September 3, 2026 - Treatment 4
And once again it was time for the fourth chemo party at the WZA. No party streamers this time — just IV tubing.
The party kicked off with a ride to the WZA with Taxi Oekie, the radio tuned to the cheerful, carefully chosen Spanish dance track 'El Taxi'. Still dancing, I then checked in once again at the Oncology department, where I got to spend another four hours.
My conversation with the hematologist had taken place the day before. She was moderately pleased about the small decrease in the abnormal cells, and slightly less pleased about my Hb, which had dropped to 6.4. Since I'd actually been feeling pretty good over the past week, we're sticking with the current treatment. In the hope that the downward trend in abnormal cells continues and my Hb eventually climbs back up.
The nurses gave me their full attention again this time too. Before long came the now-familiar question: "Would you like a croquette or a cheese soufflé for lunch?"
Out of curiosity, I asked how many croquettes go through a hospital on an average day. I was quickly informed that this particular culinary luxury is reserved exclusively for the Oncology department!
Tavegil, prednisolone, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide then found their way through the tubing into my bloodstream once again. The five prednisolone tablets went down with a hearty gulp of water. Everything went smoothly, and the nurses once again did their work skillfully and with a smile.
In the photo you can see a bandage around my arm. Not because I broke anything, but to protect the puncture site, which needed to be covered up for a while afterward. It might look impressive, but the actual wound was no bigger than a mosquito bite.
Now it's time to take it easy for a week. If all goes according to plan, I'll be checking in again on September 24th for the next round to tackle Waldenström's disease. Two days before that, I'll find out whether the treatment is continuing to work.
