Two Down, Three to Go

Today I had the second of 5 Lumbar Punctures. Although I was nervous, this one didn't seem as bad as the first one - guess I'm getting to be an "old hand" at this stuff! My day started at the IPOP at 8 AM (three hours before the LP) in order to have blood drawn and numbers checked to be sure my platelets were above 50,000. They were at 66,000. Following the LP I had to lay flat for two hours to avoid headaches. Needless to say, it's been a long day and I am worn out. I should have the cytology report by the time I return on Tuesday for LP No. 3 and Thursday for LP No. 4. LP No. 5 is April 13th. Each time fluid is extracted from my spine for testing and then chemo injected. I'm being told that I'm a "hard stick" due to some scoliosis in my spine - that's why I have to go to Neuro-Radiology each time. Apparently the oral chemo that I take does not fight cancer in the neuro regions. That is why I'm injected with Methotrexate chemotherapy instead. My numbers today: R=3.53, W=2350, P=62,000, H=10.3.