At least I got the date right!
For the first time ever, I screwed up the date yesterday when I said that it was the 28th - of course it was the 29th! A senior moment. Either that or I just don't seem to want to let go of 2009. For the life of me, I can't come up with one rational reason why I would want to hang on to it.
Today was a great day. Yes, two of the grandchildren were here all day and my grandson got his house project done for Spanish class. I told him that I thought that those days were over when my own children grew up and moved away. But, in today's world, with both parents working it's tough for the kids to come by that old old-fashioned parental support. And, antway, we had all the materials and equipment on hand for him to do a real top notch job. So top notch that his mother couldn't fit the finished product in here car - it was so big!
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve for all of us and we are having some friends come and stay over for a quiet evening of dinner, champagne, and watching the Time's Square ball fall one more time. Two thousand ten - a year that I would never have seen without the advances of modern medicine over the past 40 years or so. I am so fortunate that things have worked out as well as they have for me. But, I am really bummed out that not one, but two people that I know have been diagnosed with leukemia this year. One appears to have turned the corner while the other continues to need our fervent prayers.
I don't mind so much for me - I can fight my own battles. But I just don't want to see others stricken with this disease who may not have the wherewithal to be able to properly take advantage of all that medicine has to offer.
I look forward to next year being the year the encompasses the greatest changes in my life as I continue to strive toward "normalcy". When will I be cleared to resume my noral activities?What will happen with work? Most importantly, what have I been called to do once I am "back on my feet"?
I know that I am not the same person that I was before, I have been humbled by this experience and, yet, I feel such an obligation to use it to benefit others in some way. It's going to interesting to see how that manifests itself in the months to come.
Here I go again, not having an idea what to write when I sit down at the computer and, yet, not being able to stop writing once I get started. I guess that it's because there are still a number of things bottled up inside that I can't let go of until I can get back out into the real world.
As I write these entries, I can never be sure how many people actually follow them. But, my daughter has said to me that whether or not anyone reads my entries is secondary to the fact that it gives me a chance to "let it all hang out". So, even though there are things that just can't be let out this way - these entries serve as a pressure valve release for me. She's probably right because this really is the only way that I can reach out at this point and, in a way, I look forward to the daily opportunity to do so.
It's amazing how that seems to work for me...
Bob
December 28, 2009 10:45 PM
A typical winter's holiday week day!
It's winter, the temperature was cold and the wind was howling - a quite brutal day! Brutal enough that when my car told me that I have a tire pressure issue, I was not about to tackle it today. If it's not flat - then I don't need to touch it!
We did some food shopping for our limited company that will be coming New Year's Eve and we ate out for lunch.
We climaxed the day by having some friends come over for a few hors dourves, some wine, and, most of all - good conversation. No better way to spend a cold winter's night.
Tomorrow two of the grandchildren will be here most of the day as my grandson begins work on his Christmas vacation project.
After a day like today, please tell me again why winter in New England is so beautiful...
Bob
It's winter, the temperature was cold and the wind was howling - a quite brutal day! Brutal enough that when my car told me that I have a tire pressure issue, I was not about to tackle it today. If it's not flat - then I don't need to touch it!
We did some food shopping for our limited company that will be coming New Year's Eve and we ate out for lunch.
We climaxed the day by having some friends come over for a few hors dourves, some wine, and, most of all - good conversation. No better way to spend a cold winter's night.
Tomorrow two of the grandchildren will be here most of the day as my grandson begins work on his Christmas vacation project.
After a day like today, please tell me again why winter in New England is so beautiful...
Bob
December 28, 2009 11:30 PM
Just R & R!
We did a little window shopping today for bathroom fixtures as that will be my next project in a week or so. Then it was R & R, pick up two of the grandchildren, and fight with ITunes.
Needless to say, they both have IPods and my granddaughter wanted to download some songs with the gift cards that she got for Christmas. What a fiasco. Could Apple make this process any more obtuse and convoluted? I don't think so. Having to log in, find the redeeming gift card page, buying the songs, and then downloading them to your IPod.
I think that it's just a plot to have people give up and leave their gift cards unused.
Other than that, I'm feeling well, taking my meds as prescribed and looking forward to going to the doctor next week to see what the improvement has been.
All for now...
Bob
We did a little window shopping today for bathroom fixtures as that will be my next project in a week or so. Then it was R & R, pick up two of the grandchildren, and fight with ITunes.
Needless to say, they both have IPods and my granddaughter wanted to download some songs with the gift cards that she got for Christmas. What a fiasco. Could Apple make this process any more obtuse and convoluted? I don't think so. Having to log in, find the redeeming gift card page, buying the songs, and then downloading them to your IPod.
I think that it's just a plot to have people give up and leave their gift cards unused.
Other than that, I'm feeling well, taking my meds as prescribed and looking forward to going to the doctor next week to see what the improvement has been.
All for now...
Bob
December 27, 2009 9:15 PM
No hugs!
That was the order of the day as my wife and I attended a 50th wedding anniversary party. It was the largest event that I have attended since I was diagnosed 14 months ago and, because I saw so many people that I have not seen for so long, it was extremely difficult to avoid all the hugs and kisses that my many wellwishers wished to extend - but we did do it.
It was great seeing all those people again but I felt bad that I did not have time to talk to all of them. So many stopped by the table to talk that I just could not devote my attention to all of them. I hope that they all understood.
But, selfishly for me, it was a fun time and recognition that I have now taken another step back to "normality". We have no more such parties on the immediate schedule which I suppose is a good thing as we still want to limit my exposure to possible infections.
However, my wife is planning a big coming out party of sorts on February 21st at our church - friends, family, acquaintances, fellow parishioners, etc. are all invited. I am gearing up for that to be my first day back. As such, a friend did give me fair warning to watch out for the hugs and kisses that flow on that day.
It was so nice to see that so many people were so genuinely interested in seeing how well I was doing. It is overwhelming to me because, as I said before, I'm just an average guy who happened to get a not-so-average disease and has been blessed every step of the way so that I can now begin to see that light at the end of the tunnel. I haven't done anything accept to receive so much from everyone else and am continuing to do so.
You have all been so wonderful to me.
I cannot thank you enough...
Bob
That was the order of the day as my wife and I attended a 50th wedding anniversary party. It was the largest event that I have attended since I was diagnosed 14 months ago and, because I saw so many people that I have not seen for so long, it was extremely difficult to avoid all the hugs and kisses that my many wellwishers wished to extend - but we did do it.
It was great seeing all those people again but I felt bad that I did not have time to talk to all of them. So many stopped by the table to talk that I just could not devote my attention to all of them. I hope that they all understood.
But, selfishly for me, it was a fun time and recognition that I have now taken another step back to "normality". We have no more such parties on the immediate schedule which I suppose is a good thing as we still want to limit my exposure to possible infections.
However, my wife is planning a big coming out party of sorts on February 21st at our church - friends, family, acquaintances, fellow parishioners, etc. are all invited. I am gearing up for that to be my first day back. As such, a friend did give me fair warning to watch out for the hugs and kisses that flow on that day.
It was so nice to see that so many people were so genuinely interested in seeing how well I was doing. It is overwhelming to me because, as I said before, I'm just an average guy who happened to get a not-so-average disease and has been blessed every step of the way so that I can now begin to see that light at the end of the tunnel. I haven't done anything accept to receive so much from everyone else and am continuing to do so.
You have all been so wonderful to me.
I cannot thank you enough...
Bob
December 26, 2009 11:30 PM
A day of preparation.
No projects and no work of any kind today and probably for the week. But we did buy the materials for my next job which is to redo our small guest bathroom. Whenever we plan to do something, we always make sure that we go out and get the materials early on. For two reasons - once you have the materials, you have no excuse not to begin the work and, once you have the materials, the frugal Bob says that you have wasted your money unless you actually follow through with the project.
To me this is a lesson in life as well. We live for, and enjoy, today. But we must always prepare for tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is not promised to us, the hope of tomorrow is and that is what helps to propel us through life. If you have no hope for each new day then you there is no reason for you to seize it and make it yours.
I have no idea how many days I have left. But, for me, knowing that each day is such a special gift, I have tried to put them to their best use by either successfully accomplishing something or preparing myself for the days ahead.
I suppose that it's also the perfect time of the year to reflect on all of this as 2009 winds down and we turn ourselves to the future that 2010 will bring to us. What will it be? What will I do to make it as good as it can be for me? For those around me?
Life hasn't been good to all of us on all levels - I know that. But it has been good to all of us on some levels. I plan to use what I do have as the foundation for what I can give.
All I know is that for me, once I'm back on my feet, things will be different...
Bob
No projects and no work of any kind today and probably for the week. But we did buy the materials for my next job which is to redo our small guest bathroom. Whenever we plan to do something, we always make sure that we go out and get the materials early on. For two reasons - once you have the materials, you have no excuse not to begin the work and, once you have the materials, the frugal Bob says that you have wasted your money unless you actually follow through with the project.
To me this is a lesson in life as well. We live for, and enjoy, today. But we must always prepare for tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is not promised to us, the hope of tomorrow is and that is what helps to propel us through life. If you have no hope for each new day then you there is no reason for you to seize it and make it yours.
I have no idea how many days I have left. But, for me, knowing that each day is such a special gift, I have tried to put them to their best use by either successfully accomplishing something or preparing myself for the days ahead.
I suppose that it's also the perfect time of the year to reflect on all of this as 2009 winds down and we turn ourselves to the future that 2010 will bring to us. What will it be? What will I do to make it as good as it can be for me? For those around me?
Life hasn't been good to all of us on all levels - I know that. But it has been good to all of us on some levels. I plan to use what I do have as the foundation for what I can give.
All I know is that for me, once I'm back on my feet, things will be different...
Bob
December 25, 2009 10:25 PM
Christmas Day!
A great day as we spent the morning with one of my daughters and her family and then we went to my sister-in-law's house to be with the extended family. As I look upon it, obviously the gift of the birth of the baby Jesus is the greatest gift ever. But to think how many, many gifts that that gift has spawned is just too staggering to comprehend.
As much as we all tend to balk at Christmas shopping(I don't put myself in that class since I really don't do any!), I think that one of the most precious is that it provides an opportunity for the family members to think of each other, how much they mean to each other, and how vitally important it is to come together and share those thoughts of love.
On Christmas Day, you can see that in action as gifts are being freely passed around the room. What a wonderful sight and, more importantly, what a wonderful feeling it is to be a part of it.
As much as Thanksgiving is an introverted time when we personally thank God for all that we have received, Christmas is the overt expression of those thoughts. It seems so fitting that the two holidays are positioned the way that they are and how each supports the other so well.
As for me, I still feel great and I should append my message of a few days ago by saying that the doctor ideally looks for a little graft vs host disease as it provides a further indication that the transplant is doing its job. No reaction is fine, but some is better.
I have no complaints(not that it would do any good), my walk has been a fantastic one and one that each and every one of you has provided for me with your thoughts and prayers. This has been the greatest gift that I have ever received.
I thank you again, so much...
Bob
A great day as we spent the morning with one of my daughters and her family and then we went to my sister-in-law's house to be with the extended family. As I look upon it, obviously the gift of the birth of the baby Jesus is the greatest gift ever. But to think how many, many gifts that that gift has spawned is just too staggering to comprehend.
As much as we all tend to balk at Christmas shopping(I don't put myself in that class since I really don't do any!), I think that one of the most precious is that it provides an opportunity for the family members to think of each other, how much they mean to each other, and how vitally important it is to come together and share those thoughts of love.
On Christmas Day, you can see that in action as gifts are being freely passed around the room. What a wonderful sight and, more importantly, what a wonderful feeling it is to be a part of it.
As much as Thanksgiving is an introverted time when we personally thank God for all that we have received, Christmas is the overt expression of those thoughts. It seems so fitting that the two holidays are positioned the way that they are and how each supports the other so well.
As for me, I still feel great and I should append my message of a few days ago by saying that the doctor ideally looks for a little graft vs host disease as it provides a further indication that the transplant is doing its job. No reaction is fine, but some is better.
I have no complaints(not that it would do any good), my walk has been a fantastic one and one that each and every one of you has provided for me with your thoughts and prayers. This has been the greatest gift that I have ever received.
I thank you again, so much...
Bob
December 24, 2009 4:45 PM
An early post today!
Because we are going to church late tonight(and we have to arise early - it being Christmas)I didn't want to have to post whenever we got home.
Last year , I went into depth about what I thought the magic of Christmas was for me. And, as every bit of that was certianly true, it will only be truer(more true!) in the years to come as each Christmas is now a special gift to me that I would not have had.
I have to go to church on Christmas Eve(is the PC version Holiday Eve?) as most of you know,b ecause of that magical moment on day ride from church to home where the world seems to be so at peace - the way that life should be. The quiet streets, darkened houses and stores, and the few cars that meander about create(for a brief moment) the world that we all long for. A world of joy, a world of love, a world at peace. I can really feel the presence of God at that time as He seems to be telling me, "See, this is the peace on Earth that I have given to you and that you sing about give it a chance."
Even though I am not a fan of the cold, it cannot be Christmas without cold weather. Having viewed people in Florida setting up outside decorations in tee-shirts and shorts, it just doesn't cut it for me. I realize that they have no choice - but I do - and New Hampshire for Christmas is all right by me.
Now I want to wish each and every one of you a most wonderful Merry Christmas. May the Christmas that you imagine in your heart be the Christmas that you receive.
Your support and prayers have been the gifts that keep on giving for me and I thank you so much!
It's hard to believe that it's been a year since I last attended a church service!
It won't be a year to my next one...
Bob
Because we are going to church late tonight(and we have to arise early - it being Christmas)I didn't want to have to post whenever we got home.
Last year , I went into depth about what I thought the magic of Christmas was for me. And, as every bit of that was certianly true, it will only be truer(more true!) in the years to come as each Christmas is now a special gift to me that I would not have had.
I have to go to church on Christmas Eve(is the PC version Holiday Eve?) as most of you know,b ecause of that magical moment on day ride from church to home where the world seems to be so at peace - the way that life should be. The quiet streets, darkened houses and stores, and the few cars that meander about create(for a brief moment) the world that we all long for. A world of joy, a world of love, a world at peace. I can really feel the presence of God at that time as He seems to be telling me, "See, this is the peace on Earth that I have given to you and that you sing about give it a chance."
Even though I am not a fan of the cold, it cannot be Christmas without cold weather. Having viewed people in Florida setting up outside decorations in tee-shirts and shorts, it just doesn't cut it for me. I realize that they have no choice - but I do - and New Hampshire for Christmas is all right by me.
Now I want to wish each and every one of you a most wonderful Merry Christmas. May the Christmas that you imagine in your heart be the Christmas that you receive.
Your support and prayers have been the gifts that keep on giving for me and I thank you so much!
It's hard to believe that it's been a year since I last attended a church service!
It won't be a year to my next one...
Bob
December 23, 2009 9:45 PM
Always news on doctor's visit day!
Today's news was really - for the first time - a mixed bag. Some of my blood counts that have been slowly marching toward normality have continued to do so - that's the good news. The not as good news is the fact that there is evidence of chronic graft vs host disease. This evidence was indicated by some of my other counts being highly elevated - not because I didn't feel well.
Chronic, in this case, doesn't mean that it will last forever, it simply means that it occurred later in the recovery cycle - after the 100 day period. Otherwise, they call it acute graft vs host disease. Likewise, according to the doctor, this is something that happens to 50% to 70% of transplant patients and we've caught it early on.
So, what do you do about it? Well, one thing is that I go back onto one of my immuno-suppressants for a while - how long remains to be seen as it depends on how things progress from here. I am also starting on prednisone with the same conditions.
The other bummer is that we now have to go back to Boston in two weeks instead of in a month.
So, the bottom line is that I am not out of the woods yet and am still in need of your kind thoughts and prayers.
Not quite the Christmas present that I was looking for - but it certainly could have been a lot worse...
Bob
Today's news was really - for the first time - a mixed bag. Some of my blood counts that have been slowly marching toward normality have continued to do so - that's the good news. The not as good news is the fact that there is evidence of chronic graft vs host disease. This evidence was indicated by some of my other counts being highly elevated - not because I didn't feel well.
Chronic, in this case, doesn't mean that it will last forever, it simply means that it occurred later in the recovery cycle - after the 100 day period. Otherwise, they call it acute graft vs host disease. Likewise, according to the doctor, this is something that happens to 50% to 70% of transplant patients and we've caught it early on.
So, what do you do about it? Well, one thing is that I go back onto one of my immuno-suppressants for a while - how long remains to be seen as it depends on how things progress from here. I am also starting on prednisone with the same conditions.
The other bummer is that we now have to go back to Boston in two weeks instead of in a month.
So, the bottom line is that I am not out of the woods yet and am still in need of your kind thoughts and prayers.
Not quite the Christmas present that I was looking for - but it certainly could have been a lot worse...
Bob
December 22, 2009 10:45 Pm
Off to Boston!
Tomorrow is our monthly visit to the doctor. Not that I expect anything unusual to occur, but it will be nice to once again get confirmation that everything is going according to plan.
Today was very nice as friends unexpectedly dropped in during the afternoon and my son and his daughters were here for dinner.
Otherwise, work continues apace downstairs which keeps me going because I think that I would go nuts if I just sat around all day every day and did nothing.
It's up at 5 AM tomorrow, I can hardly wait...
Bob
Tomorrow is our monthly visit to the doctor. Not that I expect anything unusual to occur, but it will be nice to once again get confirmation that everything is going according to plan.
Today was very nice as friends unexpectedly dropped in during the afternoon and my son and his daughters were here for dinner.
Otherwise, work continues apace downstairs which keeps me going because I think that I would go nuts if I just sat around all day every day and did nothing.
It's up at 5 AM tomorrow, I can hardly wait...
Bob
December 21, 2009 10:30 PM
What a difference a year makes!
Having come home from the hospital on the Monday before Christmas a year ago, I was waiting for my counts to begin to bottom out after my second round of chemo. This year we are continuing to watch them rise. Wednesday will provide the latest installment in that journey as we head to the clinic for my December appointment.
