Last night I participated in an amazing event: Boston’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Light the Night fundraiser.
I’m not in a position to download my pictures until I return home, but the colorful images of tens of thousands brightly illuminated balloons will stick with me for a long time.
I would estimate at least 12,000 survivors, caregivers, their families and friends walked the mile-long route around the world famous Boston Commons. Many walked the route multiple times.
There were fun vendors. Corporate sponsored groups dressed in matching coats or sweatshirts, many honoring loved ones that had died. I was moved and honored to participate.
But getting here was a completely different story. I learned Wednesday that I had become neutropenic again. My neutrophil (mature white blood cell) count was down to 1.0–and dropping fast.
Not a total surprise, since I just completed my latest 21 day Revlimid cycle. And it seems to be Revlimid that continues to drag these counts down.
My medical oncologist, Dr. Malhotra, debated proceeding with my scheduled weekly Velcade sub-q injection. In the end, he and I decided that it was important not to skip a week. Knowing that I was traveling today, Dr. Malhotra insisted that I take along a syringe filled with neupogen so I could self-inject yesterday afternoon.
Of course I agreed, knowing we are fast approaching close to cold and flu season.
Considering the circumstances, I couldn’t have picked a worse day to travel. My flight from Tampa to Atlanta–and then from Atlanta to Boston–were both 100% full. And the Atlanta airport was packed! I now wear a mask whenever I fly. But this was the first time I ever felt compelled to wear my mask during a layover, too.
We were packed-in like sardines. And I just didn’t feel well.
But I made it to Boston in time to share a truly memorable evening. And that helped make my long travel day worthwhile.
Feel good and keep smiling! Pat
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