A Shocking AdmissionPosted on Wed, Jul 20, 2011

OMG! Really? That's messed up.

Hello Friends and Family,

I had been told when I started chemo that after 7-10 days, my white blood cell count would bottom out. While we understood that from a technical point of view, we didn’t really understand it from a practical point of view. Apparently, it means in that period, I shouldn’t go outside to rub shoulders with other humans and I can’t eat anything that hasn’t been fully cooked.

What I’m trying to say is, I’m in the hospital.

I’m doing well, I’m just in for observation as I was running a fever, which combined with the low white blood cell count, has a chance of turning into a bad situation. They say it’s so common it’s practically routine for this to happen. I’m supposed to be released in a few days, once my blood cultures come back, making sure it’s not something particularly nasty.

After a rough night of fever, shaking and sweating, I’m doing better. I really only made it through the 10 hours in the ER waiting room with the endless love and patience of my Cancierge, Kristin. If she hadn’t already won the 2011 Best Wife of the Year, she has it now.

I have a fantastically old-world roommate from Italy, who brought his own entourage of children and grandchildren. We’ve had a grand old time swapping stories, he’s going to teach me some new card games, so we’re just generally having a hoot.

Now, as much as I’d like to see all of you, I can’t have you dragging your germ-ridden butts over here, but I’d be happy to see people once I get out of here, so please check in with me next week. But the doctors say tests have shown that email doesn’t spread germs, so I’d love to hear from you!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go. It’s Carnival Day at the recreation center.

– Ben


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About the Author

An actor trained in physical theater, living in New York City, livin' the dream. I am married to an amazing woman without whom I'd probably be dead by now, and step-dad to the irrepressible Izzy! I sculpt masks, I juggle, I act, I design graphically-type-stuff, and when offered the choice between two evils, I take the one I've never tried before. I listen, I fly planes, I bike to the beach, I am a tea brewing ninja, I design new board games with my daughter, and I tell stories... too many stories. And while I used to be trying to learn to juggle my work, living in this city, my dreams, my wife, but now I am reminded every day they are all one, all my life, and every day is one more day I get to live it.
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I am not a doctor, so none of my ramblings should be taken as medical fact.
Your milage may vary.