In the mean time, how do I presently keep myself occupied. For one, I am a relatively late riser - 9:00 to be precise. Many people are now aware of this luxury that I presently have and refrain from calling until at least that hour. At this point, I grab a little breakfast, put on some work clothes and proceed to leasurely work on a few projects that I have going on downstairs. Lunch commences at 12:30 so that we can watch how ignorant people are on the daytime syndicated version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". I'll continue working for an hour or two after lunch and then call it a day. There is no reason to feverishly work to complete the projects as there is always tomoroow. What a pleasure it is to be able to write that even though they say that tomorrow is promised to no one.
For me each day is a gift that is much appreciated when you realize that it was not that long ago to be diagnosed with leukemia was a death sentence - especially for people my age!
Back to the remainder of the day. Usually I then migrate to the computer and do some web surfing, e-mail checking, etc. A break for dinner is followed by TV until about 10:00 or so when I get back on the computer to do the blog for the day. I'll stick with the computer for a while after that and then go to bed.
Sounds exciting, doesn't it! But, when I'm basically restricted to home duties, there is not too much else that I can do. A meal out once in a while(off peak hours), a movie(on a midweek afternoon), see a grandchild's game occasionally, visit a friend, etc. Those are the main "activities" that get me out of the house.
Christmas Eve will be a biggy for me. The first time that I will have been to church in a year! I really feel like a kid at Christmas with regard to this as I can hardly wait.
It'll probably be February be fore I can go back for good...
Bob
Having come home from the hospital on the Monday before Christmas a year ago, I was waiting for my counts to begin to bottom out after my second round of chemo. This year we are continuing to watch them rise. Wednesday will provide the latest installment in that journey as we head to the clinic for my December appointment.
In the mean time, how do I presently keep myself occupied. For one, I am a relatively late riser - 9:00 to be precise. Many people are now aware of this luxury that I presently have and refrain from calling until at least that hour. At this point, I grab a little breakfast, put on some work clothes and proceed to leasurely work on a few projects that I have going on downstairs. Lunch commences at 12:30 so that we can watch how ignorant people are on the daytime syndicated version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". I'll continue working for an hour or two after lunch and then call it a day. There is no reason to feverishly work to complete the projects as there is always tomoroow. What a pleasure it is to be able to write that even though they say that tomorrow is promised to no one.
For me each day is a gift that is much appreciated when you realize that it was not that long ago to be diagnosed with leukemia was a death sentence - especially for people my age!
Back to the remainder of the day. Usually I then migrate to the computer and do some web surfing, e-mail checking, etc. A break for dinner is followed by TV until about 10:00 or so when I get back on the computer to do the blog for the day. I'll stick with the computer for a while after that and then go to bed.
Sounds exciting, doesn't it! But, when I'm basically restricted to home duties, there is not too much else that I can do. A meal out once in a while(off peak hours), a movie(on a midweek afternoon), see a grandchild's game occasionally, visit a friend, etc. Those are the main "activities" that get me out of the house.
Christmas Eve will be a biggy for me. The first time that I will have been to church in a year! I really feel like a kid at Christmas with regard to this as I can hardly wait.
It'll probably be February be fore I can go back for good...
Bob
December 20, 2009 10:35 PM
It fizzled out!
All that snow that they were predicting for us to get today turned out to be an inch at best. It always seems that when the predict a lot - we get a little - and vice versa. Ah, but weatherman failure leads only to the next day when they can try again. What a job!
Sunday once more. Only a special Sunday that will require a year to recover from. This is the night when they have lessons and carols at church. There is a lot of preparation put in by the choir and it is a nice way to focus on the real reason for the season as they say. It is then followed by a gathering at a parishioner's house to celebrate all that is good about the season. An enjoyable and fun evening on several levels and a part of the Christmas season that I have now missed for the past 2 years. I know that I shouldn't complain but I do know what I am missing and it missing events like these does get to you.
I will not miss Christmas Eve, however...
Bob
All that snow that they were predicting for us to get today turned out to be an inch at best. It always seems that when the predict a lot - we get a little - and vice versa. Ah, but weatherman failure leads only to the next day when they can try again. What a job!
Sunday once more. Only a special Sunday that will require a year to recover from. This is the night when they have lessons and carols at church. There is a lot of preparation put in by the choir and it is a nice way to focus on the real reason for the season as they say. It is then followed by a gathering at a parishioner's house to celebrate all that is good about the season. An enjoyable and fun evening on several levels and a part of the Christmas season that I have now missed for the past 2 years. I know that I shouldn't complain but I do know what I am missing and it missing events like these does get to you.
I will not miss Christmas Eve, however...
Bob
December 19, 2009 8:45 PM
Here it comes again!
Another snowstorm predicted for tonight and tomorrow. The number of expected inches continues to rise so we'll see what we actually get.
Went to my granddaughter's soccer game and then had company in the afternoon. All in all a good day. To think that a year ago I was in the hospital at this time for round 2 of chemo! What a difference a year makes!
And for me to be able to say that is indeed a blessing. Each day now is a day that I would not normally have had. So, even though I do at times, I really have no right to complain about anything.
To put it all in perspective, the wife of the couple that we visted on Thursday had her father die from leukemia. Fifty years ago, leukemia was a death sentence. Not today!
I certainly thank God for all the medical advances since then...
Bob
Another snowstorm predicted for tonight and tomorrow. The number of expected inches continues to rise so we'll see what we actually get.
Went to my granddaughter's soccer game and then had company in the afternoon. All in all a good day. To think that a year ago I was in the hospital at this time for round 2 of chemo! What a difference a year makes!
And for me to be able to say that is indeed a blessing. Each day now is a day that I would not normally have had. So, even though I do at times, I really have no right to complain about anything.
To put it all in perspective, the wife of the couple that we visted on Thursday had her father die from leukemia. Fifty years ago, leukemia was a death sentence. Not today!
I certainly thank God for all the medical advances since then...
Bob
December 18, 2009 11:55 PM
We missed number three!
While we were playing cards with our friends yesterday, my grandson had his third wrestling match. The news came in today that the result of the match was the same as the first two - he pinned his opponent! For the boy who was so afraid that he was going to lose his very first match this has been quite a thrilling ride. I know that someday he will meet his match(as they say, you can't win them all)! But to try something for the first time in your life and to be so good at it has got to be one of the most satisfying feelings that a person could ever have. And this is such an intimidating sport because there is only you and your opponent - you can't hide behind your teammates and you can't be good at just part of it as in baseball where you may be able to hit but you have problems fielding.
I'll say that this is great therapy for me as I feel so proud for him. The best part of being a grandparent!
Otherwise, a quiet day working at home as the holidays inexorably inch closer and I miss the opportunity to participate in all the festivities. We missed an event at a friends house tonight for example - it is just too many people in a relatively confined area.
But, as they say, wait until next year...
Bob
While we were playing cards with our friends yesterday, my grandson had his third wrestling match. The news came in today that the result of the match was the same as the first two - he pinned his opponent! For the boy who was so afraid that he was going to lose his very first match this has been quite a thrilling ride. I know that someday he will meet his match(as they say, you can't win them all)! But to try something for the first time in your life and to be so good at it has got to be one of the most satisfying feelings that a person could ever have. And this is such an intimidating sport because there is only you and your opponent - you can't hide behind your teammates and you can't be good at just part of it as in baseball where you may be able to hit but you have problems fielding.
I'll say that this is great therapy for me as I feel so proud for him. The best part of being a grandparent!
Otherwise, a quiet day working at home as the holidays inexorably inch closer and I miss the opportunity to participate in all the festivities. We missed an event at a friends house tonight for example - it is just too many people in a relatively confined area.
But, as they say, wait until next year...
Bob
December 17, 2009 11:15 PM
We had no cards!
But we still came out on top - though not by much. Friends of ours had invited us over to play some bridge this afternoon. We were more than happy to oblige. I don't get out much, as you all know, so any invitation is much appreciated.
Of course, these past few days have been and the next few are expected to be brutally cold. The radio said that tomorrow, with the wind chill, the temperature will be -27. Staying home under those conditions is no punishment that's for sure.
But, fool that I am, I did go to a big box lumber store tonight and bought some much needed sheets of plywood for my shelving project here at home. In order to get them home I have to lash them to the roof rack on our car. Normally that's no big deal. But the store is at the top of a hill and the wind was incredible. I had to use my bare hands to winch the wood to the car. In the process, my fingers felt like they were frozen. On the way home, as the heat in the car warmed them up, they hurt like I have never felt them hurt before. Needless to say, they are fine now.
Florida looks more inviting all the time...
Bob
But we still came out on top - though not by much. Friends of ours had invited us over to play some bridge this afternoon. We were more than happy to oblige. I don't get out much, as you all know, so any invitation is much appreciated.
Of course, these past few days have been and the next few are expected to be brutally cold. The radio said that tomorrow, with the wind chill, the temperature will be -27. Staying home under those conditions is no punishment that's for sure.
But, fool that I am, I did go to a big box lumber store tonight and bought some much needed sheets of plywood for my shelving project here at home. In order to get them home I have to lash them to the roof rack on our car. Normally that's no big deal. But the store is at the top of a hill and the wind was incredible. I had to use my bare hands to winch the wood to the car. In the process, my fingers felt like they were frozen. On the way home, as the heat in the car warmed them up, they hurt like I have never felt them hurt before. Needless to say, they are fine now.
Florida looks more inviting all the time...
Bob
December 16, 2009 11:10 PM
Another missed event!
I missed a school concert involving one of my granddaughters. But those are events that are attended by a large crowd of people what with the parents, relatives, etc. My wife went and said that sure enough it was a packed house.
It's a bummer. But it's all coming to an end soon(I hope)! Even my wife asked if I was going to change clothes to get ready to go -forgetting(as she said) that I am not a "normal" person. There is no medical treatment that will ever make me completely normal!
I guess that I'm just going to have to look back at this time of my life as being a huge vacuum when it comes to attending events with large crowds and/or co-mingling with a number of people in close quarters.
As the doctors say "We're not looking at today, we're looking for tomorrow".
Tomorrow is just around the corner...
Bob
I missed a school concert involving one of my granddaughters. But those are events that are attended by a large crowd of people what with the parents, relatives, etc. My wife went and said that sure enough it was a packed house.
It's a bummer. But it's all coming to an end soon(I hope)! Even my wife asked if I was going to change clothes to get ready to go -forgetting(as she said) that I am not a "normal" person. There is no medical treatment that will ever make me completely normal!
I guess that I'm just going to have to look back at this time of my life as being a huge vacuum when it comes to attending events with large crowds and/or co-mingling with a number of people in close quarters.
As the doctors say "We're not looking at today, we're looking for tomorrow".
Tomorrow is just around the corner...
Bob
December 15, 2009 11:50 PM
Only 10 days away!
It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 10 days away. To me it seems like only a few months ago that I went to church for the Christmas Eve service. I'm already primed to go again this year only I won't have the spector of waiting at least a year before I go again hanging over my head. So maybe that's way I'm so cognizant of the 10 days.
Another day at home as most of them are. but I did spend the day working on a suspended ceiling which I should wrap up tomorrow. So, every day something seems to get accomplished and I still feel as though I can contribute.
As the year winds down, it's getting near time to both look back and to look forward. For me the crystal ball is quite a bit fuzzy for the new year but that's a topic for another day - the current year still has a little life in it yet.
So, in the short term, I'll just continue to mark time...
Bob
It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 10 days away. To me it seems like only a few months ago that I went to church for the Christmas Eve service. I'm already primed to go again this year only I won't have the spector of waiting at least a year before I go again hanging over my head. So maybe that's way I'm so cognizant of the 10 days.
Another day at home as most of them are. but I did spend the day working on a suspended ceiling which I should wrap up tomorrow. So, every day something seems to get accomplished and I still feel as though I can contribute.
As the year winds down, it's getting near time to both look back and to look forward. For me the crystal ball is quite a bit fuzzy for the new year but that's a topic for another day - the current year still has a little life in it yet.
So, in the short term, I'll just continue to mark time...
Bob
December 14, 2009 11:45 PM
A repeat performance!
Not for me, for my grandson. A second wrestling match and a second pin! I think that he's the next Hulk Hogan!
That was most certainly the highlight of my day. We went to see his match today and it was such a thrill to be able to see him do so well - especially where wrestling is such an individual sport and everyone knows exactly how you did. Both sets of grandparents were there along with his mother and, needless to say, we made up quite a rooting section for him.
Other than that another quiet day as time marches on for me. It's hard to believe that two more months still remain before my year is up. It seems like the weeks fly by but the months seem to be running in place. I know that it's because my patience level is really beginning to wear thin. But, I've had nothing but success up to now and I most certainly do not want to rock the boat at this point.
I just have to grin and bear it...
Bob
Not for me, for my grandson. A second wrestling match and a second pin! I think that he's the next Hulk Hogan!
That was most certainly the highlight of my day. We went to see his match today and it was such a thrill to be able to see him do so well - especially where wrestling is such an individual sport and everyone knows exactly how you did. Both sets of grandparents were there along with his mother and, needless to say, we made up quite a rooting section for him.
Other than that another quiet day as time marches on for me. It's hard to believe that two more months still remain before my year is up. It seems like the weeks fly by but the months seem to be running in place. I know that it's because my patience level is really beginning to wear thin. But, I've had nothing but success up to now and I most certainly do not want to rock the boat at this point.
I just have to grin and bear it...
Bob
December 13, 2009 11:05 PM
A nice day!
As I mentioned yesterday, we went to our friends house for dinner and had a great time. About the only downside was the lousy weather - some snow, some rain, a little ice - which made the traveling a typical winter's ride.
Even though it's Sunday, I did some work and finished the walls in our storeroom. Next stop the ceiling!
As always, I missed church. But in a few months that will be rectified as well.
Not much else to say.
I still am extremely grateful that I feel as well as I do.
Even though my activities are still somewhat limited, my life has definitely been blessed...
Bob
As I mentioned yesterday, we went to our friends house for dinner and had a great time. About the only downside was the lousy weather - some snow, some rain, a little ice - which made the traveling a typical winter's ride.
Even though it's Sunday, I did some work and finished the walls in our storeroom. Next stop the ceiling!
As always, I missed church. But in a few months that will be rectified as well.
Not much else to say.
I still am extremely grateful that I feel as well as I do.
Even though my activities are still somewhat limited, my life has definitely been blessed...
Bob
December 12, 2009 11:20 PM
Not much to say!
Today was a day for working on the downstairs. As such, we didn't go anywhere or have any company. It was just a working day. No thoughts about anything. Just concentrating on what I have to do. Not that I dwell on my situation at all, but it's nice to set your mind to other things and get away from the everyday goings on.
Tomorrow, we go off to visit friends whom we haven't seen for a while.
Not much else to say, I still feel fine and will next visit the doctor on the 23rd.
Bob
Today was a day for working on the downstairs. As such, we didn't go anywhere or have any company. It was just a working day. No thoughts about anything. Just concentrating on what I have to do. Not that I dwell on my situation at all, but it's nice to set your mind to other things and get away from the everyday goings on.
Tomorrow, we go off to visit friends whom we haven't seen for a while.
Not much else to say, I still feel fine and will next visit the doctor on the 23rd.
Bob
December 12, 2009 12:25 PM
A late entry today!
Why? Because we had company tonight and played bridge until we brke off the game and just engeged in conversation for a while. As for the card game? I had fantastic cards all night and we won handily. As much fun as it was to get good cards all night, it takes away from the overall enjoyment of the game when the score becomes so one sided. But, we play for fun and that makes all of us winners - just like we tell our children today!
Other than that a good day. Our son stopped by for a while and then we all went out for pizza so that added to the enjoyment of the day as well.
Since I feel so good, I really forget what is happening to me and I try to engage in as many "normal" activities as I can without giving my condition a second thought. This great ride shows no signs of stopping and I am extremely thankful for it.
Not a long entry, but then not a lot to talk about either...
Bob
Why? Because we had company tonight and played bridge until we brke off the game and just engeged in conversation for a while. As for the card game? I had fantastic cards all night and we won handily. As much fun as it was to get good cards all night, it takes away from the overall enjoyment of the game when the score becomes so one sided. But, we play for fun and that makes all of us winners - just like we tell our children today!
Other than that a good day. Our son stopped by for a while and then we all went out for pizza so that added to the enjoyment of the day as well.
Since I feel so good, I really forget what is happening to me and I try to engage in as many "normal" activities as I can without giving my condition a second thought. This great ride shows no signs of stopping and I am extremely thankful for it.
Not a long entry, but then not a lot to talk about either...
Bob
December 10, 2009 11:50 PM
Another day at home!
But a working day as I did some electrical work and some painting. So each day tends to have its own accomplishments in a number of ways.
I guess that that's what's most important - try to put each day to good use. In what ever way you can - given what you have to deal with. For me, given that each day is a special gift - all accomplishments are truly special.
I have much to be thankful for and, I'll say it again, your prayers and support have been key to my whole recovery. Even today, a friend called an invited us out to play cards next week. So I know that I am still remembered in the eyes of some and that is much appreciated.
This is a wonderful season of joy and happiness(if we can put all the secular issues aside) and it gives each of us somewhat of an idea how life should really be. Admittedly, it's a tease in some way because that feeling always seems to disappear at the turn of the year. Why? Because we let it do that. We let the calendar dictate our lives. I know that I do.
Wouldn't it be great to give a gift to everyone and not just our family and friends! Maybe, if we try to hold onto that Christmas feeling beyond December 25th each of us could make a small difference. Enough small differences can equate to one big difference.
I'm going to try...
Bob
But a working day as I did some electrical work and some painting. So each day tends to have its own accomplishments in a number of ways.
I guess that that's what's most important - try to put each day to good use. In what ever way you can - given what you have to deal with. For me, given that each day is a special gift - all accomplishments are truly special.
