Making it count!
It's Christmas vacation week for the grandchildren and this week, so far, we have entertained 4 of them. Check that - they have entertained us! Since their parents have to work, tt gives us an opportunity to see them that we would would not normally have. Tonght we have three of them sleeping over. Iuse the terrm 'sleeping' loosely as they are all girls and they tend to talk, giggle, etc. rather than sleep. But it's fun to have them anyway.
What does one do with them? Shopping, eating out, and movies tend to rule the day. With the crowds that we run into, it's obvious that these activities are not unique to us!
Those have been the activiies of the past few days as we take a break from our regularly scheduled events this week. All future projects are on hold at this point.
Healthwise, the status quo seems to rule the day but we will determine more next Wednesday when we, once again, head off to Mass Eye And Ear. I'll let them ascertain what, if any, progress has been made from my last visit. It seems that my opinions differ from reality in this regard as what I consider to be progress just doesn't seem to be verified by facts.
Most importantly, I feel fine no matter what they say...
Bob
December 25, 2010 11:55 PM
There's no escaping it this time!
No snow up to now, but a blizzard that is predicted to start tomorrow. At least ten inches with the upper figure continuing to inch up from 16. I suppose that we deserve such a storm as we have dodged every bullet fired our way up to this point in December. All one can do is hunker down and wait it out until the snow stops falling and the roads are made clear again.
Today was a great day! Much of the family was here to celebrate Christmas. As usual, lots of good food, plenty of wine, plenty of gifts, and much conversation. This was in stark contrast to the moving church service of last night and the extremely quiet ride home that always follows. As I have said many times, it is eerily quiet as everything is closed and there are few, if any, cars on the road. You actually get to feel that peace that passes all understanding and that's what makes Christmas Eve so special. Easter just doesn't do it for me.
After everyone left, we just sat down and watched some TV to sort of round out the day on a quiet note. We certainly appreciated all the help that we got from everyone by way of bringing appetizers and desserts and especially those that helped clean up. Many hands make light work, as they say. Today illustrated that to a tee.
It's hard to realize that today is Saturday which means that tomorrow there will be church in the morning. After that, the snow is supposed to start coming in so I'm not sure that we will venture out to visit with friends who have invited us to a brunch.
As always, each Christmas is special in its own way. I am glad that I was here to be a part of it...
Bob
No snow up to now, but a blizzard that is predicted to start tomorrow. At least ten inches with the upper figure continuing to inch up from 16. I suppose that we deserve such a storm as we have dodged every bullet fired our way up to this point in December. All one can do is hunker down and wait it out until the snow stops falling and the roads are made clear again.
Today was a great day! Much of the family was here to celebrate Christmas. As usual, lots of good food, plenty of wine, plenty of gifts, and much conversation. This was in stark contrast to the moving church service of last night and the extremely quiet ride home that always follows. As I have said many times, it is eerily quiet as everything is closed and there are few, if any, cars on the road. You actually get to feel that peace that passes all understanding and that's what makes Christmas Eve so special. Easter just doesn't do it for me.
After everyone left, we just sat down and watched some TV to sort of round out the day on a quiet note. We certainly appreciated all the help that we got from everyone by way of bringing appetizers and desserts and especially those that helped clean up. Many hands make light work, as they say. Today illustrated that to a tee.
It's hard to realize that today is Saturday which means that tomorrow there will be church in the morning. After that, the snow is supposed to start coming in so I'm not sure that we will venture out to visit with friends who have invited us to a brunch.
As always, each Christmas is special in its own way. I am glad that I was here to be a part of it...
Bob
December 24, 2010 7:00 PM
Not this year!
No white Christmas for us. Our dusting of a few days ago is basically gone. But, thatsituation does not diminish the wonder of the night for me though I have to admit that those times when it actually snowed on Chrstmas Eve were truly a surreal, magical experience.
Tonight, as Silent Night goes, "All Is Calm". Being able to participate with the church choir once again is a thrill. Made moreso by the fact that Iwas not allowed to do so the past two years. When something is taken away from you, it means all the more to you if you are fortunate enough to be able to have it returned to you.
Church begins at 10:30 tonight with a half hour of choir and organ music before the actual service commences at 11:00. As I said two years ago, the real impact of the evening is the ride home afterwards with the world in a quiescent moment an experience unlike that of any other time of the year as everyone awaits Christmas Day in his or her own way - adults, children, men, women, those at home, those away, those who will be travelling during the day, etc.
My wife was telling me that her 4th grade tour group at the Currier yesterday, generaly, did not who Jesus was in any of artwork in which he was portrayed. What a shame! What has our society degenerated to when our children do not even recognize Jesus?
I know that it is no surprise to us that Christmas is now just a holiday wherein Santa Claus comes for the children and everyone gives everyone presents. But, by not exposing our children to the meaning of the day, we deprive them of actually feeling and living into what Christmas and the life of Jesus is all about.
This service tonight is the only service that I attended the past two years. Why? Because, for me, it's message transcends that of all the other services as we celebrate the fact that God has chosen to give to each of us the greatest gift of all. As a sign of our gratitude, the least that we can do is to take the time and to make the effort to acknowledge it.
Merry Christmas to you all...
Bob
No white Christmas for us. Our dusting of a few days ago is basically gone. But, thatsituation does not diminish the wonder of the night for me though I have to admit that those times when it actually snowed on Chrstmas Eve were truly a surreal, magical experience.
Tonight, as Silent Night goes, "All Is Calm". