August 17, 2025

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When I was a teenager, my best friend had us going a couple of times a year to give blood.  It wasn't really something I thought about much but luckily she was a good influence and we did as she said.  The last time I gave blood, I fainted afterwards.

When we saw how many blood products Marlon was getting the first time he had cancer, his brother and sister decided to give blood.  At first they felt fine but then they both fainted.  That may have scared them off from giving blood again.

But when I see again just how many blood products Marlon and other cancer patients get, my gratitude for those that are brave and healthy enough is real. 

He did get more platelets today as his counts were at 2.  His WBC is up to 0.38 and his hemoglobin was down to 69 so he is also getting blood.  The night nurse was frustrated that they decided to do that in the evening. 

Not being able to drink much is very frustrating for him.  300 ml a day doesn't go very far.


Taken before we ever would have imagined we'd stay at the RMH.  I am still sleeping in the hospital room but am taking advantage of laundry, the shower, and there are even prepared meals three times a week.

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