I have much to be thankful for and, I'll say it again, your prayers and support have been key to my whole recovery. Even today, a friend called an invited us out to play cards next week. So I know that I am still remembered in the eyes of some and that is much appreciated.
This is a wonderful season of joy and happiness(if we can put all the secular issues aside) and it gives each of us somewhat of an idea how life should really be. Admittedly, it's a tease in some way because that feeling always seems to disappear at the turn of the year. Why? Because we let it do that. We let the calendar dictate our lives. I know that I do.
Wouldn't it be great to give a gift to everyone and not just our family and friends! Maybe, if we try to hold onto that Christmas feeling beyond December 25th each of us could make a small difference. Enough small differences can equate to one big difference.
I'm going to try...
Bob
December 9, 2009 11:50 PM
A small blessing!
But a very important one. We got 8/9 inches of snow today and I didn't have to worry at all about going out in it. And I don't have to worry about going to work tomorrow in the aftermath of it because you know that it will be a horrendous commute.
So, it was a great day to just hunker down and do some work around the house - which I did. It's also nice that I can pace myself because I don't currently have to contend with a 40 hour work week - if I ever will again! So, I work until I feel like stopping.
Obviously, with the snowstorm there was no outside activities today - no snowmen, snow forts, or snowball fights either! More importantly - no need to clean up either - it's all done for us. At least there is some salvation here.
Florida looks better and better every day...
Bob
But a very important one. We got 8/9 inches of snow today and I didn't have to worry at all about going out in it. And I don't have to worry about going to work tomorrow in the aftermath of it because you know that it will be a horrendous commute.
So, it was a great day to just hunker down and do some work around the house - which I did. It's also nice that I can pace myself because I don't currently have to contend with a 40 hour work week - if I ever will again! So, I work until I feel like stopping.
Obviously, with the snowstorm there was no outside activities today - no snowmen, snow forts, or snowball fights either! More importantly - no need to clean up either - it's all done for us. At least there is some salvation here.
Florida looks better and better every day...
Bob
December 8, 2009 11:35 PM
Not fitting the mold!
Looking for something to read, I came acroos the huge notebook that Dana farber had given me prior to the bone marrow transplant in order to allow me to familiarize myself with the process and the extraneous side effects that can occur - physically, emotionally, and psychologically. I just don't fit the profile at all!
The average time to find a donor is 4 months. Mine was a lot less and when they state that it can take up to 5 years to find one you really get an appreciation as to how much of a miracle it was!
All the side effects - especially suffering from severe fatigue just never materialized. Graft versus host disease was basically not existent. Forget about the nausea. In fact they stated that it was not uncommon to be resubmitted to the hospital after the transplant. Boy, am I glad that I dodged that bullet!
Then they go through and list all of the resources that are offered as part of the many counseling programs that they offer in order to help you deal with the disease and the aftermath of the treatment. They say that it's quite normal to dwell on the fact that it could come back. I refuse to get caught up in that trap. To compromise your every day by living in constant fear of how many more days you may have is no way to live! I suppose that because of my own experience I can choose to forget all of that. Counseling, for me, just appears to be a waste of time. I admit that I would like to go to some of the sessions that are offered in order to help others. But, from others that have done so, I have heard that it is just a pity party and you leave more depressed than ever. I certainly don't need that!
About the only true revelation for me was that the vaccination shots that I will start getting in February will take a year to complete. No real surprise as I knew that I would be monitored on a less frequent basis during the 12-24 month timeframe after the transplant.
I simply take every day as a blessing and today was a great day. I worked downstairs for a while and we went to a movie this afternoon when no one was at the theater.
Everywhere I turn, I realize that I have been exceedingly blessed.
Thank you God...
Bob
Looking for something to read, I came acroos the huge notebook that Dana farber had given me prior to the bone marrow transplant in order to allow me to familiarize myself with the process and the extraneous side effects that can occur - physically, emotionally, and psychologically. I just don't fit the profile at all!
The average time to find a donor is 4 months. Mine was a lot less and when they state that it can take up to 5 years to find one you really get an appreciation as to how much of a miracle it was!
All the side effects - especially suffering from severe fatigue just never materialized. Graft versus host disease was basically not existent. Forget about the nausea. In fact they stated that it was not uncommon to be resubmitted to the hospital after the transplant. Boy, am I glad that I dodged that bullet!
Then they go through and list all of the resources that are offered as part of the many counseling programs that they offer in order to help you deal with the disease and the aftermath of the treatment. They say that it's quite normal to dwell on the fact that it could come back. I refuse to get caught up in that trap. To compromise your every day by living in constant fear of how many more days you may have is no way to live! I suppose that because of my own experience I can choose to forget all of that. Counseling, for me, just appears to be a waste of time. I admit that I would like to go to some of the sessions that are offered in order to help others. But, from others that have done so, I have heard that it is just a pity party and you leave more depressed than ever. I certainly don't need that!
About the only true revelation for me was that the vaccination shots that I will start getting in February will take a year to complete. No real surprise as I knew that I would be monitored on a less frequent basis during the 12-24 month timeframe after the transplant.
I simply take every day as a blessing and today was a great day. I worked downstairs for a while and we went to a movie this afternoon when no one was at the theater.
Everywhere I turn, I realize that I have been exceedingly blessed.
Thank you God...
Bob
Decembar 7, 2009 10:35 PM
It was a moving day today!
Not physically - but emotionally. My brother-in-law's uncle passed away last Thursday and today was the funeral and burial. He was a man that we had come in contact with a number of times at family gatherings. At 94, he was also a WWII veteran. As such, there was a military presence at the cemetary with the burial service concluding with the playing of taps, the flag folding ceremony, and the presentation of the flag to his widow. I had never before attended a burial where taps had been played. It was truly very moving and the entire military ritual offered a final thank you to a man for a debt owed to him that none of us can truly repay. Even when my father passed away, there was no playing of taps.
Ironically, today is Pearl Harbor Day and it provides the opportunity for our hearts and minds to extend back to that horrible day and the ensuing consequences that so many of the generation that went before me had to endure. As those veterans continue to leave us, those of us who never served can never fully understand and/or appreciate the sacrifices that were made in order for us to have what we have today. This service brought all of that to the surface and made it alive once more. I will never forget it.
Ironically, for me, my wife and I had vacillated over the past few days as to whether or not I should attend. But, when we realistically decided that there would not be a large crowd of people in attendence we decided that I should go.
We were right on the button with our assessment and I am so glad that I did...
Bob
Not physically - but emotionally. My brother-in-law's uncle passed away last Thursday and today was the funeral and burial. He was a man that we had come in contact with a number of times at family gatherings. At 94, he was also a WWII veteran. As such, there was a military presence at the cemetary with the burial service concluding with the playing of taps, the flag folding ceremony, and the presentation of the flag to his widow. I had never before attended a burial where taps had been played. It was truly very moving and the entire military ritual offered a final thank you to a man for a debt owed to him that none of us can truly repay. Even when my father passed away, there was no playing of taps.
Ironically, today is Pearl Harbor Day and it provides the opportunity for our hearts and minds to extend back to that horrible day and the ensuing consequences that so many of the generation that went before me had to endure. As those veterans continue to leave us, those of us who never served can never fully understand and/or appreciate the sacrifices that were made in order for us to have what we have today. This service brought all of that to the surface and made it alive once more. I will never forget it.
Ironically, for me, my wife and I had vacillated over the past few days as to whether or not I should attend. But, when we realistically decided that there would not be a large crowd of people in attendence we decided that I should go.
We were right on the button with our assessment and I am so glad that I did...
Bob
December 6, 2009 11:55 PM
A quiet Sunday!
Nothing much to comment about today. The snow amounted to a few inches which we didn't have to clean up as we live in a condo(such a blessing on days like this).
We did, however, put up some Christmas decorations. I guess no matter old you get you still like to have signs of the season around you. No big tree this year(we do have a small tree, however, and that will suffice for this year). Maybe next year we'll get out the big one. No better tree than an artificial one I always say!
But, it's nice to change the motif once in a while. Of course, what you take out - you have to put away. But that's for another day.
It's Sunday, I still miss going to church...
Bob
Nothing much to comment about today. The snow amounted to a few inches which we didn't have to clean up as we live in a condo(such a blessing on days like this).
We did, however, put up some Christmas decorations. I guess no matter old you get you still like to have signs of the season around you. No big tree this year(we do have a small tree, however, and that will suffice for this year). Maybe next year we'll get out the big one. No better tree than an artificial one I always say!
But, it's nice to change the motif once in a while. Of course, what you take out - you have to put away. But that's for another day.
It's Sunday, I still miss going to church...
Bob
December 5,2009 11:55 PM
At last!
Yes, at last(not a good one mind you), it's snowing! I guess that winter is finally about to rear it's ugly head. That's one thing about New England weather it changes so frequently and so radically. For those of you who do not live around here, the temperature on Wednesday was in the upper 60's and we set all kinds of records for the day. Only three days later - it snows!
We went to see one of my granddaughters play soccer today and that was great. It's especially great at this time of year because it is indoors where it's nice and warm and dry. She scored two goals to just put frosting on the cake.
Other than that, a quiet day and one more day closer to getting back on my feet. It's almost 10 months since the transplant so there are only about 2 more to go - I can hardly wait!
We also ate out at a local Chinese restaurant today and I must say that they are always the most accommodating of people. They know my situation so that always make sure that we are isolated from having anyone around us. Sometimes it makes me feel like I am being "shunned"!
Instead of a scarlet "A" maybe I should wear an orange "L"(orange being the color designated for leukemia) and I won't have to avoid the crowds - they'll avoid me!
All kidding aside, it was another good day in a long run of good days...
Bob
Yes, at last(not a good one mind you), it's snowing! I guess that winter is finally about to rear it's ugly head. That's one thing about New England weather it changes so frequently and so radically. For those of you who do not live around here, the temperature on Wednesday was in the upper 60's and we set all kinds of records for the day. Only three days later - it snows!
We went to see one of my granddaughters play soccer today and that was great. It's especially great at this time of year because it is indoors where it's nice and warm and dry. She scored two goals to just put frosting on the cake.
Other than that, a quiet day and one more day closer to getting back on my feet. It's almost 10 months since the transplant so there are only about 2 more to go - I can hardly wait!
We also ate out at a local Chinese restaurant today and I must say that they are always the most accommodating of people. They know my situation so that always make sure that we are isolated from having anyone around us. Sometimes it makes me feel like I am being "shunned"!
Instead of a scarlet "A" maybe I should wear an orange "L"(orange being the color designated for leukemia) and I won't have to avoid the crowds - they'll avoid me!
All kidding aside, it was another good day in a long run of good days...
Bob
December 4, 2009 11:25 PM
Another milestone day!
Yes, it's true! This posting is my 400th posting. This far exceeds what I had intended to do at the beginning. But, as we know, things do not always go according to plan. In this case, given the fact that there is not much to report on a daily basis, keeping the blog running is more of a chore than it originally was when new developments were happening on a daily basis - sometimes even quicker than that!
But, I do thank those of you who have continued to follow my path evn though the going is pretty easy at this point and there is not much to see. I know that you are out there because I get feedback every once in a while.
It was a day of celebration as I said yesterday. We celebrated my mother-in-law's 92nd birthday. What an achievement!
As for me, I guess that every day is a milestone day in a way because I have felt terrific all along the way which is basically unheard of! It's still hard to imagine that I was ill because I never felt ill. And now that I am slowly getting back to a normal life of sorts -it's even harder to fathom what I have undergone. Intense chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant that I know to be very debilitating and risky proved to be neither.
Why have I been so blessed???
Bob
Yes, it's true! This posting is my 400th posting. This far exceeds what I had intended to do at the beginning. But, as we know, things do not always go according to plan. In this case, given the fact that there is not much to report on a daily basis, keeping the blog running is more of a chore than it originally was when new developments were happening on a daily basis - sometimes even quicker than that!
But, I do thank those of you who have continued to follow my path evn though the going is pretty easy at this point and there is not much to see. I know that you are out there because I get feedback every once in a while.
It was a day of celebration as I said yesterday. We celebrated my mother-in-law's 92nd birthday. What an achievement!
As for me, I guess that every day is a milestone day in a way because I have felt terrific all along the way which is basically unheard of! It's still hard to imagine that I was ill because I never felt ill. And now that I am slowly getting back to a normal life of sorts -it's even harder to fathom what I have undergone. Intense chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant that I know to be very debilitating and risky proved to be neither.
Why have I been so blessed???
Bob
December 3, 2009 10:55 PM
A pot-pourri day!
Today is my mother-in-law's 92nd birthday. What a gift it is to be able to live to that age. As long as you have your mental faculties(which she does) then age is only a number. Tomorrow we celebrate at my sister-in-law's house.
Since crowds are still something that I do not wish to deal with, tonight we went to the dress rehearsal for the Machester Choral Society's Christmas concert. There was nobody there(other than the participants) and it made it easy to enjoy the music without the fear of contracting some sort of disease.
Several people that we did know there decided to keep away because they were battling colds. I guess that all kinds of things are still going around. For me, so far so good.
I'm also getting back to normal in other ways. As I said before, now that I can taste food, I eat more and I've gained back most of the weight that I had lost - but not all! I'm trying to keep from getting all the way back. I might as well get one benefit from all that's happened to me.
Also, with the end of the immuno-suppressants, I'm drinking less water so those middle of the night bathroom breaks don't occur anymore either. This is a big deal for me because the moment that I entered the hospital last November they started filling me with fluids and then I had to drink all that water. During all that time, I could never get a full night's sleep. Not so any more!
Each step feels great...
Bob
Today is my mother-in-law's 92nd birthday. What a gift it is to be able to live to that age. As long as you have your mental faculties(which she does) then age is only a number. Tomorrow we celebrate at my sister-in-law's house.
Since crowds are still something that I do not wish to deal with, tonight we went to the dress rehearsal for the Machester Choral Society's Christmas concert. There was nobody there(other than the participants) and it made it easy to enjoy the music without the fear of contracting some sort of disease.
Several people that we did know there decided to keep away because they were battling colds. I guess that all kinds of things are still going around. For me, so far so good.
I'm also getting back to normal in other ways. As I said before, now that I can taste food, I eat more and I've gained back most of the weight that I had lost - but not all! I'm trying to keep from getting all the way back. I might as well get one benefit from all that's happened to me.
Also, with the end of the immuno-suppressants, I'm drinking less water so those middle of the night bathroom breaks don't occur anymore either. This is a big deal for me because the moment that I entered the hospital last November they started filling me with fluids and then I had to drink all that water. During all that time, I could never get a full night's sleep. Not so any more!
Each step feels great...
Bob
December 2, 2009 11:55 PM
Auto repair shock!
My wife's car has had some intermittent heater problems. Of course, the simple fixes of thermostat, coolant, hose cleanout, etc. do not work and all flapper operations work fine. It turns out that the automatic programmer is the culprit. It's a part that cannot be bought used because it needs to be programmed by Volvo and it can only be programmed once. Total cost $1100! Ouch!!
If you didn't need the defroster, you could kind of make do with the seat warmers for the winter. But, eventually, I am sure, that we would have to pay the piper anyway. Why is it that no auto repairs today are cheap?
Anyway, that kind of threw a damper on the day. But, we have to wait until Monday for the part to be delivered before any actual work can proceed. I suppose that by that point in time the intense pain will have evolved to a dull ache and we'll be numb to the economics of the whole situation.
And, to think, I'm supposed to proceed on the road to recovery without suffering from any stress or strain. I think that that is an impossibility in this day and age.
Welcome back to reality...
Bob
My wife's car has had some intermittent heater problems. Of course, the simple fixes of thermostat, coolant, hose cleanout, etc. do not work and all flapper operations work fine. It turns out that the automatic programmer is the culprit. It's a part that cannot be bought used because it needs to be programmed by Volvo and it can only be programmed once. Total cost $1100! Ouch!!
If you didn't need the defroster, you could kind of make do with the seat warmers for the winter. But, eventually, I am sure, that we would have to pay the piper anyway. Why is it that no auto repairs today are cheap?
Anyway, that kind of threw a damper on the day. But, we have to wait until Monday for the part to be delivered before any actual work can proceed. I suppose that by that point in time the intense pain will have evolved to a dull ache and we'll be numb to the economics of the whole situation.
And, to think, I'm supposed to proceed on the road to recovery without suffering from any stress or strain. I think that that is an impossibility in this day and age.
Welcome back to reality...
Bob
December 1, 2009 11:10 PM
What a great way to start the month!
My grandson was named student of the month for the month of November at his school. He has been nominated several times in the past but this time he prevailed! I know that he tries hard and that his first report card reflected that effort when he got all A's. What an honor! He's on the scholl wrestling team as well so there is more than just one facet to him.
Congratulations Alex!
Those things are so uplifting. You can't help but be overjoyed at the success of your grandchildren. As with your own children, you live their ups and downs - only now there are more lives to follow.
As for me, there is nothing new. I was home all day and I anticipate that I will be home all day tomorrow as well. As tough as it is - it works and I am disease free! If that's what the doctors want from me then I'll give it to them. More importantly, it's what I want for myself!
It's time to get back to work again so I am starting to clean out our storage area before I embark on building some shelving and doing some wiring.
The idea is just to keep on trucking...
Bob
My grandson was named student of the month for the month of November at his school. He has been nominated several times in the past but this time he prevailed! I know that he tries hard and that his first report card reflected that effort when he got all A's. What an honor! He's on the scholl wrestling team as well so there is more than just one facet to him.
Congratulations Alex!
Those things are so uplifting. You can't help but be overjoyed at the success of your grandchildren. As with your own children, you live their ups and downs - only now there are more lives to follow.
As for me, there is nothing new. I was home all day and I anticipate that I will be home all day tomorrow as well. As tough as it is - it works and I am disease free! If that's what the doctors want from me then I'll give it to them. More importantly, it's what I want for myself!
It's time to get back to work again so I am starting to clean out our storage area before I embark on building some shelving and doing some wiring.
The idea is just to keep on trucking...
Bob
November 30, 2009 11:55 PM
Where has the time gone?
