Gotta beat the midnight deadline!
The end of January(yay!!), time certainly does fly. Only 11 days to the start of the bone marrow transplant odyssey! I guess that I am as ready as I am ever going to be so I know that the waiting will just get to me. The earlier we start - the earlier we finish. As they say - patience is a virtue and I want it right now!!!
It was a good day today. In fact, I did something that I have not done since November the 4th - I actually drove! Up until now, everywhere that I went, my wife would go as well(doctors, movies, restaurants, etc.) so she just kept on driving long after my counts had returned to normal. Today, I did an errand on my own and then drove with my wife to the movies and then to dinner together. I know - I sound like a teenager who just got his driver's license!
The movie theater that we went to in Concord, NH was a funky little place. We sat in a room with about 50 seats that were just chairs that we could orient any way that we wanted. The screen was far from a wide screen - maybe 10 feet wide. The movie itself(Doubt) was on a Blu-Ray DVD disk that was started via a remote control and shown from an overhead projector - so no annoying pre-show screens that seem to recycle every 5 minutes, no annoying 27 previews, no annoying Coke ads, etc. before they actually got to starting the movie.
There was further excitement at the end of the show as we wished to take the elevator back down to the parking garage. The button did not seem to work properly and then we heard pounding coming from inside the elevator shaft and the alarm was being pushed as well. After using the stairwell and making our way back to the car, as we were leaving, we saw half the Concord fire department come storming into the parking garage and make its way to the faulty elevator. For the want of 5 minutes, it could have been us trapped inside. Who knew that my restroom break could save the day!
Not much else to say. It is, after all, the weekend and life kind of slows down during these times. But I still feel great and that's the important thing.....
Bob
January 30, 2009 11:30 PM
Well, I did not here from the doctor concerning my bone marrow biopsy results today either. I guess until I do(will I ever?), I have to assume that no news is good news. If the results were not what they wanted to see - full remission - then active steps would have to be taken to once again get me to that state before the transplant could occur. Given the fact that we are looking at February 11th to kick off the transplant process, in my estimation something would have to be done immediately. Since the hospital follows my progress rather diligently - and I have heard nothing - I will assume that there is nothing to be concerned about.
It was great to not have to travel to Boston today. I am going to be spoiled for the remaining week and a half by having no doctors appointments scheduled and by being able to take advantage of some activities outside the house - most notably movies and restaurants. Of course, all this comes to a screeching halt on the 11th for approximately a year.
I must admit that I do possess a level of fear and trepidation about the bone marrow transplant process just as I did about the chemotherapy process. The unknown can do that to you. And, of course, the transplant process is entirely different from chemotherapy process especially as it relates to the immuno-suppressant drugs that I will have to take and how my body will react to them. Fortunately for me, I do not have a tale of woe leading up to now and I fully expect that my good fortune will continue through the next phase as well. I have been exceedingly blessed!
The good news is that this whole journey is geared around the transplant and, once that occurs, the remainder of the trek is "just" the recovery phase. No more chemo, probably no more bone marrow biopsies - just an effort to keep me on the proper road to recovery. Life won't necessarily be easy - but there is a huge team behind me to make it as easy as possible. The doctors and staff at Dana-Farber and each of you. Your collective support keeps me going.
As an aside, having shaved 2 days ago, it looks like I have to shave again. So I guess that hair restoration is on the way. They tell me that it looks like the hair on the back of my head is also starting to return. I assume that the mild chemo that I get starting on the 11th will not interfere with my hair growth, so I look to be getting back to normal in the next month or so. Is this faster or slower than "normal" - I have no idea!
So much for today. Let's see what tomorrow brings!
Bob
It was great to not have to travel to Boston today. I am going to be spoiled for the remaining week and a half by having no doctors appointments scheduled and by being able to take advantage of some activities outside the house - most notably movies and restaurants. Of course, all this comes to a screeching halt on the 11th for approximately a year.
I must admit that I do possess a level of fear and trepidation about the bone marrow transplant process just as I did about the chemotherapy process. The unknown can do that to you. And, of course, the transplant process is entirely different from chemotherapy process especially as it relates to the immuno-suppressant drugs that I will have to take and how my body will react to them. Fortunately for me, I do not have a tale of woe leading up to now and I fully expect that my good fortune will continue through the next phase as well. I have been exceedingly blessed!
The good news is that this whole journey is geared around the transplant and, once that occurs, the remainder of the trek is "just" the recovery phase. No more chemo, probably no more bone marrow biopsies - just an effort to keep me on the proper road to recovery. Life won't necessarily be easy - but there is a huge team behind me to make it as easy as possible. The doctors and staff at Dana-Farber and each of you. Your collective support keeps me going.
As an aside, having shaved 2 days ago, it looks like I have to shave again. So I guess that hair restoration is on the way. They tell me that it looks like the hair on the back of my head is also starting to return. I assume that the mild chemo that I get starting on the 11th will not interfere with my hair growth, so I look to be getting back to normal in the next month or so. Is this faster or slower than "normal" - I have no idea!
