Hair today, going tomorrow

This week, the impact of the chemo became very apparent.  Harry's hair is now thinning and spotty.

Hair on pillow after a night's sleep

And his blood counts began to drop:

Normal                      Harry 6/18      Harry 6/24      
Hemoglobin  12-16     Harry 14.1         13.3
Platelets 150-350       Harry  235          174
WBC  5000-10000    Harry 8750         6300

While Harry's numbers are still within normal, they have dropped, bringing the fear of compromised immunity and possible risk of infections.

Harry had an 'easy' week with only one appointment at the hospital for an infusion on Tuesday.  Planning is something that has become day by day.

As we mentioned, there was a possibility of a break between rounds and a trip to London.   Harry will be given a five-day break.  But the doctors all agreed London is out. A seven-hour plane ride across the Atlantic is not safe for Harry.

Due to the risk of infection, he needs to be within an hour of a hospital at all times.  Plus, airplanes and airports are germ factories.  So no Tour de France (which begins in Leeds during that window) and no hanging with Sacha Baron Cohen on the set. (Hey, if you have to spend a summer with chemo as the main activity, you would dream big as well for your only break.)

After some discussion, we were given permission to go up to Nantucket.  The major points were direct flights under an hour or a private plane or drive.  Harry's chemo break falls July 3-7.  Fourth of July weekend.  Direct flights from DC are sold out.  (The organizations that facilitate travel for cancer patients on corporate jets had no flights to Nantucket.) As ACK is a haven for private jets, we have begun to ask around to see if someone may have a spare seat.  No matter what, Harry will get five days of vacation.

Harry was also granted an overnight by his doctor since it was a light week.  He was able to go visit Casey and the Asian clan (their term, not mine, and Harry is an honorary member) in Annapolis.  Casey, Miles, Amal, Juno and Harry sailed, kayaked, and drove golf carts.  It was a great 24 hours away from DC and Amy tagged along staying a safe ten minutes away.

In addition, he was able to watch World Cup, play poker with the JPDS crew, and have Shabbat with two of the funniest guys around: Aaron and Ben. Harry finally has less hair than Aaron, so people will now know which one is the cancer patient.

Before Harry's appointment, Amy made another platelet donation.  If you can donate blood or platelets,  please contact Kara Mazer of CNMC at kmazer@childrensnational.org.  Her number is 202-476-6524.  Thanks to those who have already donated or scheduled appointments.  Due to medical confidentiality rules, we will not know who the generous donors are.  So please let us know. 

And after saying goodbye to Eden (who left for Ramah), going to chemo and donating platelets, it was wonderful to find a meal from Beth Kanter Goodell waiting for us!  With an added bonus from Mark Katkov.  It was a treat at the end of a long day!  

Jeanie finally got Harry to do something we have not in three years - clean his room.  Four large outdoor garbage cans of trash and donations were hauled off!  After five hours, it was a vast improvement with room for his bike.  (At some point, we will get under the bed.).   Big thanks to Jeanie and C. Lee!!!!


And then Lyric, Gracia and Carmen faced an almost equal challenge: reorganizing our kitchen.  After five hours, they uncovered terra incognito: much more floor space in the kitchen thanks to six filled garbage pails hauled off.  Ken is especially grateful as he now thinks he has saved a fortune on a kitchen renovation.