Today is the last day of November. Just one more month of this forgettable, and yet unforgettable, year for me. Next year will be interesting as I slowly ramp up to a new life style where I will once again be getting myself involved with the lives of others as well. It has now been 9 and a half months since the transplant. A long time to be sure but there a still a few more to go.
Today we went down to Massachusetts to visit our closest IKEA store for the first time. It's a Monday, so the place was far from crowded. But, then again, the place is so huge that I'm surprised that you ever come in contact with another human being!
We didn't buy anything but it was certainly worth the trip. Now, can't you see what my life has come to when a trip to the IKEA store is considered to be a monumental event!
But, I guess I have to be good.
It's Christmas time and I know that Santa and his many helpers are watching...
Bob
Today is the last day of November. Just one more month of this forgettable, and yet unforgettable, year for me. Next year will be interesting as I slowly ramp up to a new life style where I will once again be getting myself involved with the lives of others as well. It has now been 9 and a half months since the transplant. A long time to be sure but there a still a few more to go.
Today we went down to Massachusetts to visit our closest IKEA store for the first time. It's a Monday, so the place was far from crowded. But, then again, the place is so huge that I'm surprised that you ever come in contact with another human being!
We didn't buy anything but it was certainly worth the trip. Now, can't you see what my life has come to when a trip to the IKEA store is considered to be a monumental event!
But, I guess I have to be good.
It's Christmas time and I know that Santa and his many helpers are watching...
Bob
November 29, 2009 11:30 PM
A nice grandparent's day!
My son was here with his two daughters and they helped their grandmother make ravioli which was the big hit of the day and it was very tasty indeed! The children were a great pleasure to have around and always contribute to picking up your day. So often, we take it for granted but these days are gifts.
As usual, it was also a great day healthwise. Just marking time until I can get back to "normal" living.
Not much else to say about the day...
Bob
My son was here with his two daughters and they helped their grandmother make ravioli which was the big hit of the day and it was very tasty indeed! The children were a great pleasure to have around and always contribute to picking up your day. So often, we take it for granted but these days are gifts.
As usual, it was also a great day healthwise. Just marking time until I can get back to "normal" living.
Not much else to say about the day...
Bob
November 28, 2009 11:20 PM
Another Saturday night.... at home!
As many of our friends can attest, my wife and I were never at home in the evening. There were times when we were busy every night for three weeks in a row! So sitting here now - night after night - is really going against the grain for us. Not only that, but TV does not offer a good diversion - there's nothing on to watch!
Maybe some day I will look back with great fondness at these days where there was nothing to do but stay home. But right now that seems like such a fairytale.
Anyway, I'm still feeling fine and that's what really counts.
It's also interesting to note that this was the day a year ago that I first went home from the hospital. Boy, did that feel great having been there for almost 4 weeks. At the time, I did not have any idea what was in store for me. It was a wait and see proposition.
So, I waited... I saw... and it exceeded all my expectations...
Bob
As many of our friends can attest, my wife and I were never at home in the evening. There were times when we were busy every night for three weeks in a row! So sitting here now - night after night - is really going against the grain for us. Not only that, but TV does not offer a good diversion - there's nothing on to watch!
Maybe some day I will look back with great fondness at these days where there was nothing to do but stay home. But right now that seems like such a fairytale.
Anyway, I'm still feeling fine and that's what really counts.
It's also interesting to note that this was the day a year ago that I first went home from the hospital. Boy, did that feel great having been there for almost 4 weeks. At the time, I did not have any idea what was in store for me. It was a wait and see proposition.
So, I waited... I saw... and it exceeded all my expectations...
Bob
November 27, 2009 11:15 PM
A great ending to the day!
Yesterday that is. My grandson asked to spend the night with us and after watching the movie "Cars", the three of us put on "A Christmas Story" and watched that movie. It's always a good movie. But, more importantly, it was nice for the three of us to just sit back, relax, and laugh together. Certainly a blessing that I could not have necessarily foreseen a year ago.
Today we went to see my mother-in-law and went out to lunch. Most places were rather empty, or closed, because it was the day after Thanksgiving. We ended up at a Mexican restaurant as a change of pace - had my first margarita since at least January. How limes can taste so good!!!
For our evening's entertainment, we watch a couple of movies and that was the culmination of another quiet day.
I'm feeling great and for the next month, in particular, we'll do our best to keep it that way. Hopefully, by the turn of the year we will see a downturn with all this flu that's going around and I will be able to edge closer to a normal life.
I can hardly wait...
Bpb
Yesterday that is. My grandson asked to spend the night with us and after watching the movie "Cars", the three of us put on "A Christmas Story" and watched that movie. It's always a good movie. But, more importantly, it was nice for the three of us to just sit back, relax, and laugh together. Certainly a blessing that I could not have necessarily foreseen a year ago.
Today we went to see my mother-in-law and went out to lunch. Most places were rather empty, or closed, because it was the day after Thanksgiving. We ended up at a Mexican restaurant as a change of pace - had my first margarita since at least January. How limes can taste so good!!!
For our evening's entertainment, we watch a couple of movies and that was the culmination of another quiet day.
I'm feeling great and for the next month, in particular, we'll do our best to keep it that way. Hopefully, by the turn of the year we will see a downturn with all this flu that's going around and I will be able to edge closer to a normal life.
I can hardly wait...
Bpb
November 26, 2009 9:00 PM
A great day!
We went to my daughters house and had Thanksgiving dinner there with some relatives ferom both sides of the family. As usual, the spread was fantastic though I restrained myself and did not overeat which is the usual Thanksgiving malady that befalls each of us.
I kind of let it all hang out yesterday as to what this particular day means to me so I don't need to bore you with that all over again.
Now it's time to sit back and enjoy the rest of the weekend and gear up for the Christmas season which totally misses the point of the "Christmas Season". But, I know that I and many others are beating a dead horse in this regard.
Last year one of the doctors stated that I would probably be foregoing the holidays so that I could be ready for the holidays for years to come. Today is the first payback on that investment and, in retrospect, a very wise investment indeed. I haven't made many good ones in my life but it when it really counted - it paid off handsomely. Looking at my picture, you can see that I am being a little presumptuous about the "handsomely" part.
Anyway, mine was a great day and I hope that each of you had as good a day as I did.
Now let's all start making a new list of blessings that we can refer to next Thanksgiving's Day...
Bob
We went to my daughters house and had Thanksgiving dinner there with some relatives ferom both sides of the family. As usual, the spread was fantastic though I restrained myself and did not overeat which is the usual Thanksgiving malady that befalls each of us.
I kind of let it all hang out yesterday as to what this particular day means to me so I don't need to bore you with that all over again.
Now it's time to sit back and enjoy the rest of the weekend and gear up for the Christmas season which totally misses the point of the "Christmas Season". But, I know that I and many others are beating a dead horse in this regard.
Last year one of the doctors stated that I would probably be foregoing the holidays so that I could be ready for the holidays for years to come. Today is the first payback on that investment and, in retrospect, a very wise investment indeed. I haven't made many good ones in my life but it when it really counted - it paid off handsomely. Looking at my picture, you can see that I am being a little presumptuous about the "handsomely" part.
Anyway, mine was a great day and I hope that each of you had as good a day as I did.
Now let's all start making a new list of blessings that we can refer to next Thanksgiving's Day...
Bob
November 25, 2009 10:35 PM
Starting down the backstretch!
Another corner has been turned! Everything went perfectly at the doctor's office this morning. Most importantly, my counts are rising as they should. I did ask about the one count that was in the 500 range and was an indication as to how my immune system was doing. It turns out that the normal value is about 1000 but that my count was in the low normal range. Considering that most patients at this stage have that count value much less - I am doing extremely well.
This fact is a two-edged sword for me. Obviously, I want to do as well as I can from a physical standpoint. But, it does mean that within the next few months I will most likely have to stare directly into the eyes of that demon called "work". However, as we all know, the office that I left is no longer there anymore, so "work" takes on a whole new meaning for me. Where is it? What is it? Who is it?
Because my immune count is still low, the doctor said that I still must avoid continual exposure to crowds - especially this year with the H1N1 flu virus being so rampant. However, if it were possible for me to telecommute to work everyday, then that would be acceptable in his eyes. But, two things prevent that. My company completely cut off all access to any of it's internal web sites once I went on long term disability and, secondly, I did not have a job that would allow me to operate from home eight hours a day for weeks on end.
Lastly, he stated that, come February, I will start my vaccination cycle and he recommends that I get the flu shot as well at that point.
So, it's another great day giving me so much to be thankful for tomorrow.
I want to wish each of you a Thanksgiving that is the day that you want it to be - celebrated with the people with whom you most wish to share all your blessings. I know that it can be hard in these economic times to look at life's positives but for each of us there are many. Focus on those because they help to define, nurture, and give meaning to our lives.
Thanksgiving gives us pause to step back and to really look at ourselves and our lives and, hopefully, to put everything in proper perspective. Realizing our blessings helps to propel us into and through all our tomorrows because they show us why life is truly worth living.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone...
Bob
Another corner has been turned! Everything went perfectly at the doctor's office this morning. Most importantly, my counts are rising as they should. I did ask about the one count that was in the 500 range and was an indication as to how my immune system was doing. It turns out that the normal value is about 1000 but that my count was in the low normal range. Considering that most patients at this stage have that count value much less - I am doing extremely well.
This fact is a two-edged sword for me. Obviously, I want to do as well as I can from a physical standpoint. But, it does mean that within the next few months I will most likely have to stare directly into the eyes of that demon called "work". However, as we all know, the office that I left is no longer there anymore, so "work" takes on a whole new meaning for me. Where is it? What is it? Who is it?
Because my immune count is still low, the doctor said that I still must avoid continual exposure to crowds - especially this year with the H1N1 flu virus being so rampant. However, if it were possible for me to telecommute to work everyday, then that would be acceptable in his eyes. But, two things prevent that. My company completely cut off all access to any of it's internal web sites once I went on long term disability and, secondly, I did not have a job that would allow me to operate from home eight hours a day for weeks on end.
Lastly, he stated that, come February, I will start my vaccination cycle and he recommends that I get the flu shot as well at that point.
So, it's another great day giving me so much to be thankful for tomorrow.
I want to wish each of you a Thanksgiving that is the day that you want it to be - celebrated with the people with whom you most wish to share all your blessings. I know that it can be hard in these economic times to look at life's positives but for each of us there are many. Focus on those because they help to define, nurture, and give meaning to our lives.
Thanksgiving gives us pause to step back and to really look at ourselves and our lives and, hopefully, to put everything in proper perspective. Realizing our blessings helps to propel us into and through all our tomorrows because they show us why life is truly worth living.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone...
Bob
November 24, 2009 11:15 PM
Do it to me one more time!
Yup, it's up at 5 AM tomorrow and off to Boston. I'm expecting little traffic and a relatively quick time at the clinic as it's the day before Thanksgiving. Fat chance, right?
Obviously, tomorrow's blog will have some "real" information in it unlike the filler that I have to give you the rest of the time.
Today was a quiet day - just a friend for dinner. You know it's a real friend when you tell them ahead of time that it's going to be leftovers and they still come anyway.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I can't help but think of what I was doing this time last year - just marking time in the hospital until I got the AOK to go home. My counts were rising and I knew that the day would be arriving soon, but they never give you any definitive information until the moment actually arrives. So I was left to start each day by anticipating that it would be the one. I was hoping against hope that I would have been out of the hospital by Thansgiving day.
It was not meant to be...
Bob
Yup, it's up at 5 AM tomorrow and off to Boston. I'm expecting little traffic and a relatively quick time at the clinic as it's the day before Thanksgiving. Fat chance, right?
Obviously, tomorrow's blog will have some "real" information in it unlike the filler that I have to give you the rest of the time.
Today was a quiet day - just a friend for dinner. You know it's a real friend when you tell them ahead of time that it's going to be leftovers and they still come anyway.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I can't help but think of what I was doing this time last year - just marking time in the hospital until I got the AOK to go home. My counts were rising and I knew that the day would be arriving soon, but they never give you any definitive information until the moment actually arrives. So I was left to start each day by anticipating that it would be the one. I was hoping against hope that I would have been out of the hospital by Thansgiving day.
It was not meant to be...
Bob
November 23, 2009 10:55 PM
The entries keep on coming!
I'm closing in on 400 entries! It's hard to believe that this would last this long especially where I've reached the point in my recovery that not much of a newsworthy nature is happening. But, I'll keep on trucking for a while because I know that there is a contingent of you who keep on viewing this blog and I will try my best not to disappoint you.
Tonight, we went out to dinner with some friends and had a great time! Boy, how we tend to take these things for granted. But a wonderful night at a restaurant with family and/or friends is really a priceless gift. To be able to sit and talk and drink and eat and laugh and just be able to enjoy one another's company is really a blessing. It's especially so for me given my current circumstances and reflecting back on what I was doing a year ago and not having any idea whether or not I would even be among you today.
Of course, this feeling is further brought to bear because of the upcoming holiday.
I've got so much to thank God for...
Bob
I'm closing in on 400 entries! It's hard to believe that this would last this long especially where I've reached the point in my recovery that not much of a newsworthy nature is happening. But, I'll keep on trucking for a while because I know that there is a contingent of you who keep on viewing this blog and I will try my best not to disappoint you.
Tonight, we went out to dinner with some friends and had a great time! Boy, how we tend to take these things for granted. But a wonderful night at a restaurant with family and/or friends is really a priceless gift. To be able to sit and talk and drink and eat and laugh and just be able to enjoy one another's company is really a blessing. It's especially so for me given my current circumstances and reflecting back on what I was doing a year ago and not having any idea whether or not I would even be among you today.
Of course, this feeling is further brought to bear because of the upcoming holiday.
I've got so much to thank God for...
Bob
November 22, 2009 10:10 PM
A beautiful day!
So, out to breakfast and then the supermarket. For me those are major outings, so i can't knock it. The rest of the day was at home where I could curl up with the paper and watch some football - the all-American Sunday!
Nothing of any real importance of which I am extremely grateful. As, usual, every Sunday does get to me as I miss church once again. But I think that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel in that regard. Sometime after the holidays.
And this is the week that it all starts, so let the holidays begin once again.
God, please give us all the strength...
Bob
So, out to breakfast and then the supermarket. For me those are major outings, so i can't knock it. The rest of the day was at home where I could curl up with the paper and watch some football - the all-American Sunday!
Nothing of any real importance of which I am extremely grateful. As, usual, every Sunday does get to me as I miss church once again. But I think that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel in that regard. Sometime after the holidays.
And this is the week that it all starts, so let the holidays begin once again.
God, please give us all the strength...
Bob
November 21, 2009 11:15 PM
A quiet Saturday!
Though it was a beautiful day outside(for November), it was not a day that I could go anywhere - and so I didn't! Once Thanksgiving passes and the Christmas shopping and party season begins, it will be worse because the crowds will be very large indeed! Thus, December, I think, will be a month of even more hibernation for me.
Hibernation, as much as I hate to admit it, has worked. It has worked so well that even when other family members come down with the flu - it didn't strike me!
As the new week starts, it's time once again to gear up for our monthly visit on Wednesday and the 5 AM rise time that goes with it. As much as I hate rising at 5(especially now that it's pitch black outside), it's a small price to pay when you only go once a month. It fact, now that they submit my bills to the insurance company under that magic "Life Assurance" category, it really is a small price! The only thing that we really pay for is the gas and the parking- which is also reduced because I am a patient. The hospital visit is covered 100% by my insurance company - talk about miracles!
I hate to get political, but I don't see how Uncle Sam can do any better than that...
Bob
Though it was a beautiful day outside(for November), it was not a day that I could go anywhere - and so I didn't! Once Thanksgiving passes and the Christmas shopping and party season begins, it will be worse because the crowds will be very large indeed! Thus, December, I think, will be a month of even more hibernation for me.
Hibernation, as much as I hate to admit it, has worked. It has worked so well that even when other family members come down with the flu - it didn't strike me!
As the new week starts, it's time once again to gear up for our monthly visit on Wednesday and the 5 AM rise time that goes with it. As much as I hate rising at 5(especially now that it's pitch black outside), it's a small price to pay when you only go once a month. It fact, now that they submit my bills to the insurance company under that magic "Life Assurance" category, it really is a small price! The only thing that we really pay for is the gas and the parking- which is also reduced because I am a patient. The hospital visit is covered 100% by my insurance company - talk about miracles!
I hate to get political, but I don't see how Uncle Sam can do any better than that...
Bob
November 20, 2009 11:30 PM
Friends for dinner!
Well, obviously, we had friends over for dinner tonight. During the conversation, we talked about preventative health issues and how attitude plays an important role in restoring one to full health after an illness. Our friend commented that she was always impressed by the fact that I have remained so upbeat and positive throughout this whole experience - even when I did not know what the outcome would be.
I told her that the main reason was the comment that I made to all of you the other day - I was not afraid to die! That's the worst thing that could have happened to me and, as long as I did not fear it, then there was absolutely nothing for me to worry about. After that life was like the song that goes "Don't worry, be happy". And, if I was positive and upbeat, then there was no reason for everyone around me not to be positive and upbeat as well. And all of that aided me greatly in my recovery.
But, most importantly, your thoughts and prayers have contributed so much. I cannot thank you all enough.
So, another great day as my recovery continues apace and we look forward to a very special Thanksgiving Day next week...
Bob
Well, obviously, we had friends over for dinner tonight. During the conversation, we talked about preventative health issues and how attitude plays an important role in restoring one to full health after an illness. Our friend commented that she was always impressed by the fact that I have remained so upbeat and positive throughout this whole experience - even when I did not know what the outcome would be.
I told her that the main reason was the comment that I made to all of you the other day - I was not afraid to die! That's the worst thing that could have happened to me and, as long as I did not fear it, then there was absolutely nothing for me to worry about. After that life was like the song that goes "Don't worry, be happy". And, if I was positive and upbeat, then there was no reason for everyone around me not to be positive and upbeat as well. And all of that aided me greatly in my recovery.
