Here I am getting my 3 units. I was so sure my hematocrit would be lower than ever because I have been more tired, sleeping more. My norm has been 27 at transfusion. Today 28. So doc would say basically unchanged. I'll take that as good news.

It took them over an hour and several pokes to get the IV started today. An argument for getting a port.

So I will take this as good news. Leaving in less than two weeks for my road trip from Seattle to Tucson and San Diego, confident I'll do fine, and get back for my next transfusion Feb 11.

Survived the holidays. Love my grand kids, but they sure can wear me out. Looking forward to the transfusion this week, the normal 3 units I suspect, and the little increase in energy.

Yesterday hiked up tiger mountain. 3 miles up, 2000 ft. of elevation, took 1.5 hours, max heart rate 151. 45 minutes down. Kicked my butt. I used to do this with a heavy pack in under an hour. I get my transfusion next week, I suspect hematocrit is about 27, normal for me now at fill up.

So tired. went to bed about 9:30, slept right through Sue's getting up and having breakfast. Finally got up about 8:15. Yesterday Sue told me maybe I should get treatment started. The hope being that treatment will get me to where I'm not tired anymore, or at least AS tired, and also be transfusion independent. I'm reluctant. Call me irrational. It becomes very real if I have the port implanted and start chemo. And when I have seen chemo patients, they seem really sick. I want to avoid that. Chemo does not look survivable. I know it is, but I have recollection almost exclusively of those who did not. Meantime, my ongoing cold seems to be getting worse right now. Have not really been well since Nov 3. Going back in to my ears..

Hey, the rain has stopped and the sun came out. Almost full blue sky. Cheer up, Buckwheat.