So much for today. Let's see what tomorrow brings!
Bob
January 29, 2009 11:55 PM
I have to admit that I'm somewhat shaken up after reading that second comment on yesterday's blog. I really had no idea what to say today and I was going to do little bit about the benefits of never having a "bad hair day" after I devoted yesterday's entry to the status of my hair.
After reading the comment, however, I too am filled with a variety of emotions. I have received a number of e-mails from people who have said that they felt inspired in some way from reading my blog. I have found each of these to be very moving to me and, yet, I am truly taken aback and humbled that the words that I have chosen to write(actually, words that have been given to me to write) can be so meaningful to others.
This comment, once again, shows us how small a world it is and how each of us in some small way can touch the heart and soul of another - oftentimes without even realizing it. I have often said that God only knows how we affect others. But through this blog, admittedly a somewhat selfish endeavor for a number of reasons, God has truly blessed me by actually letting me know in certain cases that my words(His words!) have truly affected the lives of other people.
I really don't know how to respond to a comment like this except to say that I am glad that God has touched this woman through me and bolstered her feelings about the significance of the wonderful gift that she is giving to another. She is definitely making a difference in the life of another as is some other donor in mine. It is a gift that I can never repay and, I am sure, one in which the donor is not looking to be reimbursed for in any way. But the bottom line from all of this is that we all make a difference in some way in the lives of others! Would that it were always a positive one!
Bob
After reading the comment, however, I too am filled with a variety of emotions. I have received a number of e-mails from people who have said that they felt inspired in some way from reading my blog. I have found each of these to be very moving to me and, yet, I am truly taken aback and humbled that the words that I have chosen to write(actually, words that have been given to me to write) can be so meaningful to others.
This comment, once again, shows us how small a world it is and how each of us in some small way can touch the heart and soul of another - oftentimes without even realizing it. I have often said that God only knows how we affect others. But through this blog, admittedly a somewhat selfish endeavor for a number of reasons, God has truly blessed me by actually letting me know in certain cases that my words(His words!) have truly affected the lives of other people.
I really don't know how to respond to a comment like this except to say that I am glad that God has touched this woman through me and bolstered her feelings about the significance of the wonderful gift that she is giving to another. She is definitely making a difference in the life of another as is some other donor in mine. It is a gift that I can never repay and, I am sure, one in which the donor is not looking to be reimbursed for in any way. But the bottom line from all of this is that we all make a difference in some way in the lives of others! Would that it were always a positive one!
Bob
January 28, 2009 10:15 PM
The snow certainly kept us in today. Then it turned to rain and now its back to snow. Who knows what mess we'll be looking at tomorrow morning when we get up?
Anyway, as expected, I heard nothing from Dana-Farber concerning last Friday's bone marrow biopsy. As I said before, I assume that tomorrow will be the day. Not to worry, I'll be here all day as I usually am so I won't miss the phone call.
Not much in the way of new developments. But it does appear that my hair is starting to return. I shaved about a week and a half ago and I now have to shave again. So instead of being 3 to 4 weeks between shaves its down to less than 2. So, slowly but surely, some sense of normalcy(normality?) is returning to my life. Now to have the hair on my head return and present me with the dilemma of keeping it as a buzz cut or letting it grow out to God knows what. I know that everyone is anxious to see what my hair will be like upon its return and, if I keep it as a buzz cut, they will be denied that privilege. I must admit that I am a little curious about it as well. It's possible that I could be depriving myself of the Gov. Blagojevich look should I decide to keep it short! Not an issue today - but most definitely one of the major issues that I will have to contend with in the future. Oh, what a sheltered life I lead!
Enough for today, hopefully we hear some news tomorrow.....
Bob
Anyway, as expected, I heard nothing from Dana-Farber concerning last Friday's bone marrow biopsy. As I said before, I assume that tomorrow will be the day. Not to worry, I'll be here all day as I usually am so I won't miss the phone call.
Not much in the way of new developments. But it does appear that my hair is starting to return. I shaved about a week and a half ago and I now have to shave again. So instead of being 3 to 4 weeks between shaves its down to less than 2. So, slowly but surely, some sense of normalcy(normality?) is returning to my life. Now to have the hair on my head return and present me with the dilemma of keeping it as a buzz cut or letting it grow out to God knows what. I know that everyone is anxious to see what my hair will be like upon its return and, if I keep it as a buzz cut, they will be denied that privilege. I must admit that I am a little curious about it as well. It's possible that I could be depriving myself of the Gov. Blagojevich look should I decide to keep it short! Not an issue today - but most definitely one of the major issues that I will have to contend with in the future. Oh, what a sheltered life I lead!
Enough for today, hopefully we hear some news tomorrow.....
Bob
January 27, 2009 11:45 PM
It was a really good day.