But, most importantly, your thoughts and prayers have contributed so much. I cannot thank you all enough.
So, another great day as my recovery continues apace and we look forward to a very special Thanksgiving Day next week...
Bob
November 19, 2009
Out to dinner!
That was the highlight of the day. But it was a nice highlight as it was a chance to get out. Our choice of restaurant had very few people in it so that crowds were not an issue at all.
I also got a card today from long time friends(I won't say "old" friends, because at my age, that's understood). That's always a big pick me up as well. I know that life goes on for everyone and, fortunately for me, life seems to go on as well and we get wrapped up in our daily activities and things that we mean to do just never seem to get done.
I know that I force myself to get on the computer every day to blog even though, oftentimes, there is not an awful lot to say. But, I know that people do follow this blog - some on a constant basis and some less so. But, no matter what, if you are interested enough to log on, then you should have the latest "facts" at hand.
My progress continues to be phenomenal - I have been so blessed. Where this is all going to take me I don't know.
But I do know that I've been prepared and I'm ready for the ride...
Bob
That was the highlight of the day. But it was a nice highlight as it was a chance to get out. Our choice of restaurant had very few people in it so that crowds were not an issue at all.
I also got a card today from long time friends(I won't say "old" friends, because at my age, that's understood). That's always a big pick me up as well. I know that life goes on for everyone and, fortunately for me, life seems to go on as well and we get wrapped up in our daily activities and things that we mean to do just never seem to get done.
I know that I force myself to get on the computer every day to blog even though, oftentimes, there is not an awful lot to say. But, I know that people do follow this blog - some on a constant basis and some less so. But, no matter what, if you are interested enough to log on, then you should have the latest "facts" at hand.
My progress continues to be phenomenal - I have been so blessed. Where this is all going to take me I don't know.
But I do know that I've been prepared and I'm ready for the ride...
Bob
November 18, 2009 11:10 PM
Finished the CD!
It was nice to see that my granddaughter was so happy when the Christmas CD was completed. I put about 150 songs on it(and that's just a drop in the bucket)! The number of Christmas songs is staggering with so many versions of so many songs.
I completed the effort by making a personalized label and burning that onto the title side. So it made for a nice item to add to their Christams music collection.
Other that that(how many times have I used that phrase?), it was a quiet day. However, our oil burner got a cleaning today along with a clean bill of health(that's a relief)!
Nothing much happens as the days go by and the holidays rapidly approach. It is nice to be able to plan what to do on Thanksgiving rather than know that you will be confined to a hospital room as I was last year. You can say what you will, but the hospital just kept on running over Thanksgiving as though the holiday never existed. You have to give the doctors and nurses credit - they work hard!
As for me? Still no work...
Bob
It was nice to see that my granddaughter was so happy when the Christmas CD was completed. I put about 150 songs on it(and that's just a drop in the bucket)! The number of Christmas songs is staggering with so many versions of so many songs.
I completed the effort by making a personalized label and burning that onto the title side. So it made for a nice item to add to their Christams music collection.
Other that that(how many times have I used that phrase?), it was a quiet day. However, our oil burner got a cleaning today along with a clean bill of health(that's a relief)!
Nothing much happens as the days go by and the holidays rapidly approach. It is nice to be able to plan what to do on Thanksgiving rather than know that you will be confined to a hospital room as I was last year. You can say what you will, but the hospital just kept on running over Thanksgiving as though the holiday never existed. You have to give the doctors and nurses credit - they work hard!
As for me? Still no work...
Bob
November 18, 2009 12:30 PM
A longing returns!
I have spent the better of today putting together a CD of Christmas songs for my granddaughter. She'll use it at a Christmas "sleepover" that she wants to have with her friends. Since it is in MP3 format - about 200 songs will fit on one CD. That's all right with me except that it just reminds me, as I play the carols and songs, that Christmas is a time of great joy and singing.
At church, the choir is already ramping up for advent and the lessons and carols service that is held annually along with all the other seasonal anthems and hymns. And, once again, I'm going to miss it! I really can't go back until after the holidays. I guess that I should take comfort in the fact that I will be going back and that shortly thereafter it will be Easter. Again a lot of preparation involved - but it's different. Christmas has all the carols, anthems, and songs with which we are all so familiar. Easter, to give it its due, does have a few old standards but the seasonal joy is missing as it is preceded by lent. A time for introspection and reflection. A time for looking inward - not outward. Easter is a day - Christmas is a season!
So I'm a little bummed today. But, at least, I do have the time to commit to the project. My granddaughter had a specific list of songs which I was fortunate enough to be able to address and I've buttressed that with a lot of other selections to help fill out the disc.
As they say, there's always next year...
Bob
I have spent the better of today putting together a CD of Christmas songs for my granddaughter. She'll use it at a Christmas "sleepover" that she wants to have with her friends. Since it is in MP3 format - about 200 songs will fit on one CD. That's all right with me except that it just reminds me, as I play the carols and songs, that Christmas is a time of great joy and singing.
At church, the choir is already ramping up for advent and the lessons and carols service that is held annually along with all the other seasonal anthems and hymns. And, once again, I'm going to miss it! I really can't go back until after the holidays. I guess that I should take comfort in the fact that I will be going back and that shortly thereafter it will be Easter. Again a lot of preparation involved - but it's different. Christmas has all the carols, anthems, and songs with which we are all so familiar. Easter, to give it its due, does have a few old standards but the seasonal joy is missing as it is preceded by lent. A time for introspection and reflection. A time for looking inward - not outward. Easter is a day - Christmas is a season!
So I'm a little bummed today. But, at least, I do have the time to commit to the project. My granddaughter had a specific list of songs which I was fortunate enough to be able to address and I've buttressed that with a lot of other selections to help fill out the disc.
As they say, there's always next year...
Bob
November 16, 2009 11:10 PM
Just keep'em coming!
Another uneventful day(as the doctors so desire) in many ways. I am just marking time at this point and not doing too much.
I guess to fill up the void, my granddaughter gave me a huge list of Christmas songs that she wants me to put on a CD for her. It's going to take awhile to go through all my Christmas CD's and locate the songs that she wants. Some of the songs I have never heard of so I might have to forego them. At least it will keep me busy loading and sorting and configuring and burning...
Otherwise, how's the weather? That's about all that I can really comment on. It's still another 9 days until the next doctor's visit.
By the way, the weather has been great for a November.
Few clouds, temperature slightly above normal, limited rain.
Most importantly - NO SNOW...
Bob
Another uneventful day(as the doctors so desire) in many ways. I am just marking time at this point and not doing too much.
I guess to fill up the void, my granddaughter gave me a huge list of Christmas songs that she wants me to put on a CD for her. It's going to take awhile to go through all my Christmas CD's and locate the songs that she wants. Some of the songs I have never heard of so I might have to forego them. At least it will keep me busy loading and sorting and configuring and burning...
Otherwise, how's the weather? That's about all that I can really comment on. It's still another 9 days until the next doctor's visit.
By the way, the weather has been great for a November.
Few clouds, temperature slightly above normal, limited rain.
Most importantly - NO SNOW...
Bob
November 15, 11:45 PM
A do nothing day!
It's Sunday so the day was taken as a complete day of rest.
I just spent the time trying to get my computer back to where it was before my hard disk crashed. I guess that with old machines you have to expect that the hard drives will eventually crash. But, it's such a pain in the neck to have to put your computer back together twice within a month.
But I did watch some football - including the heartbreaking Patriot's game.
That doesn't do much for my health...
Bob
It's Sunday so the day was taken as a complete day of rest.
I just spent the time trying to get my computer back to where it was before my hard disk crashed. I guess that with old machines you have to expect that the hard drives will eventually crash. But, it's such a pain in the neck to have to put your computer back together twice within a month.
But I did watch some football - including the heartbreaking Patriot's game.
That doesn't do much for my health...
Bob
November 15, 2009 12:45 AM
A late night entry!
We were out visiting friends and playing cards(not for money!) and just kept on playing into the night. So we just got home.
At least this is one activity that has been restored to my life and is a lot of fun.
Not much else to say about the day except that our friends that we were to visit tomorrow canceled because of colds. I really do appreciate that everyone is concerned enough to not wish to risk that I might come down with something. From all that I read and hear, infections are still a big no-no for someone in my condition.
Still feeling great now that it's been over two weeks since I've been offo of the immuno-suppressants. But as our curate said the other day "we'll still on praying for you". That's something else that I also reallyappreciate.
Glad that today's rain looks like it's finally coming to an end...
Bob
We were out visiting friends and playing cards(not for money!) and just kept on playing into the night. So we just got home.
At least this is one activity that has been restored to my life and is a lot of fun.
Not much else to say about the day except that our friends that we were to visit tomorrow canceled because of colds. I really do appreciate that everyone is concerned enough to not wish to risk that I might come down with something. From all that I read and hear, infections are still a big no-no for someone in my condition.
Still feeling great now that it's been over two weeks since I've been offo of the immuno-suppressants. But as our curate said the other day "we'll still on praying for you". That's something else that I also reallyappreciate.
Glad that today's rain looks like it's finally coming to an end...
Bob
November 13, 2009 10:45 PM
Like a yo-yo!
It was certainly an up and down day today. It was one of my daughter's birthdays today. Yes, it is Friday the thirteenth - but she was born on a Friday the thirteenth with a full moon no less!
Anyway, we were over at her house to celebrate the event. While we were there, the phone rang and rang and rang several times in succession - each time from the same unknown caller - what a persistent sole! Finally, I told my daughter that I would answer the phone - which I did. Needless to say I was a little curt with the individual on the other end because we thought that it might be one of those credit card, mortgage, or other nuisance calls that we all seem to get so regularly.
Imagine my surprise(and chagrin) to find out that the caller was Janne from Norway who called to wish my daughter a happy birthday. If you recall, Janne is the bone marrow donor who happened on this site back in January as has been a regular reader ever since. But, more importantly, she has really bonded with my daughter. Enough so, that when she makes her trip here to the states in February, she will stay with her for a few days.
My deepest apologies to Janne for sounding like such an ass as I unmercifully grilled her at the beginning of the call to find out the nature of her business. But it was such a wonderful surprise to actually get to talk to her. I can hardly wait for her visit next year.
As I said at the outset, it was a yo-yo day. That phone call was most assuredly the high while my computer hard disk crashing was undoubtedly the low. Since my other hard disk crashed a few weeks ago, I had backed up all that I needed to back up, so it is no real loss. But, it's just such a pain in the neck to go out and buy another hard disk and install it.
I was planning on having several days in which I was to do nothing. But something always seems to happen to fill the void.
So, tomorrow's agenda is now full as I venture to get the machine up and running again...
Bob
It was certainly an up and down day today. It was one of my daughter's birthdays today. Yes, it is Friday the thirteenth - but she was born on a Friday the thirteenth with a full moon no less!
Anyway, we were over at her house to celebrate the event. While we were there, the phone rang and rang and rang several times in succession - each time from the same unknown caller - what a persistent sole! Finally, I told my daughter that I would answer the phone - which I did. Needless to say I was a little curt with the individual on the other end because we thought that it might be one of those credit card, mortgage, or other nuisance calls that we all seem to get so regularly.
Imagine my surprise(and chagrin) to find out that the caller was Janne from Norway who called to wish my daughter a happy birthday. If you recall, Janne is the bone marrow donor who happened on this site back in January as has been a regular reader ever since. But, more importantly, she has really bonded with my daughter. Enough so, that when she makes her trip here to the states in February, she will stay with her for a few days.
My deepest apologies to Janne for sounding like such an ass as I unmercifully grilled her at the beginning of the call to find out the nature of her business. But it was such a wonderful surprise to actually get to talk to her. I can hardly wait for her visit next year.
As I said at the outset, it was a yo-yo day. That phone call was most assuredly the high while my computer hard disk crashing was undoubtedly the low. Since my other hard disk crashed a few weeks ago, I had backed up all that I needed to back up, so it is no real loss. But, it's just such a pain in the neck to go out and buy another hard disk and install it.
I was planning on having several days in which I was to do nothing. But something always seems to happen to fill the void.
So, tomorrow's agenda is now full as I venture to get the machine up and running again...
Bob
November 12, 2009 10:30 PM
It's always something!
The brother-in-law of a friend of my wife's died last week. He had leukemia a few years back and, to be honest, from what I heard was not too conscientious about following all of the doctos orders. Hey, I know that I have cheated somewhat ,too! However, he was much more blatant about it than I have ever been.
So what am I getting at here? On the night that he passed away, he didn't feel too well so he went to the hospital (where they thought that they had things under control), and he simply died. Come to find out, he had a virus with an accompanying fever that his body could not fight off because he had a compromised immune system.
It raises a few questions for me because he had his transplant a few years ago. How long do I really have to watch myself? I have certainly been careful up to now and have escaped everything that's going around(knock on wood)! But you can't live like this forever. Just something that I have to be sure to discuss with the doctor in a couple of weeks.
As for today's activities, our curate came to visit today. The discussion was pleasant and to end the visit with communion is always a blessing. I did state that I would be at church on Christmas Eve(weather permitting). I am really looking forward to it.
Other than that, the day was intentionally quiet. I think that it's time to stop with the projects for a bit and just make sure that I am still 100% where I should be.
All for now...
Bob
The brother-in-law of a friend of my wife's died last week. He had leukemia a few years back and, to be honest, from what I heard was not too conscientious about following all of the doctos orders. Hey, I know that I have cheated somewhat ,too! However, he was much more blatant about it than I have ever been.
So what am I getting at here? On the night that he passed away, he didn't feel too well so he went to the hospital (where they thought that they had things under control), and he simply died. Come to find out, he had a virus with an accompanying fever that his body could not fight off because he had a compromised immune system.
It raises a few questions for me because he had his transplant a few years ago. How long do I really have to watch myself? I have certainly been careful up to now and have escaped everything that's going around(knock on wood)! But you can't live like this forever. Just something that I have to be sure to discuss with the doctor in a couple of weeks.
As for today's activities, our curate came to visit today. The discussion was pleasant and to end the visit with communion is always a blessing. I did state that I would be at church on Christmas Eve(weather permitting). I am really looking forward to it.
Other than that, the day was intentionally quiet. I think that it's time to stop with the projects for a bit and just make sure that I am still 100% where I should be.
All for now...
Bob
November 11, 2009 11:25 PM
Another bummer!
Since it was Veteran's Day, the grandkids had the day off from school so my wife took two of them to the movies today. Of course, I stayed home because we did not want to risk having me catch something from someone at the theater. So, another little outing that I could not participate in! I'll be glad when this is all over!
I decided to call my company today to see if I could get any clarification as to who I actually worked for - my current company or the company that is in the process of buying us out. At present, they say that I am on the active rolls of my current company - but I am noted as being on long term disability.
However, they have no clue as to what is going to happen to me whenever the doctor clears me to "work" again. Since that is a minimum of 3 months away(most likely more), HR took the "prudent" way out and said to call them as my "return to work" date approaches. I have no idea what will change between now and then but I have to admit that the past year has been a pretty volatile one one at work with a huge number of lay-offs and the sale of my division.
If I am still working for my present company when this is all over, I won't even have a place to report to!
Stay tuned, this is only going to get more interesting as time goes by...
Bob
Since it was Veteran's Day, the grandkids had the day off from school so my wife took two of them to the movies today. Of course, I stayed home because we did not want to risk having me catch something from someone at the theater. So, another little outing that I could not participate in! I'll be glad when this is all over!
I decided to call my company today to see if I could get any clarification as to who I actually worked for - my current company or the company that is in the process of buying us out. At present, they say that I am on the active rolls of my current company - but I am noted as being on long term disability.
However, they have no clue as to what is going to happen to me whenever the doctor clears me to "work" again. Since that is a minimum of 3 months away(most likely more), HR took the "prudent" way out and said to call them as my "return to work" date approaches. I have no idea what will change between now and then but I have to admit that the past year has been a pretty volatile one one at work with a huge number of lay-offs and the sale of my division.
If I am still working for my present company when this is all over, I won't even have a place to report to!
Stay tuned, this is only going to get more interesting as time goes by...
Bob
November 10, 2009 10:55 PM
A visitor!
Yes, for the first time ever, our nephew came to visit by himself. He has been here a number of times with his parents but tonight he took the plunge and came for dinner without them. It was nice to see him and we had a pleasant time.
Other than that, a quiet day. I bought more materials to start another small project which I will begin tomorrow.
The holidays are rapidly approaching. Where does the time go? And, this year I will most assuredly enjoy them more than last year. At this time last year I had no idea whether or not I would even see this year's holidays.
And yet, as much as I ask - where does the time go? It still seems like forever until my 12 months are over. But, it's just a little over 3 months now.
Things have gone extremely well for me this year - and I thank God for that. But, one other small blessing has surfaced from this experience as well. I am no longer afraid to die! Do I want to - obviously not! But, having faced my mortality head-on last year, the immediate comfort that I got from my faith removed all my fear and that feeling has stayed with me ever since.
Another small blessing realized that emerges from the depths of adversity...
Bob
Yes, for the first time ever, our nephew came to visit by himself. He has been here a number of times with his parents but tonight he took the plunge and came for dinner without them. It was nice to see him and we had a pleasant time.
Other than that, a quiet day. I bought more materials to start another small project which I will begin tomorrow.
The holidays are rapidly approaching. Where does the time go? And, this year I will most assuredly enjoy them more than last year. At this time last year I had no idea whether or not I would even see this year's holidays.
And yet, as much as I ask - where does the time go? It still seems like forever until my 12 months are over. But, it's just a little over 3 months now.
Things have gone extremely well for me this year - and I thank God for that. But, one other small blessing has surfaced from this experience as well. I am no longer afraid to die! Do I want to - obviously not! But, having faced my mortality head-on last year, the immediate comfort that I got from my faith removed all my fear and that feeling has stayed with me ever since.
Another small blessing realized that emerges from the depths of adversity...
Bob
November 9, 2009 11:05 PM
Out to dinner!
