Once more into the breach

Less than 24 hours after leaving the hospital I was back in. My side-effects conveniently waited until just after I got back to the hotel. My fever started, and I spent most of my time the next day awaiting COVID test results so I could get back into the hospital.

It turns out that these side effects were fully expected by my medical team. I’m not sure why they opted to let me leave the hospital when they did. I think it was probably in the clinical trial plan, and in the absence of any side effects before I left, they were simply following the plan. I felt a little betrayed, but I know that the less I know, the more natural my response to treatment. This is a trial, after all. They are gathering as much information as possible and want that information not to be influenced by any foreknowledge on my part.

The next few days in the hospital were not pleasant. I was pretty sick for those few days, with frequent cycles of fever, sweats when the fever broke, and a lot of fatigue. I was monitored very closely. They took blood tests each day and adjusted my IV fluids, antibiotics, vitamins and other medications. For a couple of days, nothing that I ate tasted good. Nevertheless, I gained several pounds due to the fluids.

But it was all worth it! My once-swollen lymph nodes are almost undetectable to the touch. Most of my blood tests are looking far better. I still have some swelling in my legs and a low platelet count, but I am recovering quickly. At the moment, the treatment is doing positive things for me. we will have more detailed results when I get another PET/CT scan in about six weeks. Roslyn and I are relieved, happy, and cautiously optimistic that this treatment will be successful.

We will be at a UCLA guest house a while longer as observation continues. Our kids are looking after things for us at home in the meantime. Their love and support have been invaluable. They’ve shopped for us, come out to LA to visit and bring us stuff we needed from home, and been positive and uplifting influences for us, every one of them. We couldn’t be prouder of our kids.

Though we never lost hope and looked forward to the future, Roslyn and I can start seeing the future more brightly. We thank God everyday.

Thanks to all of you for your cards, prayers, meals, conversations, and emotional support. We can’t wait to pay it forward.