I loved everything of being normal again...

The week with my friends and colleagues was such a wonderful break from reality. I loved every second of it, and scrapped together every tiny bit of energy, to keep going.

The opportunity to feel mentally active, engaged and useful, was delicious. I confirmed that, despite being invisible, my friends have me in their thoughts constantly, and are waiting for me to come back.

I had so much fun and joy. I ate as if I wasn't poisoned, enjoying every bite. I laughed. I joked. I danced. I felt happy and normal.

One more thing to add to my list of positives--the support of my IBP family in getting back as if I haven't been missing in action.

No Neulasta for this baby!!!

Although I required it, the doctor gave me a break from "nasty neulasty". He said there was no need to make me feel like crap. Originally, I would be getting my third AC chemo session today and, in that case, I would have needed the nasty stuff to have acceptable white blood cell levels. But, my chemo will be postponed by 10 days, because of the IBP retreat. And I have not had fever or any kind of misery this far. YAY!!

This week has also been exceptionally good... I have worked, I went to the movies, and I have eaten with gusto. The only constant shortcoming is fatigue, which means that my energy runs for less than half of what would be normal. However, while it lasts, I feel almost normal. Of course, once I look in the mirror and see that weird, hairless alien starring back at me, normal is gone.

Tomorrow my IBP family start arriving. I am so very much looking forward to seeing them, spending time with them, and enjoying yet another taste of normal. I will be staying with them at the hotel, to avoid losing my battery in traffick (not the car's, but mine... Truly like The Matrix). The second half of the retreat will be in Valle.

This will be the first time in over six months that I will get out of the house with a destination that is not the hospital!!! Oh. My. Dog.

E-X-C-I-T-I-N-G! ! !

Indeed a wonderfully normal week...

I have been working in my newly decorated office all week, sitting on the couch, watching how spring starts to arrive in Mexico City. I went to Manu's place on Wednesday, and enjoyed driving, being outside and seeing her and Tania. I giggled over and played with the many silly, playful presents that Betsy sent me. We walked the doggies. We played Guitar Hero. We ate delicious soups that Manu's mum prepared for me. And we even went to Mariana's b-day party...

Such a nice, enjoyable week.

My next appointment with the doctor is on Monday. My blood work already indicates that my white blood cells are taking the plunge. And I can feel it... I am losing energy, my eyes are swollen, and my head aches slightly. I cross my fingers and my toes, hoping that I will not need another offensively expensive and incredible painful Neulasta shot...

Please, please, pretty please?