That was the highlight of the day as we went out to dinner with my son. It was a great time and another step forward as it was the first time that I had a glass of wine in a restaurant since January. It was just one glass - but it felt really good to be able to dine like I had been able to in the past.
Other than that, a quiet day as I continued doing work on my basement and in a few other areas of the house. I really feel satisfied that I am able to do these things as it makes my time here worthwhile and it makes me feel that I can still contribute even though my options are still limited.
It is especially satisfying for me given the fact that a year ago I was undergoing chemotherapy and had no idea whether or not I would be here today!
All in all, life is great...
Bob
That was the highlight of the day as we went out to dinner with my son. It was a great time and another step forward as it was the first time that I had a glass of wine in a restaurant since January. It was just one glass - but it felt really good to be able to dine like I had been able to in the past.
Other than that, a quiet day as I continued doing work on my basement and in a few other areas of the house. I really feel satisfied that I am able to do these things as it makes my time here worthwhile and it makes me feel that I can still contribute even though my options are still limited.
It is especially satisfying for me given the fact that a year ago I was undergoing chemotherapy and had no idea whether or not I would be here today!
All in all, life is great...
Bob
November 8, 2009 10:50 PM
Don't live in fear!
I was reading a publication that I received from Dana-Farber. One of the articles was an interview with Joyce Kulhawik - a local TV reporter and a cancer survivor. She made some wonderful comments among them the one above as she stated that she never did live in fear. A few other comments "There is a tremendous amount of love and support out there and you don't know until you really need it. I'm so glad that I let prople in. I needed them, and they needed to help" and "The things that you start to feel grateful for are amazing. It's something I never forget".
How true!
It's great to read articles like this and see that others who have walked your walk feel the same way that you do. I have heard and read so many negative things concerning people who suffer from cancer that it's great to see that someone who maintains the same positive attitude that I strive to do is doing so well.
It's not all about attitude - but it certainly helps. Always look at the bright side. Having undergone this experience has allowed me to see the good inside of so many people. Normally, this is something that I would never have had the opportunity to experience. Your thoughtfulness and caring are priceless. Please keep it up.
My contribution has been that I can confidently say that I have never lived in fear...
Bob
I was reading a publication that I received from Dana-Farber. One of the articles was an interview with Joyce Kulhawik - a local TV reporter and a cancer survivor. She made some wonderful comments among them the one above as she stated that she never did live in fear. A few other comments "There is a tremendous amount of love and support out there and you don't know until you really need it. I'm so glad that I let prople in. I needed them, and they needed to help" and "The things that you start to feel grateful for are amazing. It's something I never forget".
How true!
It's great to read articles like this and see that others who have walked your walk feel the same way that you do. I have heard and read so many negative things concerning people who suffer from cancer that it's great to see that someone who maintains the same positive attitude that I strive to do is doing so well.
It's not all about attitude - but it certainly helps. Always look at the bright side. Having undergone this experience has allowed me to see the good inside of so many people. Normally, this is something that I would never have had the opportunity to experience. Your thoughtfulness and caring are priceless. Please keep it up.
My contribution has been that I can confidently say that I have never lived in fear...
Bob
November 7, 2009 11:10 PM
At last!
After nine months, I've finally had my Pizza Hut meat lovers pizza once again. From February to the end of May it was not possible beacuse of my dietary restrictions. But since the end of May until now, the opportunity never presented iteself to go. And, if it did, something else always seemed to interfere.
As the old joke's punchline goes, "tonight's the night". It's little things like this that you all take for granted - and well you should. But it's these little things that just make up the total fabric of our lives.
Of course, I am missing bigger things from my life but everyday I get closer...
Bob
After nine months, I've finally had my Pizza Hut meat lovers pizza once again. From February to the end of May it was not possible beacuse of my dietary restrictions. But since the end of May until now, the opportunity never presented iteself to go. And, if it did, something else always seemed to interfere.
As the old joke's punchline goes, "tonight's the night". It's little things like this that you all take for granted - and well you should. But it's these little things that just make up the total fabric of our lives.
Of course, I am missing bigger things from my life but everyday I get closer...
Bob
November 6, 2009 11:10 PM
Happiness is a choice!
I was just watching a TV show where one of the characters said that he saw a bumber sticker with that phrase on it and it changed his life!
It's not going to change my life but it can certainly change my outlook somewhat. For example, my wife to the local Barnes and Noble Bookstore to watch a local chorus group sing. We know people in the group and we knew that we would also know some of the people in attendance. I very much wanted to go! But, she said that it would probably be risky for me as it would be the first time that I would have seen some of these people in a long time and there would be a lot of handshaking and hugging. A great way to pass around germs.
I was bummed!
I know that she was right and that I must choose to be happy in my current state even though it's very stifling right now. I know that better days are coming and, that as each day goes by, they get closer and closer.
But it is frustrating. I want my old life back! Maybe not the work part - but everything else in it was fine by me.
As it is said, "Lord give me patience and give it to me now!"
Bob
I was just watching a TV show where one of the characters said that he saw a bumber sticker with that phrase on it and it changed his life!
It's not going to change my life but it can certainly change my outlook somewhat. For example, my wife to the local Barnes and Noble Bookstore to watch a local chorus group sing. We know people in the group and we knew that we would also know some of the people in attendance. I very much wanted to go! But, she said that it would probably be risky for me as it would be the first time that I would have seen some of these people in a long time and there would be a lot of handshaking and hugging. A great way to pass around germs.
I was bummed!
I know that she was right and that I must choose to be happy in my current state even though it's very stifling right now. I know that better days are coming and, that as each day goes by, they get closer and closer.
But it is frustrating. I want my old life back! Maybe not the work part - but everything else in it was fine by me.
As it is said, "Lord give me patience and give it to me now!"
Bob
November 5, 2009 11:05 PM
I can't help it!
I still think about what was going on in my life a year ago. I suppose that it's human nature to do so - especially when you were going through a lot at that time and you're not doing so now. As I said yesterday, you can look at my actual blog entry for the day to find out what was going on. I found it quite interesting when I went back and looked at what I had written a year ago. I was pretty chipper for someone who had no idea what was before him and the dangers involved. As they say, "ignorance is bliss" and I really wanted to keep it that way. Fight the battle day by day - do not think about tomorrow - that was my game plan.
Needless to say, today I'm feeling great. It's now been a little over a week since I've been off of the immuno-supressants and there have been no signs of any problems.
So what do I do all day? Well, at present, I'm still working on cleaning up my basement area. It's coming along real well but I have a little more to do. Then it will probably be time to take a break to decide what's next.
I know the doctors say that it's great to be this way, but I find the time to be dragging and the days to be uneventful and boring...
Bob
I still think about what was going on in my life a year ago. I suppose that it's human nature to do so - especially when you were going through a lot at that time and you're not doing so now. As I said yesterday, you can look at my actual blog entry for the day to find out what was going on. I found it quite interesting when I went back and looked at what I had written a year ago. I was pretty chipper for someone who had no idea what was before him and the dangers involved. As they say, "ignorance is bliss" and I really wanted to keep it that way. Fight the battle day by day - do not think about tomorrow - that was my game plan.
Needless to say, today I'm feeling great. It's now been a little over a week since I've been off of the immuno-supressants and there have been no signs of any problems.
So what do I do all day? Well, at present, I'm still working on cleaning up my basement area. It's coming along real well but I have a little more to do. Then it will probably be time to take a break to decide what's next.
I know the doctors say that it's great to be this way, but I find the time to be dragging and the days to be uneventful and boring...
Bob
November 4, 2009 10:50 PM
What a difference a year makes!
This time last year I was admitted to the hospital and immediately underwent the implantation of a "Hickman" catheter to allow for the infusion and taking of liquids without the need to "stick me". Since I was definitely going to be in the hospital for a month, that would have been a lot of sticks and your body just can't take it.
After I went to my room, they took me to do a bunch of tests - all in preparation for the start of my chemotherapy the next day. I'm not going to go into a lot of details about what went on at the hospital because I started this blog on the 5th so you can find out all the daily details and why this blog was started by going back and reading the entries from that time.
A few behind the scenes details leading up to my entrance into the hospital. The night before, my wife and I went to dinner at a friends house with a few more of our other friends - eight of us in all. It was great to be out like and, for the time being, to forget about what was in store for me and to get that support that I needed as my journey was about to take its most decisive step to that point.
Prior to going to dinner, my son came over and buzz cut my hair so that it would be much less noticeable, when the inevitable occurred, and I lost my hair. It really felt strange having such short hair with the most obvious being that now my head was cold! A year later, I find that I don't notice the cold as much. But that night, there really was a need to where a hat.
On the way to the hospital, we stopped and bought the notebook computer that was my constant companion(other than my wife) during my 3 hospital stays. It allowed me to write my daily blog entries; to converse with family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances via e-mail; to while away the time playing games; to keep up date regarding news events; and to serve as a DVD player so that I could watch some movies. All in all, a Godsend! I have new found respect for those who went before me without such modern devices.
The start of my chemo was something that I both looked forward to and dreaded. At last something was being done to address the disease that I had - but at what price?
Tomorrow I would begin to find out...
Bob
This time last year I was admitted to the hospital and immediately underwent the implantation of a "Hickman" catheter to allow for the infusion and taking of liquids without the need to "stick me". Since I was definitely going to be in the hospital for a month, that would have been a lot of sticks and your body just can't take it.
After I went to my room, they took me to do a bunch of tests - all in preparation for the start of my chemotherapy the next day. I'm not going to go into a lot of details about what went on at the hospital because I started this blog on the 5th so you can find out all the daily details and why this blog was started by going back and reading the entries from that time.
A few behind the scenes details leading up to my entrance into the hospital. The night before, my wife and I went to dinner at a friends house with a few more of our other friends - eight of us in all. It was great to be out like and, for the time being, to forget about what was in store for me and to get that support that I needed as my journey was about to take its most decisive step to that point.
Prior to going to dinner, my son came over and buzz cut my hair so that it would be much less noticeable, when the inevitable occurred, and I lost my hair. It really felt strange having such short hair with the most obvious being that now my head was cold! A year later, I find that I don't notice the cold as much. But that night, there really was a need to where a hat.
On the way to the hospital, we stopped and bought the notebook computer that was my constant companion(other than my wife) during my 3 hospital stays. It allowed me to write my daily blog entries; to converse with family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances via e-mail; to while away the time playing games; to keep up date regarding news events; and to serve as a DVD player so that I could watch some movies. All in all, a Godsend! I have new found respect for those who went before me without such modern devices.
The start of my chemo was something that I both looked forward to and dreaded. At last something was being done to address the disease that I had - but at what price?
Tomorrow I would begin to find out...
Bob
November 3, 2009 11:25 PM
Bring it on!
That was my battle cry a year ago as my last day came to an end before I entered the hospital on the 4th. Was I nervous? Was I afraid? You bet! I had never been sick or had anything wrong with me for years. It was 35 years ago that I had my appendix out - that's the last thing that ever befell me.
When I looked at all the possible side effects of chemo - one of them was death! That didn't set too well with me either. But if I didn't start the treatment, death would not have been a possible side effect - it would have been a reality.
So was I a brave man? No! I had no choice! My back was against the wall and there was only one way out. Each of you would have done the same thing. You grasp at anything to stop your descent.
If I knew then what I know now, of course I would not have felt the way that I did. But that is one of the wonderful things about life - you never know what's coming next! If it were all neatly laid out for us and we knew what the plan was - it would be dull and boring. Who wants that?
I am prepared to give it my best shot...
Bob
That was my battle cry a year ago as my last day came to an end before I entered the hospital on the 4th. Was I nervous? Was I afraid? You bet! I had never been sick or had anything wrong with me for years. It was 35 years ago that I had my appendix out - that's the last thing that ever befell me.
When I looked at all the possible side effects of chemo - one of them was death! That didn't set too well with me either. But if I didn't start the treatment, death would not have been a possible side effect - it would have been a reality.
So was I a brave man? No! I had no choice! My back was against the wall and there was only one way out. Each of you would have done the same thing. You grasp at anything to stop your descent.
If I knew then what I know now, of course I would not have felt the way that I did. But that is one of the wonderful things about life - you never know what's coming next! If it were all neatly laid out for us and we knew what the plan was - it would be dull and boring. Who wants that?
I am prepared to give it my best shot...
Bob
November 2, 2009 11:55 PM
Scrabble!
We have New York friends visiting with us these next three days. And, being the old fogies that we are, we spent the evening playing Scrabble. I know that it doesn't compare to the fast-paced, computer games of today but we though that it was a lot of fun anyway. With games like Scrabble you can sit back, take your time, and banter back and forth. Let's see you do that with Kung-Foo Mermaids or whatever the new-fangled computer games are called. It said on the box that the game was copyrighted in 1948 and I bet that first game is still going on! Parlor games can be a lot of fun!
A year ago was my last Sunday at church. I can still remember(I haven't lost it yet!) the priest telling the congregation what my condition was at announcement time and all the wellwishers who talked to me after church at coffee hour.
Now I'm well on my way back to good health which was far from assured a year ago.
What a wonderful difference...
Bob
We have New York friends visiting with us these next three days. And, being the old fogies that we are, we spent the evening playing Scrabble. I know that it doesn't compare to the fast-paced, computer games of today but we though that it was a lot of fun anyway. With games like Scrabble you can sit back, take your time, and banter back and forth. Let's see you do that with Kung-Foo Mermaids or whatever the new-fangled computer games are called. It said on the box that the game was copyrighted in 1948 and I bet that first game is still going on! Parlor games can be a lot of fun!
A year ago was my last Sunday at church. I can still remember(I haven't lost it yet!) the priest telling the congregation what my condition was at announcement time and all the wellwishers who talked to me after church at coffee hour.
Now I'm well on my way back to good health which was far from assured a year ago.
What a wonderful difference...
Bob
November 1, 2009 9:35 PM
You've been through a lot!
That's what some friends said the other day when we crossed paths at the supermarket. The remark stood out for me because I have never seemed to put it all in that context. Why? Because I have been so fortunate not to suffer any of those side effects that seem to get to almost all leukemia patients. Therefore, I have never viewed myself as going through a lot. I guess that if you really look at it, a lot of things have happened to me over the past year. But they have all worked out so well that it almost feels like I've been doing nothing but recovering the whole time.
A year ago tonight, we went over to a friend's house for a special dinner that was cooked by some members of our church. There were 8 of us there(all church members) for the dinner along with the cooking and serving team. One of the attendees commented to my wife the other day that she was impressed by our showing up for the evening. We had been looking forward to the evening for several months and there was no way that we were not going to attend if at all possible. It was a small blessing that we got because I did not have to go to the hospital on Friday which was also a possibility. But I was feeling fine at the time. The only thing that I wanted to do was to be myself and not burden everyone else with my problems even though they all knew about my diagnosis. Hopefully, I achieved that goal.
As for this year, we spent the day at my sister-in-law's house and had a great time.
Indeed, a lot has happened in the past year. All of it good...
Bob
That's what some friends said the other day when we crossed paths at the supermarket. The remark stood out for me because I have never seemed to put it all in that context. Why? Because I have been so fortunate not to suffer any of those side effects that seem to get to almost all leukemia patients. Therefore, I have never viewed myself as going through a lot. I guess that if you really look at it, a lot of things have happened to me over the past year. But they have all worked out so well that it almost feels like I've been doing nothing but recovering the whole time.
A year ago tonight, we went over to a friend's house for a special dinner that was cooked by some members of our church. There were 8 of us there(all church members) for the dinner along with the cooking and serving team. One of the attendees commented to my wife the other day that she was impressed by our showing up for the evening. We had been looking forward to the evening for several months and there was no way that we were not going to attend if at all possible. It was a small blessing that we got because I did not have to go to the hospital on Friday which was also a possibility. But I was feeling fine at the time. The only thing that I wanted to do was to be myself and not burden everyone else with my problems even though they all knew about my diagnosis. Hopefully, I achieved that goal.
As for this year, we spent the day at my sister-in-law's house and had a great time.
Indeed, a lot has happened in the past year. All of it good...
Bob
October 31, 2009 10:30 PM
35 to 40%!
That's what the doctor said a year ago when I asked her directly what my chances were to survive my leukemia. That estimate also came with a caveat - it assumed that they could locate a bone marrow donor for me! Otherwise, the percentage plunged to a very slim 5%! Nothing on Halloween could be as scary as that!
That was at the conclusion of my doctor's appointment. During the time in her office she stated that my treatment would begin with a 7 and 3 day regimen of chemotherapy. Seven days of cytarabine(24 hours a day) with the first three days including an injection of doxorubicine as well. Then we would wait for 7 days to have a bone marrow biopsy and, depending upon the results, the following would happen - if the leukemia were still present, I would immediately begin a 5 and 2 day regimen of chemo consisting of the same 2 drugs and stay in the hospital another month, if no leukemia was found, I would stay in the hospital about another 2 weeks until my counts returned to normal. After that, everything depended upon finding a bone marrow donor. So the remainder of the schedule was somewhat up in the air.
So, I was looking forward to a minimum of a month in the hospital. Since I was "feeling fine", the doctor said that I could go home and enjoy the weekend and look to enter the hospital on Monday or Tuesday. I was kind of surprised by how fast they were moving but the doctor said that in a very few weeks I wouldn't be "feeling fine". There was certainly nothing to be gained by waiting - that's for sure!
I did ask why it was necessary to go through all this if a blood transfusion would appear to bring me back to "good health" and she said that that was only a temporary fix. In the long term, blood transfusions would not achieve that goal as the affects of the disease grew worse. Since I didn't need to enter the hospital for a few days, I could kind of put everything aside and continue on with my life "as usual". And, that is what I did.
We had plans for Saturday night(a night with friends) which we kept and we went to church on Sunday. It would be my last Sunday for over a year. When I go back is still up in the air.
So, a year ago my weekend was like that song "Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile...."
Bob
That's what the doctor said a year ago when I asked her directly what my chances were to survive my leukemia. That estimate also came with a caveat - it assumed that they could locate a bone marrow donor for me! Otherwise, the percentage plunged to a very slim 5%! Nothing on Halloween could be as scary as that!
