"Ichabod is itchy...

...So am I!" Quoting Dr. Seuss's ABC, the best alphabet book in the English language.

Indeed I am. From scalp, to legs, and -uhm- in between. I know about the last bit. The past year of enforced sedentary living has resulted in a hemorrhoid flare-up. Hopefully I'll get rid of that as I start working out and get more active.

The skin thing has me kind of mystified. I went through 48 weeks of treatment and had hardly any skin problems. The weather hasn't changed significantly since I went off treatment. I did get a bit of scalp itching when I was on my treatment hiatus. I attributed it then either to the Procrit or to the Neupogen. Now — literally now; this just occurred to me — I'm wondering if it isn't a withdrawal symptom. It stands to reason that since my body had to adjust to the presence of the meds, then it would have to readjust to the absence of those same chemicals. Anyway, my scalp is itchy and I've got tiny itchy bumps. It still isn't terrible, not like a case of hives or chiggers. Just an annoyance. During the last couple of weeks of treatment my eyelids also developed rough patches, but that symptom is fading. I'm also finding that the body aches have been replaced with headaches. It will pass. It will all pass. It's beginning to sink in.

I'm done!

This was the first week back at work after the holidays. I'm amazed at how much my mind has cleared in just this week. I'm finding stuff I did at work and I'm a) suprised that some of it is pretty good, b) surprised at the really big things I forgot, left out, or let slide, and c) surprised that some things somehow got done by someone acting as me, but I have no recollection at all. It was also the week of my review. Under normal circumstances I'd consider it a so-so review at best, but given the circumstances, I consdered it a rave. Told the boss and thanked him. He's been a huge part of making this thing bearable.

I have paperwork for a blood test in three months. I think it's just for the standard liver panel. I'm going to ask for a PCR at three months. I think that will tell me what I really need to know.