April 28, 2009
Today we met with the oncologist to hear what had been found in the bone marrow draw of last week, and the news was mixed. On Sunday the doctor called and gave me the first reading and in that conversation was not too optimistic because the count of “blasts” in the blood hadn’t changed much. Today he had the results from the Med Center where the marrow was closely analyzed, and these showed some improvements in several areas giving us reason to hope that the chemotherapy may have brought about some change for the better in the condition. The doctor also said that the effects of the three rounds of treatments are still being unveiled, and we have a very concrete measure that can be taken in the next three weeks. If the white and red blood cell numbers begin to increase, then we will know that my body is still receptive to treatment, and we can plan how to go forward accordingly. We are all cautiously optimistic and have high hopes of enjoying another summer together.
Last week, I wrote about leaping into hot summer, which we did for a day or so, then cool weather returned, including a light frost this morning. Charles had already put out beautiful tomato plants, and we are hoping that they will not become depressed through this experience and lay down and die. Many of our songbirds have come back to Sanctuary to raise their families, with the thresher returning with a whole new set of melodies. The wrens, orioles, rose-breasted grosbeak and warblers are not yet here, but should arrive any day. Alphie and I are out at dawn as our world awakens, and it is always a great pleasure to the senses because I see additional layers of growth and hear more bird song every morning.
May arrives on Friday, and it bring flowers, soft days and good skies. It is a blessing for me to have such a fine place to celebrate God’s creation – in this peculiar season of my life, I see everything anew once more and I am delighted and thankful in equal measure.