That was at the conclusion of my doctor's appointment. During the time in her office she stated that my treatment would begin with a 7 and 3 day regimen of chemotherapy. Seven days of cytarabine(24 hours a day) with the first three days including an injection of doxorubicine as well. Then we would wait for 7 days to have a bone marrow biopsy and, depending upon the results, the following would happen - if the leukemia were still present, I would immediately begin a 5 and 2 day regimen of chemo consisting of the same 2 drugs and stay in the hospital another month, if no leukemia was found, I would stay in the hospital about another 2 weeks until my counts returned to normal. After that, everything depended upon finding a bone marrow donor. So the remainder of the schedule was somewhat up in the air.
So, I was looking forward to a minimum of a month in the hospital. Since I was "feeling fine", the doctor said that I could go home and enjoy the weekend and look to enter the hospital on Monday or Tuesday. I was kind of surprised by how fast they were moving but the doctor said that in a very few weeks I wouldn't be "feeling fine". There was certainly nothing to be gained by waiting - that's for sure!
I did ask why it was necessary to go through all this if a blood transfusion would appear to bring me back to "good health" and she said that that was only a temporary fix. In the long term, blood transfusions would not achieve that goal as the affects of the disease grew worse. Since I didn't need to enter the hospital for a few days, I could kind of put everything aside and continue on with my life "as usual". And, that is what I did.
We had plans for Saturday night(a night with friends) which we kept and we went to church on Sunday. It would be my last Sunday for over a year. When I go back is still up in the air.
So, a year ago my weekend was like that song "Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile...."
Bob
October 30, 2009 10:30 PM
Saying goodbyes!
As the yearly anniversaries now begin to occur almost daily, it was a year ago that I went to the office for the last time to say my goodbyes and give my fellow employees the opportunity to wish me well.
As I think back on that day, I recall that, truthfully, I was in a kind of a fog. I had a doctor's appointment the next day at Dana-Farber but I had no idea what my schedule would be for entering the hospital or how the treatment process was handled. I only knew that chemo-therapy was the next step and, like most of you, I only knew it to be a pretty rugged road to travel - to the point that, sometimes, you never even reach the end of the road! Now, when I look back on it - I was such a novice. I knew nothing about what was going to happen to me!
The people at work were very kind, upbeat, and positive. Those that had first or second hand leukemia stories told me the positive ones and how things worked out so well for the cancer victims. They wished me well and continued to do so by periodically sending me cards over the months since that time.
Of course, none of us knew if that would be the last goodbye or not. As it turns out, it was a last goodbye for a number of us as layoffs have trimmed the staff way down. Thankfully it was not a last goodbye on my part.
In my ignorance, I passed on what I knew about the my proposed recovery timeframe which was estimated to be the beginning of May! That was quickly corrected the next day when my Dana-Farber doctor said that a bone marrow transplant took you out of commission for a whole year from the date of the transplant! However, that presumes that a bone marrow transplant takes place and that is not a given even though it is part of the desired treatment regimen - they have to locate a compatible donor! Could one be found for me?
So, I left the office after a few hours and came home to await going to Dana-Farber for the first time the next day. Now it seems like a home away from home for us. We know so many of the staff and, everytime we visit, we swap stories of the things going on in our lives. But at that point I only knew that I, for the first time, would be getting the detailed plan of attack on how they intended to tackle my disease.
Needless to say I was very nervous. But it was now in God's hands. There was nothing that I could personally do to change the situation. Phone calls kept coming in from friends and acquaintances and that tenede to fill up the rest of the day.
With nothing else to do, I set myself to enjoying (probably not the right word!) the remaining days (hours?) until I was admitted to the hospital...
Bob
As the yearly anniversaries now begin to occur almost daily, it was a year ago that I went to the office for the last time to say my goodbyes and give my fellow employees the opportunity to wish me well.
As I think back on that day, I recall that, truthfully, I was in a kind of a fog. I had a doctor's appointment the next day at Dana-Farber but I had no idea what my schedule would be for entering the hospital or how the treatment process was handled. I only knew that chemo-therapy was the next step and, like most of you, I only knew it to be a pretty rugged road to travel - to the point that, sometimes, you never even reach the end of the road! Now, when I look back on it - I was such a novice. I knew nothing about what was going to happen to me!
The people at work were very kind, upbeat, and positive. Those that had first or second hand leukemia stories told me the positive ones and how things worked out so well for the cancer victims. They wished me well and continued to do so by periodically sending me cards over the months since that time.
Of course, none of us knew if that would be the last goodbye or not. As it turns out, it was a last goodbye for a number of us as layoffs have trimmed the staff way down. Thankfully it was not a last goodbye on my part.
In my ignorance, I passed on what I knew about the my proposed recovery timeframe which was estimated to be the beginning of May! That was quickly corrected the next day when my Dana-Farber doctor said that a bone marrow transplant took you out of commission for a whole year from the date of the transplant! However, that presumes that a bone marrow transplant takes place and that is not a given even though it is part of the desired treatment regimen - they have to locate a compatible donor! Could one be found for me?
So, I left the office after a few hours and came home to await going to Dana-Farber for the first time the next day. Now it seems like a home away from home for us. We know so many of the staff and, everytime we visit, we swap stories of the things going on in our lives. But at that point I only knew that I, for the first time, would be getting the detailed plan of attack on how they intended to tackle my disease.
Needless to say I was very nervous. But it was now in God's hands. There was nothing that I could personally do to change the situation. Phone calls kept coming in from friends and acquaintances and that tenede to fill up the rest of the day.
With nothing else to do, I set myself to enjoying (probably not the right word!) the remaining days (hours?) until I was admitted to the hospital...
Bob
October 29, 2009 10:50 PM
Leukemia!
One year ago today I was given that diagnosis by my doctor who was surprised by it as much as we were. On the way to the doctor's office I said to my wife that it couldn't be that bad because a simple blood transfusion would get me back on my feet again. How prescient of me!!!
With a disease like this, they waste no time. They asked if I wished to go to Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Hanover, New Hampshire or Dana-Farber in Boston. We chose Boston for a number of reasons and it is a decision that we have never regretted. Having made the choice, an appointment was set up for Friday(2 days away). The doctor then layed out the probable course for my treatment.
She also asked if we wanted any counseling - which we declined. There was no point in feeling sorry for myself or asking why me? We were now in the hands of God and the doctors and that's what really mattered. I would follow their lead.
I came home and telephoned my boss with the news and we agreed that I would go into work the next day for a while to say my goodbyes - whether permanent or for some period of time we did not know!
Of course, I had to begin calling family members and friends with the news.
The rest of my world was now becoming aware...
Bob
One year ago today I was given that diagnosis by my doctor who was surprised by it as much as we were. On the way to the doctor's office I said to my wife that it couldn't be that bad because a simple blood transfusion would get me back on my feet again. How prescient of me!!!
With a disease like this, they waste no time. They asked if I wished to go to Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Hanover, New Hampshire or Dana-Farber in Boston. We chose Boston for a number of reasons and it is a decision that we have never regretted. Having made the choice, an appointment was set up for Friday(2 days away). The doctor then layed out the probable course for my treatment.
She also asked if we wanted any counseling - which we declined. There was no point in feeling sorry for myself or asking why me? We were now in the hands of God and the doctors and that's what really mattered. I would follow their lead.
I came home and telephoned my boss with the news and we agreed that I would go into work the next day for a while to say my goodbyes - whether permanent or for some period of time we did not know!
Of course, I had to begin calling family members and friends with the news.
The rest of my world was now becoming aware...
Bob
October 28, 2009 10:30 PM
Ahead of the curve!
That was the doctor's concise words to describe where I stand today.
My visit to the clinic today went exactly as I had hoped. I am now off all immuno-suppressants and the accompanying Lipitor that I needed to fend of the rise in cholesterol caused by the Rapamune. I am now officially off the wagon as well. I can have alcohol and, in fact, I had a glass of wine tonight for the first time in almost nine months. I most certainly did not want to overdo it - so one glass was more tha enough for now.
When asked, however, the doctor said that I COULD NOT GET A TATTOO! What a major disappointment that was!!!!!
My hemoglobin has now crept up to 12 - the highest it has ever been. Thirteen is normal - so I am almost there. As for my immune system, one particular number that he looked for was in the 500 range which he said was perfectly normal. Oftentimes, at this juncture, patients are in the 100 range.
But I did get some disappointing news. We visited friends from our church today for lunch and they told me that someone else in the church has been diagnosed with leukemia. Knowing this wonderfully kind lady, I am really bummed to hear the news. This is the 4th person to be so diagnosed in the past 2+ years. What is happening?
Another step forward and my miracle run continues...
Bob
That was the doctor's concise words to describe where I stand today.
My visit to the clinic today went exactly as I had hoped. I am now off all immuno-suppressants and the accompanying Lipitor that I needed to fend of the rise in cholesterol caused by the Rapamune. I am now officially off the wagon as well. I can have alcohol and, in fact, I had a glass of wine tonight for the first time in almost nine months. I most certainly did not want to overdo it - so one glass was more tha enough for now.
When asked, however, the doctor said that I COULD NOT GET A TATTOO! What a major disappointment that was!!!!!
My hemoglobin has now crept up to 12 - the highest it has ever been. Thirteen is normal - so I am almost there. As for my immune system, one particular number that he looked for was in the 500 range which he said was perfectly normal. Oftentimes, at this juncture, patients are in the 100 range.
But I did get some disappointing news. We visited friends from our church today for lunch and they told me that someone else in the church has been diagnosed with leukemia. Knowing this wonderfully kind lady, I am really bummed to hear the news. This is the 4th person to be so diagnosed in the past 2+ years. What is happening?
Another step forward and my miracle run continues...
Bob
October 27, 2009 10:45 PM
Up in the morning!
Yup! It's that time again - the last Wednesday of the month and our monthly trip to the doctor's office. So it's up at 5 AM to beat the traffic and to beat the crowd at the clinic. I fully expect no surprises and look forward to being taken off the immuno-suppressants for good.
We went to a friend's house for dinner tonight and had a great time. In fact, we just got home.
As I said yesterday, our deacon was here this morning for a quick visit as her day was really busy since it was her last full day before leaving for Illinois. Of course, we had communion and wished each other well as we will not being seeing each other for quite a while as she is headed to Florida after her Illinois visit to spend the winter there.
Such luxuries are denied to me at present as I must still remain somewhat under house arrest. With all the flu and illness that's going around, I really cannot risk crowds and the very real possibility of coming down with something. I'll have to ask the doctor how fast(or slow) my immune system will recover now that I am off of any medication.
So tomorrow promises to be a real newsworthy day...
Bob
Yup! It's that time again - the last Wednesday of the month and our monthly trip to the doctor's office. So it's up at 5 AM to beat the traffic and to beat the crowd at the clinic. I fully expect no surprises and look forward to being taken off the immuno-suppressants for good.
We went to a friend's house for dinner tonight and had a great time. In fact, we just got home.
As I said yesterday, our deacon was here this morning for a quick visit as her day was really busy since it was her last full day before leaving for Illinois. Of course, we had communion and wished each other well as we will not being seeing each other for quite a while as she is headed to Florida after her Illinois visit to spend the winter there.
Such luxuries are denied to me at present as I must still remain somewhat under house arrest. With all the flu and illness that's going around, I really cannot risk crowds and the very real possibility of coming down with something. I'll have to ask the doctor how fast(or slow) my immune system will recover now that I am off of any medication.
So tomorrow promises to be a real newsworthy day...
Bob
October 26, 2009 10:45 PM
Counting down to zero!
Only one more day left for my last remaining immuno-suppressant. It's hard to believe but my medications will be cut down to almost nothing - and certainly not anything of consequence! And, it's hard to believe that my immuno-suppressants will be done in eight and a half months when the doctor stated up front that they strived to accomplish this in twelve months! I'm hoping that now that the immuno-suppressants are gone, I'll be able to have an occassional glass of wine or a drink once in a while. I'm no alcoholic(I haven't had a drink for almost nine months!), but I did enjoy that glass of wine whenever I had it.
Otherwise, I continued working on my basement as my daily activity. Tomorrow, our deacon visits in the morning and we visit friends for the evening so it will be a full day. Wednesday, we make our trip to the clinic for 7 AM and then we visit friends for lunch. So, another somewhat full day.
This time last year we were still awaiting the results of the bone marrow biopsy. Kind of looking forward to a Tuesday meeting with the doctor...
Bob
Only one more day left for my last remaining immuno-suppressant. It's hard to believe but my medications will be cut down to almost nothing - and certainly not anything of consequence! And, it's hard to believe that my immuno-suppressants will be done in eight and a half months when the doctor stated up front that they strived to accomplish this in twelve months! I'm hoping that now that the immuno-suppressants are gone, I'll be able to have an occassional glass of wine or a drink once in a while. I'm no alcoholic(I haven't had a drink for almost nine months!), but I did enjoy that glass of wine whenever I had it.
Otherwise, I continued working on my basement as my daily activity. Tomorrow, our deacon visits in the morning and we visit friends for the evening so it will be a full day. Wednesday, we make our trip to the clinic for 7 AM and then we visit friends for lunch. So, another somewhat full day.
This time last year we were still awaiting the results of the bone marrow biopsy. Kind of looking forward to a Tuesday meeting with the doctor...
Bob
October 25, 2009 10:45 PM
Building up an appetite!
That's what one of my friends noticed about me today as I was wolfing down hor d'oeuvres before we had dinner. I suppose that it's true as I have slowly been putting on weight over the past two months. I guess that the immuno-suppressants might have been one of the culprits that kept me from enjoying food. But, as I have been slowly weaned off of them over the past 6 months my appetite has seemed to have returned.
Other than having our friends for dinner, it was a very quiet day and a far cry from a year ago when we were all wondering what was wrong with me. It's a lot better to just sit back, relax, and enjoy life - even if it is somewhat of a sheltered one at this point in time.
You read in the newspaper about all the illness that is inflicting the local school districts and you realize how important it is to remain isolated from society at this point in time. In fact, one of my granddaughters currently has strep throat.
So, we have to be verrrry carefulllll...
Bob
That's what one of my friends noticed about me today as I was wolfing down hor d'oeuvres before we had dinner. I suppose that it's true as I have slowly been putting on weight over the past two months. I guess that the immuno-suppressants might have been one of the culprits that kept me from enjoying food. But, as I have been slowly weaned off of them over the past 6 months my appetite has seemed to have returned.
Other than having our friends for dinner, it was a very quiet day and a far cry from a year ago when we were all wondering what was wrong with me. It's a lot better to just sit back, relax, and enjoy life - even if it is somewhat of a sheltered one at this point in time.
You read in the newspaper about all the illness that is inflicting the local school districts and you realize how important it is to remain isolated from society at this point in time. In fact, one of my granddaughters currently has strep throat.
So, we have to be verrrry carefulllll...
Bob
October 24, 2009 10:40 PM
Back to the present!
There's nothing to report from a year ago as we were now in waiting mode to see what the results from my first(unbeknownst to me at the time) bone marrow biopsy would be.
So, what am I currently doing now? Still working on my basement workshop is what! I finally have the time and by recycling a lot of already existing elements in the area and using electrical supplies that I've had around for years - I am finally moving forward to make the area as practical as possible for me.
We were invited to a late afternoon cocktail party at a friends house where they wished to introduce all of us to their first grandchild. Certainly an exciting time and an occasion well worth celebrating. For me, obviously, it did not not involve too many cocktails - like none. Also, in somewhat cramped quarters, it quickly began to get overcrowded as our friends had invited a large number of their friends.
Not being able to run around and shake hands with everyone, I would have appeared to be both rude and anti-social. I'm lucky - now I have an excuse for acting that way! So we only stayed for a little while and came home. Another bummer. But, at least it was a chance to get out for a few minutes.
At all costs, I wish to avoid getting any of the flu that is going around or any other contagious disease for that matter.
So far, so good...
Bob
There's nothing to report from a year ago as we were now in waiting mode to see what the results from my first(unbeknownst to me at the time) bone marrow biopsy would be.
So, what am I currently doing now? Still working on my basement workshop is what! I finally have the time and by recycling a lot of already existing elements in the area and using electrical supplies that I've had around for years - I am finally moving forward to make the area as practical as possible for me.
We were invited to a late afternoon cocktail party at a friends house where they wished to introduce all of us to their first grandchild. Certainly an exciting time and an occasion well worth celebrating. For me, obviously, it did not not involve too many cocktails - like none. Also, in somewhat cramped quarters, it quickly began to get overcrowded as our friends had invited a large number of their friends.
Not being able to run around and shake hands with everyone, I would have appeared to be both rude and anti-social. I'm lucky - now I have an excuse for acting that way! So we only stayed for a little while and came home. Another bummer. But, at least it was a chance to get out for a few minutes.
At all costs, I wish to avoid getting any of the flu that is going around or any other contagious disease for that matter.
So far, so good...
Bob
October 23, 2009 11:30 PM
Defeated!
On the morning of this date a year ago, the doctors at the hospital had no idea what was wrong with me. All tests had come back negative. They admitted to me and my wife that my situation was beyond them.
At a complete loss, they threw out the lifeline to our local oncology facility as a last resort. However, they firmly stated to us that it was not because they felt that there was any reason to suspect cancer in any way - but that it was intended more to eliminate another possible cause of my problem!
After lunch that day, a short Indian woman entered my room. I have to admit that I fell victim to the first impression syndrome that often affects us. She did not look like that conventional knight in shining armor! But it took only a few minutes before we realized that that is exactly what she was. She sat down with me and thoroughly explained everything that had gone on over the past few days and why testing had progressed the way that it had. She was the one who enumerated the 3 possible reasons for my hemoglobin to be so low(see post of 2 days ago) and she explained what was now going to take place - a bone marrow biopsy!
