It was a relatively nice day today and we ate breakfast outside on the patio. Likewise, I drove my wife to a friend's place where she dropped off some paintings for an art show. Lastly, my wife went out to dinner this evening with some friends and all of them came back here for dessert afterwards so that the day ended with some pleasant company. Not much in the way of activity for most of you, I am sure. But, for me, it was an active day.
Other than that, I am still continuing to feel fine and looking forward to the next steps which will occur in the next few weeks.
I really don't know how much more to add to this entry as nothing significant has happened. I am just continuing on, what seems to be, that slow road to full recovery.
Again, I thank you all(boy, I sound like a Southerner!) so much for your thoughts and prayers - they have been an indispensible part of my whole recovery. Every day I can feel God's healing touch and it means so much to me.
I think that that just about wraps it up for today...
Bob
May 1, 2009 10:35 PM 27 days to go
Less than 4 weeks left!
I'm kinda like a kid at Christmas - my impatience grows more and more every day. But I am not going to rock the boat and do anything foolish in the meantime. We've played it very conservative up to this point and it has worked to perfection. With my life in the balance, I fully intend to play by the rules until the end of the month. A moment's pleasure that may jeopardize everything up to now isn't worth it.
So, I still feel fine. Couldn't really go out today - it was overcast and a little drizzly at times and a little cool as well. I have to start guaging the next round of my medications pretty soon as I will be running out and I'm not sure what the dosages will be when they start weaning me off the immuno-suppressants. I certainly do not want to order a 3 month supply of some expensive drug if I don't need to. In the grand scheme of things, the drug cost gets lost in the shuffle when compared to my hospital and lab costs - but I know that none of us likes to waste money.
Not much else to say on a quiet day - so another somewhat short entry...
Bob
I'm kinda like a kid at Christmas - my impatience grows more and more every day. But I am not going to rock the boat and do anything foolish in the meantime. We've played it very conservative up to this point and it has worked to perfection. With my life in the balance, I fully intend to play by the rules until the end of the month. A moment's pleasure that may jeopardize everything up to now isn't worth it.
So, I still feel fine. Couldn't really go out today - it was overcast and a little drizzly at times and a little cool as well. I have to start guaging the next round of my medications pretty soon as I will be running out and I'm not sure what the dosages will be when they start weaning me off the immuno-suppressants. I certainly do not want to order a 3 month supply of some expensive drug if I don't need to. In the grand scheme of things, the drug cost gets lost in the shuffle when compared to my hospital and lab costs - but I know that none of us likes to waste money.
Not much else to say on a quiet day - so another somewhat short entry...
Bob
April 30, 2009 10:10 PM 28 days to go
Well, April is now over and May is the month that sees the ind of the 100 days. I'm slowly, but surely, getting there.
I know that a lot of emphasis seems to be put on that milestone. But, in truth, it really only relaxes the dietary restrictions - everything else is supposed to stay as it is. I know that I'll be taking a few more liberties regarding visiting people - but crowds will still have to remain out of the question. I guess that that concern is certainly now more of an issue with the recent outbreak of the swine flu.
However, I'll take whatever I can get at this point. The restrictive lifestyle does get to you.
Another beautiful day today and I did go for a walk. I took my camera and I got a few pictures of the spring flowers in full bloom. I might as well make the walks be both fun and useful.
I'm still feeling fine and counting my blessings every day...
Bob
I know that a lot of emphasis seems to be put on that milestone. But, in truth, it really only relaxes the dietary restrictions - everything else is supposed to stay as it is. I know that I'll be taking a few more liberties regarding visiting people - but crowds will still have to remain out of the question. I guess that that concern is certainly now more of an issue with the recent outbreak of the swine flu.
However, I'll take whatever I can get at this point. The restrictive lifestyle does get to you.
Another beautiful day today and I did go for a walk. I took my camera and I got a few pictures of the spring flowers in full bloom. I might as well make the walks be both fun and useful.
I'm still feeling fine and counting my blessings every day...
Bob
April 29, 2009 10:35 PM 29 days to go
Wow!!!!
It was an alltime speed record this morning. We were in and out of the parking garage in 1 hour! They took my blood right away and the doctor's visit started earlier than the scheduled appointment time.
Of course, not much took place during the visit because my counts were excellent. The doctor indicated that they would start to wean me off the immuno-suppressants at approximately the 90 day mark which will be in 2 weeks. He also made a comment that I was "just" taking 4 medications. So, I guess that that is not the norm.
All the doctor's visits have now come to follow the same pattern. He asks me how I feel - I say fine. He looks at my counts - they are excellent. We small talk a bit - he indicates what is likely to happen in the near term. He never bothers to check anything anymore(heart, lungs, mouth sores, etc.) - and then we leave.
It was a cooler day today which made it ideal for a walk - which we did. I'll try to do the same tomorrow. I know that I have to build up my stamina. I do get tired at times.
But, all in all, everything is still on schedule - if not ahead of schedule.
Lastly, I do want to thank all of you who still continue to send cards, send e-mails, make phone calls, or visit. All of them are much appreciated and to know that you are still thinking of me and my wife is very humbling as you take time from your busy lives to do so. It has been just about 6 months now with at least another 10 to go before "normality" returns.
By the way, once again today, my wife was talking to someone in the waiting room whose husband was just beginning to start this journey and suggested that they log onto this blog to get an idea of what's in store and my reaction to it. This has occurred many times over the past months. I can only hope that this blog has been an aid to them. I know that I would have liked to have had the opportunity to see what someone else experienced and their thoughts.
