ASCT Day +3

I'm still feeling good, although my back has been very itchy, and I am fighting off some diarrhea.  The nurse gave my some Benadryl cream for the former and imodium for the latter, which helps.   I don't have much appetite, but I'm trying to eat whenever I can to keep from losing any more weight.  I expect I won't eat too much over the next week, so I'm trying to store some reserve.

Nancy, the harpist

Earlier today, I suddenly heard harp music in my room.  (No, I didn't think I'd just been transported to the Great Beyond.)  At first I wondered if it were being piped in, but I saw no speakers.  Then a nurse came in and asked me, "Did you know that there is harpist playing outside your door?"  No I didn't.  A few minutes later, Gretchen walked in, and asked me if I had met her new friend.

It turns out that Gretchen met Nancy the harpist yesterday playing in the hospital lobby.  She stopped to talk to her (surprise!) and told her about my stay here.  Nancy then told Gretchen that she would come play for me today, and she did.  It was hauntingly lovely, as I sat at my door enraptured by the dulcet tones of the Irish harp for the next 15 to 20 minutes.  It was truly a memorable gift.  Thank you, Nancy!  Thank you, Gretchen!

By the way, one of the nurses told me that Nancy sometimes plays on this floor, and her favorite piece to play is "Stairway to Heaven", probably not the ideal choice for a cancer ward!

Holly arrived from San Francisco today and will stay until next Friday.  It was so great to see her!  She brought me some delicious Ghirardelli chocolates.  Yum!  Thank you, Holly.  Holly has also decided that my room needs some brightening up, so she plans to add pictures and other symbols of good cheer while she is here.