yesterday morning, Day +3, I awoke restless and irritated. over the routine. fatigued by incessant nursing. tired of sleepless nights. bored with tasteless food. weary of feeling flu-ish.

then in the morning I heard that my counts were exactly where they needed to be. my white cell count was too low to count and my platelets, hemoglobins and electrolytes were all good. no need for blood transfusion.

so I reset my attitude. remembered this is a journey. embraced gratitude for my discipline. appreciated the opportunity of ennui over emergency.

then I laced up my shoes and took a lap around the hall.

wearing a mask, plastic gown and gloves, I made my way around the square. noticed the quiet atmosphere, pictures of life outside, computers and rooms for research. halfway, I stopped to look over Michigan Avenue and reflected on people caught up in their own routines of doldrum.

and with gratitude I settled back into my routine of monitoring and resting. smiling and patiently waiting.

then around nine in the evening I took two more laps around the hall. and it felt awesome. although my gait is still awkward, my body seems to remember that my legs should work together to move me forward.

although sleepless, rather than restless, last night I spent time focusing my mind to remember that it too needs to cooperate to move me forward.

then this morning at 2:45 my nurse Grace came to disconnect me from the antibiotic, draw blood, and take vitals. then, at 5 my PCT Jen came to take vitals and offered fresh water, reminding me gently to not take a sip until she got my temperature. then at 6:45 Grace returned with meds and shared the good word that my counts were exactly where they needed to be. the sky smiled at me.

my white cell count was too low to count and my platelets, hemoglobins and electrolytes were all good. no need for blood transfusion. I smiled again and said, “thank you for sharing this great news, with Grace.” she giggled, offered a slight curtsy, and said, “keep up the good work!”

good work, indeed.