Chemo Phase 3 – Intensification

                                                            😜My Second Home😀

Apologies for not having updated this blog with my health updates for almost six weeks but am doing so now as the Intensification Chemo Phase 3 began as of yesterday. I am sure you all are enjoying the summers with your families – vacation, staycation and all. In this interim break between Phase 2 and 3, I have been lucky to meet most of my friends in the DC tristate area. But since my immune system continues to be compromised and I am neutropenic, one has to avoid shaking hands, hugs-embraces with dear friends; so for now it is Namastes, Fist bumps or Flying kisses only. 😘

Had another experience in my life for the first time – attending a 97^th birthday. Pishi Ma (Tarun’s mom who dotes over her DIL Rumy) achieved that milestone birthday and we are so fortunate to have her blessings with us. Just 3 more years to a century and we all pray for her to be blessed with good health.

Of course the major attraction of being at home for me, is to be able to eat good, nutritious freshly cooked food in the company of Sonali and friends who drop by. Another huge bonus is meeting our 2 munchkin grandsons more often. They are growing up so fast and I want to become OK soonest in order to spend more time with them. Sonali, Srishti and Vivek continue to toil looking after me in addition to doing their respective jobs and other household chores. Aiding and abetting them is my sister who keeps an eye on things from Downunder. She was able to visit us for a week in mid June and despite my having developed fever and being admitted at JHH, we all had a fantastic time, culminating in my being discharged on our 36^th anniversary so we were able to enjoy an impromptu dinner with family.

Something that I have not mentioned here earlier is that my Dad who has moved to Sydney with my sis Devanshi since Feb’19, calls me every evening around 8:30pm and it is so good to chat with him.

Health-wise, I have gained a little weight (6 pounds or so), remain active during the day, spirits continue to be buoyed up, I even notice a bounce in my step. But truth be told, I need to get back into some kind of a disciplined daily exercise regimen, however light it maybe.

This Phase 3 Intensification involves a strong dose of the Chemo (500 ml. no kidding) administered intravenously 7 days apart. It requires me to be hospitalized for 72 hours so I can be under observation for any adverse side effects. The first dose was given to me 15 hours ago and fortunately so far I have not felt any adverse effect – but those could appear even after 48 hours. Phase 3 is the last step in preparation before the bone marrow transplant which at this stage is projected to be around end August. Shall keep you all posted on that as we approach that procedure.

In the meantime enjoy the summers.
Cheers