6D77.

Some friends came by and brought me a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza for lunch. It was the perfect touch for the day. It sure beats any food that you can get in here – life is sooooo good!

My new attending physician and “entourage” came through for a whirlwind visit this morning.(they rotate every so often – I think its once a month) The only comment from his lips was that he heard that I have “breezed through everything”. I can only go by how I feel and that is still very good! I know that all your prayers have played a major role in my ability to cope with everything so far and I thank you all profusely. Believe you me – I’m no hero - I’ll gladly breeze through this process from start to end!!!

The only major side effect that I suffered during the chemo was the loss of my taste buds. But it was worse than that! You are left with this lousy, indescribable taste in your mouth that overpowers everything that you eat or drink. So even though you want to, you cannot physically get anything into your mouth! Fortunately, as I said a few days ago, my taste buds are making a progressive comeback and eating/drinking are not the problems that they once were. Obviously, since I have had chili, a pastrami sub, and a pizza over the past few days, food is definitely tasting a lot better. It was very nice that no one ever told me about this little tidbit. As for the losing of hair – everything is still there! In fact, because I cannot shave, I am looking grubbier than ever! So much for personal vanity!

Tomorrow is the day for the bone marrow biopsy – but the telling day will be near the end of the week when the results are known. Please pray for full remission which will require me to stay here for only another two weeks before going home in preparation for round 2 – whatever that will be.

Bob