Blood Lab & Pre-round Check-in

My pre-round 2 check-in at the Johns Hopkins facility in Green Spring Station was a big day for me. My parents and I made the drive up from home, where I’ve been recovering, and found ourselves back in a familiar spot. We were in the same pavilion as my treatment center, just a little further down the hall with some new faces and rooms.


One thing I really appreciate about this facility is how organized they are. As soon as I check in, everything moves smoothly, and I rarely have to wait long. This time was no different. The lab techs quickly got to work, drawing five tubes of blood to check my tumor markers, white blood cell counts, and other key health indicators to make sure I was in good shape to start another round.

After the bloodwork, we met with my medical team to go over the results. The biggest takeaway? My white blood cell count was extremely low. That means I have to be extra cautious about who I’m around to avoid picking up any infections or colds. But aside from that, the overall check-up went really well. In fact, the team was surprised—shocked, actually—by how well I’ve been feeling and how much I’ve been able to do physically in between rounds.


Hearing that was definitely encouraging. Even though this process is tough, it’s good to know my body is holding up and responding well. Now, I just need to take it easy, stay healthy, and get ready for the next round.

A Bigger Perspective

Sitting in that facility, surrounded by doctors, nurses, and patients moving through their own battles, I couldn’t help but think about the bigger picture. Places like Johns Hopkins don’t just represent world-class medical care; they reflect the resilience of Baltimore itself. This city is full of people who push forward, who fight through challenges, and who come together in ways that you don’t always see on the surface.

Every time I walk through those halls, I see the determination in the faces of patients and families. I hear the kindness in the voices of nurses who go above and beyond. I witness a system that, despite its flaws, is built on the idea that people should have a fighting chance. It reminds me that while my journey is personal, it’s also part of something much bigger—part of a city that, like its people, refuses to back down

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