All for today...
Bob
It was an alltime speed record this morning. We were in and out of the parking garage in 1 hour! They took my blood right away and the doctor's visit started earlier than the scheduled appointment time.
Of course, not much took place during the visit because my counts were excellent. The doctor indicated that they would start to wean me off the immuno-suppressants at approximately the 90 day mark which will be in 2 weeks. He also made a comment that I was "just" taking 4 medications. So, I guess that that is not the norm.
All the doctor's visits have now come to follow the same pattern. He asks me how I feel - I say fine. He looks at my counts - they are excellent. We small talk a bit - he indicates what is likely to happen in the near term. He never bothers to check anything anymore(heart, lungs, mouth sores, etc.) - and then we leave.
It was a cooler day today which made it ideal for a walk - which we did. I'll try to do the same tomorrow. I know that I have to build up my stamina. I do get tired at times.
But, all in all, everything is still on schedule - if not ahead of schedule.
Lastly, I do want to thank all of you who still continue to send cards, send e-mails, make phone calls, or visit. All of them are much appreciated and to know that you are still thinking of me and my wife is very humbling as you take time from your busy lives to do so. It has been just about 6 months now with at least another 10 to go before "normality" returns.
By the way, once again today, my wife was talking to someone in the waiting room whose husband was just beginning to start this journey and suggested that they log onto this blog to get an idea of what's in store and my reaction to it. This has occurred many times over the past months. I can only hope that this blog has been an aid to them. I know that I would have liked to have had the opportunity to see what someone else experienced and their thoughts.
All for today...
Bob
April 28, 2009 9:45 PM 30 days to go
It was extremely hot today, so I did not go outside. With the temperature cooling off the next few days, I'll make an effort to get outside.
Of course, tomorrow is Wednesday and it's time for our weekly trip to Boston. Nothing of any import is expected to happen and it should be a quick in and out trip. As usual, it means a 5:00 rise time as do my final 4 weekly trips in the month of May. But the up side is that we are home early and the rest of the day is ours - admittedly, there is not much to do.
I did receive a telephone call today from the woman who I mentioned in an earlier entry who served as our deacon at church last year and was diagnosed with leukemia about 6 weeks ago. She is currently in New Hampshire and feeling as well as she could be as she rests up for her second round of chemo in 2 weeks. It's nice to here that things are progressing well for her as well.
As for me, I'm still doing well.
I'll fill you in on all the details from tomorrow's visit tomorrow night.
All for now...
Bob
Of course, tomorrow is Wednesday and it's time for our weekly trip to Boston. Nothing of any import is expected to happen and it should be a quick in and out trip. As usual, it means a 5:00 rise time as do my final 4 weekly trips in the month of May. But the up side is that we are home early and the rest of the day is ours - admittedly, there is not much to do.
I did receive a telephone call today from the woman who I mentioned in an earlier entry who served as our deacon at church last year and was diagnosed with leukemia about 6 weeks ago. She is currently in New Hampshire and feeling as well as she could be as she rests up for her second round of chemo in 2 weeks. It's nice to here that things are progressing well for her as well.
As for me, I'm still doing well.
I'll fill you in on all the details from tomorrow's visit tomorrow night.
All for now...
Bob
April 27, 2009 10:10 PM 31 days to go
It was a beautiful day today and I sat outside for most of the afternoon. It is one of the few "benefits" that I now have since I do not have to be at work. Of course, I would trade the benefit at the drop of a hat if I had the choice - but, I don't.
It was interesting yesterday as the conversation with our friends ended up in a war story discussion of our respective battles with insurance and prescription companies. Is this what it all boils down to? It's a shame that poor service, incompetence, and surliness have to manifest themselves so often from organizations that pride themselves on their "quality of service".
I went for a walk today - gotta keep "in shape". And, of course, I still feel fine. No signs of graft vs host disease or any other side effects for that matter.
That about does it for today...
Bob
It was interesting yesterday as the conversation with our friends ended up in a war story discussion of our respective battles with insurance and prescription companies. Is this what it all boils down to? It's a shame that poor service, incompetence, and surliness have to manifest themselves so often from organizations that pride themselves on their "quality of service".
I went for a walk today - gotta keep "in shape". And, of course, I still feel fine. No signs of graft vs host disease or any other side effects for that matter.
That about does it for today...
Bob
April 26, 2009 9:35 PM 32 days to go
Today was another beautiful day and the first day that we turned on the air conditioner. It has seemed like summer is here and I'm not complaining. We did go for a walk today with our company and really got to enjoy the wonderful weather.
I can't help but think that there was a very distinct possibility that I would have missed all this. I know that there has to be someone who beats the odds and resides at the top end of that bell curve and I am eternally grateful that it appears to be me. Having successfully handled all that's been given to me so far, I am sure that there is more to my story than just writing this blog and getting on with my life the way it used to be.
I am still doing fine as you might surmise and, as each day goes by, more and more looking forward to the end of the 100 days.
Going to go back to watching the Red Sox game...
Bob
I can't help but think that there was a very distinct possibility that I would have missed all this. I know that there has to be someone who beats the odds and resides at the top end of that bell curve and I am eternally grateful that it appears to be me. Having successfully handled all that's been given to me so far, I am sure that there is more to my story than just writing this blog and getting on with my life the way it used to be.
I am still doing fine as you might surmise and, as each day goes by, more and more looking forward to the end of the 100 days.
Going to go back to watching the Red Sox game...
Bob
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