Are your ears ringing? Day 36

Greetings from Froedtert Hospital. I'm hiding out in what they tell me is a very clean and safe room, double masked, and hiding from Omicron, and well basically everyone! Have I mentioned that I absolutely HATE coming here right now??

It's a mixed bag on the health report today...but in the spirit of trying to end this year on the highest note possible, I think the definitely out weights the bad!

• ANC is up to 602...WELCOME to life in the 600's woohoo!

• Platelets are out of the danger zone, so no need for a transfusion of platelets - still low overall, but it appears my body has in fact started to make platelets again!

• I have a double ear infection. How did I get that? Great question!! Both Raj and I have had a few cold like symptoms for a few days (have repeatedly tested negative for COVID), so somehow I must have picked up a cold germ somewhere - likely in this hospital...I had sore / ringing ears for a few days, but nothing that bad - apparently one look inside my ears today and they were quite surprised I wasn't in a lot more pain. I like to think I get my high pain tolerance from my brother - who literally could tolerate the most insane pain situations in the world. I'm hooked up to an IV of antibiotics right now, and they'll send me home with a super high dose of antibiotics to help my body get rid of the infection. Assuming my symptoms don't worsen, they are going to keep me away from the hospital for a while - as this place is just crawling with unhelpful things! Pretty remarkable that despite an insanely isolated life - some little germ must have found its way to us! Doctors are confident that there are enough drugs to help my body beat this...but no fun either way.

In other news - apparently with an ear infection, we took a lovely snowy walk/hike on the Ice Age Trail yesterday. This is an incredible trail that meanders across the entire state of Wisconsin...We did about a 3 mile round trip trek in the beautiful woods yesterday...Looking forward to exploring this trail in different segments in the weeks ahead (and in the Summer!).

We also ventured out to the Milwaukee-famous Candy Cane Lane, to get a last glimpse of the Christmas Lights. This amazing neighborhood comes together and does elaborate decorations - and offers cars and pedestrians the chance to meander through while raising funds for the MACC FUND - Midwestern Athletes Against Childhood Cancer. Nice to support a great cause, and see some Creative Christmas Creations!

What's entertains us:

• Nightmare Alley with Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett (Raj and I LOVED it!) It's got a little of everything for everyone

• Listening to lots of great music while watching the roaring fires... The last few days album choices included: Tapestry by Carole King, REM, Adele, & of course for those who know me - LOTS OF CLASSIC VINYL on Sirius XM

What I'm grateful for:

• Antibiotics

• Hi tolerance for pain

• Quick acting doctors

• A week of my sweetheart and I have lots of quality no work-stress disruptions and hang-out time

Okay, I think I better go do a little extra resting...and scare this ear infection away! Here's a sunset from last night...Appreciating the few extra minutes of daylight everyday.