MDS: The Good News & The Other Good News

The good news:

As of Wednesday, the platelet count was up from 39,000 to 118,000.

Breaking the 100,000 mark, for no real reason, represents some kind of milestone. Although it doesn't appear to hold any medical significance—unlike sinking below 10,000, which sends you directly to the hospital, no questions asked—the positive psychological effect is palpable. Jumping into six figures like that smacks of progress being made.

Reaching 39,000, just a week ago, provided a strong emotional "up-tick," to use economics lexicon au current. But, still, "Only 130,000 more to go to reach normal," I muttered to my ever-patient spouse.

"Spoken just like a...Mitch," she replied with a soft scowl.

Well, it looks like we've knocked off about 80,000 of those 130, and normalcy doesn't look so far away. I have no idea whether what's causing this. Vidaza, Procrit (which stimulates bone marrow activity and which the doc shoots into me at unspecified intervals), getting off prednisone, or all of the above.

Or, maybe it's all the prayers and good vibes being sent my way. No matter. I just hope the up-tick continues.

The other good news:
Eighteen holes of golf were played on Friday without

• fainting
• getting dizzy
• getting the shakes
• or otherwise feeling weak

True, we didn't walk the course, but used driving carts. Still, in 86-degree heat, it was something of an accomplishment. Also of accomplishment was the ScoreWorthyness of the round

• 9 ScoreWorthy holes out of 18
• 7 double bogeys
• 2 bogeys
• 3 instances of 2 good-shots-in-a-row
• 2 series of 3 good-shots-in-a-row
• 1 record-tying set of 4 good-shots-in-a-row

For those who aren't familiar with ScoreWorthy Golf (TM), it's my own scoring system based on shooting two over par on any given hole, and rewarding yourself for hitting consecutive good shots (you yourself being the one who determines by no set criteria if a shot qualifies as "good"). A ScoreWorthy website will be forthcoming soon.

So, all-in-all, much progress is being made. I'm trying to keep a lid on my optimism. (Never get too high or too low, as the coaches always tell the players, but play hard and be emotionally steady.)

But, I'm certainly not complaining.