A bone marrow biopsy sounds like a daunting procedure and I do not intend to downplay it because I have since had some unpleasant ones. I think that I have detailed the procedure before. You lie face down on a bed. They give you a series of local anesthesia injections to numb the area at the back of your hip bone on one side. Unable to actually see the procedure(thank God!), they then use a device to extra a tiny portion of your bone material and also some of your bone marrow. Because I was an in-patient in the hospital, they gave me a mild general anesthestic as well and it made the procedure painless.
Once this was completed, I was released from the hospital under the agreement that I would make an appointment to see this doctor the following week to go over the results of the biopsy. Processing the samples takes a few days so there was no point in starting in the hospital any longer.
When I got home, I phoned my boss to give him the update as to what was known and what was going to happen. He, in his own inimitable fashion, said to work from home until I had a definitive answer to the source of my problem. Unbeknownst to both of us, my last full day of work at the office had occurred two days earlier.
I was now at home and still not worried about the situation. After all, a few blood transfusions in the hospital got me up to snuff - how bad could it be?
My wife and I heard later how others who had had my doctor raved about her professionalism and bedside manner. I didn't need those endorsements - I had seen it for myself. Over the past year, I have seen her a few times and my admiration for her only increased after each visit.
Angels don't always wear white and have wings - but they are always people of God...
Bob
On the morning of this date a year ago, the doctors at the hospital had no idea what was wrong with me. All tests had come back negative. They admitted to me and my wife that my situation was beyond them.
At a complete loss, they threw out the lifeline to our local oncology facility as a last resort. However, they firmly stated to us that it was not because they felt that there was any reason to suspect cancer in any way - but that it was intended more to eliminate another possible cause of my problem!
After lunch that day, a short Indian woman entered my room. I have to admit that I fell victim to the first impression syndrome that often affects us. She did not look like that conventional knight in shining armor! But it took only a few minutes before we realized that that is exactly what she was. She sat down with me and thoroughly explained everything that had gone on over the past few days and why testing had progressed the way that it had. She was the one who enumerated the 3 possible reasons for my hemoglobin to be so low(see post of 2 days ago) and she explained what was now going to take place - a bone marrow biopsy!
A bone marrow biopsy sounds like a daunting procedure and I do not intend to downplay it because I have since had some unpleasant ones. I think that I have detailed the procedure before. You lie face down on a bed. They give you a series of local anesthesia injections to numb the area at the back of your hip bone on one side. Unable to actually see the procedure(thank God!), they then use a device to extra a tiny portion of your bone material and also some of your bone marrow. Because I was an in-patient in the hospital, they gave me a mild general anesthestic as well and it made the procedure painless.
Once this was completed, I was released from the hospital under the agreement that I would make an appointment to see this doctor the following week to go over the results of the biopsy. Processing the samples takes a few days so there was no point in starting in the hospital any longer.
When I got home, I phoned my boss to give him the update as to what was known and what was going to happen. He, in his own inimitable fashion, said to work from home until I had a definitive answer to the source of my problem. Unbeknownst to both of us, my last full day of work at the office had occurred two days earlier.
I was now at home and still not worried about the situation. After all, a few blood transfusions in the hospital got me up to snuff - how bad could it be?
My wife and I heard later how others who had had my doctor raved about her professionalism and bedside manner. I didn't need those endorsements - I had seen it for myself. Over the past year, I have seen her a few times and my admiration for her only increased after each visit.
Angels don't always wear white and have wings - but they are always people of God...
Bob
October 22, 2009 10:25 PM
A conundrum!
A year ago when I entered the hospital, my hemoglobin was low. When your hemoglobin is low - it means one of three things.
1. Your body is destroying it
2. Your body is losing it
3. Your body is not making it
With my apparent good health, the focus was on options one and two. All kinds of tests were done during the day and on into the night with nothing conclusive being being terminated. The day ended with the medical staff being baffled.
A year later, we had a much better day. Obviously, as the year has unfolded, the medical bills have been mounting. Though our insurance has covered the lion's share of the bills, we were still left with a five figure balance. However, today we received a large set of statements from my health insurance company covering just about every visit to Dana-Farber over the past year. Each visit was listed as being paid in full with our now owing no additional fees! A phone call to Dana-Farber confirmed this status. They had found an additional way to bill the insurance company based upon my illness such that all of the outstanding balances were now covered by the health insurance company!
Hallelulia! Praise God! To have those daunting medical bills removed was beyond our wildest dreams.
But a year ago, with no definitive results being generated from the days effort, we awaited the results from more tests done later in the day.
And pption three remained out of consideration...
Bob
A year ago when I entered the hospital, my hemoglobin was low. When your hemoglobin is low - it means one of three things.
1. Your body is destroying it
2. Your body is losing it
3. Your body is not making it
With my apparent good health, the focus was on options one and two. All kinds of tests were done during the day and on into the night with nothing conclusive being being terminated. The day ended with the medical staff being baffled.
A year later, we had a much better day. Obviously, as the year has unfolded, the medical bills have been mounting. Though our insurance has covered the lion's share of the bills, we were still left with a five figure balance. However, today we received a large set of statements from my health insurance company covering just about every visit to Dana-Farber over the past year. Each visit was listed as being paid in full with our now owing no additional fees! A phone call to Dana-Farber confirmed this status. They had found an additional way to bill the insurance company based upon my illness such that all of the outstanding balances were now covered by the health insurance company!
Hallelulia! Praise God! To have those daunting medical bills removed was beyond our wildest dreams.
But a year ago, with no definitive results being generated from the days effort, we awaited the results from more tests done later in the day.
And pption three remained out of consideration...
Bob
October 21, 2009 10:45 PM
Somethings wrong!
That was the verdict a year ago after I went to work and my wife, during the day, convinced me to go to the doctor after work. One little number was wrong! That's it - just one number! After undergoing blood tests and chest x-rays, the doctor homed in on my hemoglobin number which was 6.8. Normally, for me, it should have been at least 13.
And, since it is the hemoglobin that carries the oxygen that we require to all parts of the body, it seemed that the source of my breathing issues had been uncovered. But why was it so low? That was a question that could only be answered by a visit to the hospital. Figuring that I could do it at my convenience, I asked the doctor when I should check myself in. He emphatically responded, "immediately"!
He was also so concerned about my health that he refused to let me drive myself to the hospital even though I had driven to the clinic. I was forced to call my wife who was with a friend at the time and she came and brought me there. I also called my boss and told him what was happening. Always the caring and thoughtful man, he told me not to worry about work and to just concentrate on getting back on my feet again. Who knew it would still be going on a year later?
At the hospital, step 1 was to get me a bed in the cardiac ward. They thought that with my lack of oxgen that my heart would be beating extra hard and that I was a possible candidate for some sort of cardiac irregularity.
Step 2 was to give me a transfusion of 2 pints of blood to get my hemoglobin back up to an acceptable level. For someone who had never even given blood to get to get 2 pints was quite disturbing because they sit you down and run through the litany of all the things to look out for while it is occurring and all the things that could possibly go wrong. To a large extent, in my total ignorance of such matters, I thought that it would be somewhat of a non-issue. Unbeknownst to me I was now starting on a path that would get a lot more precarious than that before it would could be considered completed.
Since it was no getting late, step 3 would have to wait until the next day. They would need to start conducting tests as to why my hemoglobin was so low. In the meantime, my priest arrived, and annointed me with the oil of healing. It was the first of several times that he would do this over the past year. Say and/or believe what you will, I have never had any problems as you are all aware.
My wife and priest left and I went to sleep thinking - how bad can it be when the infusion of 2 pints of blood can "restore" you?
How bad indeed...
Bob
That was the verdict a year ago after I went to work and my wife, during the day, convinced me to go to the doctor after work. One little number was wrong! That's it - just one number! After undergoing blood tests and chest x-rays, the doctor homed in on my hemoglobin number which was 6.8. Normally, for me, it should have been at least 13.
And, since it is the hemoglobin that carries the oxygen that we require to all parts of the body, it seemed that the source of my breathing issues had been uncovered. But why was it so low? That was a question that could only be answered by a visit to the hospital. Figuring that I could do it at my convenience, I asked the doctor when I should check myself in. He emphatically responded, "immediately"!
He was also so concerned about my health that he refused to let me drive myself to the hospital even though I had driven to the clinic. I was forced to call my wife who was with a friend at the time and she came and brought me there. I also called my boss and told him what was happening. Always the caring and thoughtful man, he told me not to worry about work and to just concentrate on getting back on my feet again. Who knew it would still be going on a year later?
At the hospital, step 1 was to get me a bed in the cardiac ward. They thought that with my lack of oxgen that my heart would be beating extra hard and that I was a possible candidate for some sort of cardiac irregularity.
Step 2 was to give me a transfusion of 2 pints of blood to get my hemoglobin back up to an acceptable level. For someone who had never even given blood to get to get 2 pints was quite disturbing because they sit you down and run through the litany of all the things to look out for while it is occurring and all the things that could possibly go wrong. To a large extent, in my total ignorance of such matters, I thought that it would be somewhat of a non-issue. Unbeknownst to me I was now starting on a path that would get a lot more precarious than that before it would could be considered completed.
Since it was no getting late, step 3 would have to wait until the next day. They would need to start conducting tests as to why my hemoglobin was so low. In the meantime, my priest arrived, and annointed me with the oil of healing. It was the first of several times that he would do this over the past year. Say and/or believe what you will, I have never had any problems as you are all aware.
My wife and priest left and I went to sleep thinking - how bad can it be when the infusion of 2 pints of blood can "restore" you?
How bad indeed...
Bob
October 20, 2009 11:10 PM
Kinda like Christmas!
I've been unpacking boxes and stuff in my basement that were packed over 3 and a half years ago. Every box either reveals items that I didn't know I still had or generates that "Aha" moment when I finally find something that I knew I had. I find that I have enough enough screws and nails to sell back to Home Depot or Lowes. Of course, ever since we got here, I've always run off and bought new ones whenever they were needed because I had no idea where my stash was.
I once knew a man who would do that with tools. If he couldn't find a tool that he knew he had then he would go out and purchase a new one! He admitted that it was somewhat costly but it had two things going for it - it saved him a lot of time and he could complete it! How can you argue with logic like that!
One year ago to the day was the last day that I thought that there was nothing really seriously wrong with me. It being a Monday last year, I went to work after returning from our cruise and didn't bother to make an appointment with the doctor. Why bother? There was nothing really wrong with me! Being tired and running out of breath was just because I'm getting older and that's what happens with age! And, let's face it, I'm a guy, and we don't run off to the doctor unless we think we really have to!
As I said before, the one year anniversaries are going to start coming fast and furious now. I've already shared my thoughts as to why I ignored everything once I got home from the cruise.
Tomorrow, I'll share what happened when I finally went to the doctor. I have never really divulged all that happened leading up to my entrance to the hospital for chemotherapy before. So, hopefully, the entries for the next week or so won't be as boring as I am sure that they have been for the past few months.
stay tuned...
Bob
I've been unpacking boxes and stuff in my basement that were packed over 3 and a half years ago. Every box either reveals items that I didn't know I still had or generates that "Aha" moment when I finally find something that I knew I had. I find that I have enough enough screws and nails to sell back to Home Depot or Lowes. Of course, ever since we got here, I've always run off and bought new ones whenever they were needed because I had no idea where my stash was.
I once knew a man who would do that with tools. If he couldn't find a tool that he knew he had then he would go out and purchase a new one! He admitted that it was somewhat costly but it had two things going for it - it saved him a lot of time and he could complete it! How can you argue with logic like that!
One year ago to the day was the last day that I thought that there was nothing really seriously wrong with me. It being a Monday last year, I went to work after returning from our cruise and didn't bother to make an appointment with the doctor. Why bother? There was nothing really wrong with me! Being tired and running out of breath was just because I'm getting older and that's what happens with age! And, let's face it, I'm a guy, and we don't run off to the doctor unless we think we really have to!
As I said before, the one year anniversaries are going to start coming fast and furious now. I've already shared my thoughts as to why I ignored everything once I got home from the cruise.
Tomorrow, I'll share what happened when I finally went to the doctor. I have never really divulged all that happened leading up to my entrance to the hospital for chemotherapy before. So, hopefully, the entries for the next week or so won't be as boring as I am sure that they have been for the past few months.
stay tuned...
Bob
October 19, 2009 10:50 PM
Starting to relive it now!
Yes, a year ago the events were just starting to unfold that led to my diagnosis and to where I am today. It seems like such a long time ago with all that's happened since then and, yet, it's only been a year.
Time flies when you're having fun, I guess, But this has really been no fun. Yes, I feel great and that's certainly a God given blessing. But, not being able to get on with any semblance of a normal life is downright (I don't want to say depressing because that's too strong a word) exasperating(I guess that that's a better choice).
Of course, I guess it's better to be exasperated than possessing other feelings of not being well or just plain not being at all.
We had some friends over for dinner tonight and it's always nice to have company. I never have much to say because I don't get out much to interact with other people and to have interesting stories to tell. But, then again, there are those who would say that I never had anything to say anyway - so, what's the difference!
Now the holidays are just around the corner. I know for sure that Thanksgiving will be better this year since I was in the hospital on Thanksgiving day last year. Christmas, too, will not be spent here at home either. So, without a doubt, progress has been made.
Still keeping the faith...
Bob
Yes, a year ago the events were just starting to unfold that led to my diagnosis and to where I am today. It seems like such a long time ago with all that's happened since then and, yet, it's only been a year.
Time flies when you're having fun, I guess, But this has really been no fun. Yes, I feel great and that's certainly a God given blessing. But, not being able to get on with any semblance of a normal life is downright (I don't want to say depressing because that's too strong a word) exasperating(I guess that that's a better choice).
Of course, I guess it's better to be exasperated than possessing other feelings of not being well or just plain not being at all.
We had some friends over for dinner tonight and it's always nice to have company. I never have much to say because I don't get out much to interact with other people and to have interesting stories to tell. But, then again, there are those who would say that I never had anything to say anyway - so, what's the difference!
Now the holidays are just around the corner. I know for sure that Thanksgiving will be better this year since I was in the hospital on Thanksgiving day last year. Christmas, too, will not be spent here at home either. So, without a doubt, progress has been made.
Still keeping the faith...
Bob
October 18, 2009 11:50 PM
Ugly!
That's the only word to accurately describe today's waether. Cold and rainy. So cold that it was even snowing for part of the day. This is November weather - not October weather!
Needless to say, we did not venture out to the soccer game. A big disappointment, but there was nothing that one could really do. So we stayed inside all day. Certainly a harbinger of things to come as winter is just around the corner. From the looks of taoday, maybe it's here already. Where is global warming when you need it?
So, I'm just marking time until the next doctors visit. Ten more days to go.
Last year at this time we just got home from our cruise and everyone was "highly recommending" that I go to the doctor to see about my shortness of breath problem. Of course, I assumed that it wasn't anything serious and I kind of poo-pooed the "helpful suggestions". Kind of! I basically ignored the suggestions and went of to work on Monday as usual. What did everyone else know? I was going to be fine.
Stay tuned...
Bob
That's the only word to accurately describe today's waether. Cold and rainy. So cold that it was even snowing for part of the day. This is November weather - not October weather!
Needless to say, we did not venture out to the soccer game. A big disappointment, but there was nothing that one could really do. So we stayed inside all day. Certainly a harbinger of things to come as winter is just around the corner. From the looks of taoday, maybe it's here already. Where is global warming when you need it?
So, I'm just marking time until the next doctors visit. Ten more days to go.
Last year at this time we just got home from our cruise and everyone was "highly recommending" that I go to the doctor to see about my shortness of breath problem. Of course, I assumed that it wasn't anything serious and I kind of poo-pooed the "helpful suggestions". Kind of! I basically ignored the suggestions and went of to work on Monday as usual. What did everyone else know? I was going to be fine.
Stay tuned...
Bob
October 18, 1:00 AM
Somewhat of a screw up!
For some reason the computer posted my empty entry before I could even type anything. That's never happened before. But, as they say, there is always a first time for everything.
We recovered well at bridge tonight. Started realllll slow and then picked up steam to come from a 1000 points back to win by 900. For those of you who aren't bridge players I know that that doesn't mean anything but it was a robust recovery nonetheless.
I have spent the last few days putting together a CD that we would listen to tonight. It's not just any CD, it's in mp3 format so it contains over 200 songs - all of them from the 50's which our friends really like. I fully intended to give it to them at the end of the evening - even burning their name into the CD label that I designed to go on the disk. The funny part of it all was that the music had only just begun when they asked me if I could make a copy of the CD for them! The pleas became even more passionate as each song was played. So, needless to say, they were very pleasantly surprised to receive their gift at the end of the night. What else do I have to do with my time?
I'm still feeling fine and looking to go to a soccer game tomorrow(today!) to see some of the grandchildren play. Weather may be an issue, I'm not going to stand outside in a cold, fall rain. One of the advantages of being a grandparent! We've certainly paid our dues by doing just such things when our kids were growing up!
Gotta stay healthy...
Bob
For some reason the computer posted my empty entry before I could even type anything. That's never happened before. But, as they say, there is always a first time for everything.
We recovered well at bridge tonight. Started realllll slow and then picked up steam to come from a 1000 points back to win by 900. For those of you who aren't bridge players I know that that doesn't mean anything but it was a robust recovery nonetheless.
I have spent the last few days putting together a CD that we would listen to tonight. It's not just any CD, it's in mp3 format so it contains over 200 songs - all of them from the 50's which our friends really like. I fully intended to give it to them at the end of the evening - even burning their name into the CD label that I designed to go on the disk. The funny part of it all was that the music had only just begun when they asked me if I could make a copy of the CD for them! The pleas became even more passionate as each song was played. So, needless to say, they were very pleasantly surprised to receive their gift at the end of the night. What else do I have to do with my time?
I'm still feeling fine and looking to go to a soccer game tomorrow(today!) to see some of the grandchildren play. Weather may be an issue, I'm not going to stand outside in a cold, fall rain. One of the advantages of being a grandparent! We've certainly paid our dues by doing just such things when our kids were growing up!
Gotta stay healthy...
Bob
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