I went out to a movie and then to dinner with a group of friends -ain't it wonderful not having to go to work! I can only do this for the next 2 weeks before I'm severely restricted for the next year - so I'm enjoying it while I can. When you take the days one at a time, days like today really stand out because they take on the persona of being "normal" days doing "normal" activities as though you were not ill. Everyone comments as to how "well" I look and I thank God that I am as well off as I am and that I am able to these "normal" things.
I still have not heard yet about the bone marrow biopsy. I assume that tomorrow will be the day. But with the impending snowstorm, I would not be surprised if it were not until Thursday before I heard anything.
So....
with the snowstorm coming tomorrow, it will be another day to just hunker down at home and wait it out. Ah, the joys of winter. With all the cold weather, the snow that we have had up until now has not melted so that after tomorrow we'll be up to our armpits in snow. Global warming - where are you when we really need you?
Bob
I went out to a movie and then to dinner with a group of friends -ain't it wonderful not having to go to work! I can only do this for the next 2 weeks before I'm severely restricted for the next year - so I'm enjoying it while I can. When you take the days one at a time, days like today really stand out because they take on the persona of being "normal" days doing "normal" activities as though you were not ill. Everyone comments as to how "well" I look and I thank God that I am as well off as I am and that I am able to these "normal" things.
I still have not heard yet about the bone marrow biopsy. I assume that tomorrow will be the day. But with the impending snowstorm, I would not be surprised if it were not until Thursday before I heard anything.
So....
with the snowstorm coming tomorrow, it will be another day to just hunker down at home and wait it out. Ah, the joys of winter. With all the cold weather, the snow that we have had up until now has not melted so that after tomorrow we'll be up to our armpits in snow. Global warming - where are you when we really need you?
Bob
January 26, 2009 11:45 PM
Now that there are no more Monday/Friday doctor's visits, new developments are going to be at a minimum until the February 11th hospital check-in date. I do expect to hear from the doctor during the middle of the week with the Friday bone marrow biopsy results. That's about it.
So, I will take the time to once again mention the rescheduled Februray 7th bone marrow drive at Hampshire Hills in Milford, NH from 10 to 2. It will be more than just collecting swabs from people's mouths. There is to be a raffle as well with large furniture items and other items donated by local merchants. Please plan to make an appearance and possibly start yourself on an incredible journey whereby you can save someone's life. There can be no greater gift and no greater feeling than to be the bearer of that gift.
Bob
So, I will take the time to once again mention the rescheduled Februray 7th bone marrow drive at Hampshire Hills in Milford, NH from 10 to 2. It will be more than just collecting swabs from people's mouths. There is to be a raffle as well with large furniture items and other items donated by local merchants. Please plan to make an appearance and possibly start yourself on an incredible journey whereby you can save someone's life. There can be no greater gift and no greater feeling than to be the bearer of that gift.
Bob
January 25, 2009 11:30 PM
A rather late post today as I was watching TV all evening. Although there is really not a lot to share at this point.
My priest came by this afternoon to administer communion and offer a prayer for healing as well. It was a moving moment for me because I miss going to church and the uplift that it provides me every Sunday morning. Admittedly, at this point, I don't have a lot of opportunity to demonstrate my faith out in the real world. But, still, not going to church leaves me empty inside.
However, the time spent was very pleasant and I had the chance to pass on to him that it would be about a year before I could get back into any kind of a routine that would resemble what I was doing before I was diagnosed with this disease.
So the world is slowly being prepared to withstand another year without me - I think that you will survive it quite well. When you think about it - this is something I am sure that most of you are already used to since I have been out of commission for almost 3 months now.
The real question here is - can I withstand another year without all of you? There is only one way to tackle this challenge and that is one day at a time. A year seems daunting to me - but I can most certainly handle one day. Your support is what will make it happen and I am counting on all of you to continue the outstanding job that you have done up to now.
God's grace is wonderful and we will all celebrate big time when this is all over.
Bob
My priest came by this afternoon to administer communion and offer a prayer for healing as well. It was a moving moment for me because I miss going to church and the uplift that it provides me every Sunday morning. Admittedly, at this point, I don't have a lot of opportunity to demonstrate my faith out in the real world. But, still, not going to church leaves me empty inside.
However, the time spent was very pleasant and I had the chance to pass on to him that it would be about a year before I could get back into any kind of a routine that would resemble what I was doing before I was diagnosed with this disease.
So the world is slowly being prepared to withstand another year without me - I think that you will survive it quite well. When you think about it - this is something I am sure that most of you are already used to since I have been out of commission for almost 3 months now.
The real question here is - can I withstand another year without all of you? There is only one way to tackle this challenge and that is one day at a time. A year seems daunting to me - but I can most certainly handle one day. Your support is what will make it happen and I am counting on all of you to continue the outstanding job that you have done up to now.
God's grace is wonderful and we will all celebrate big time when this is all over.
Bob
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