January 23, 2009 11:30 PM

It was literally a lazy day today.

In an effort to make the bone marrow biopsy less traumatic, they gave me some Atavan and morphene. Neither of which really took hold during the procedure because they did not wait too long after administering the drugs before they started. Fortunately, it was not as hit-or-miss as the last one and it went as well as possible. Believe me when I say that the most beautiful words that I like to hear during the procedure are "we're done!" "Almost done" doesn't cut it, and "we're about to get underway" just sends shivers throughout my body.

However, by the time that I got home, I was wiped out and immediately went to bed for about 3 hours. Even after "waking", I was still somewhat of a dishrag and, after eating lunch, I went for another nap. Some of this, I know, is also related to the fact that I did not sleep super well last in eager anticipation of the event so that when I got up this morning, I was definitely somewhat tired.

Anyway, it was an uneventful day - whatever I can remember of it.

Before the procedure, we spoke to the doctor so stated that I had done exceedingly well bouncing back from round 2 of the chemotherapy. So much so, that she even questioned "did they actually give me chemo for round 2". The reason was that, unbeknownst to her, my counts came back to "normal" so fast that she would go through the infusion lab on Fridays looking for me and I would have gone home already!

So, once again, my actual condition belies what would be expected from any "normal" person. The doctor considered it a huge blessing that that was the case and so do I. As I said before, God answers prayers - but you have to ask! Up to now, I would say that we are all doing pretty well in that category. So I thank you!

Today's bone marrow biopsy is, hopefully, going to confirm what all the blood tests/counts have indicated for the past month or so and that is that there is no sign of the disease. They do not want to launch into the transplant phase without knowing whether or not I am in full remission. If I am not, then some additional chemo regimen will be necessary to get me back to full remission. I will not look forward to that at all!

I have been called the "man who defied the odds", a "miracle man", a "fraud", and other terms because I have gone through the chemo stage so very, very well. Again, I thank you all for making that happen. I have definitely been the recipient of God's healing touch and I want everyone to be aware of that. Your efforts on my behalf have been extremely successful - so keep up the good work!

Bob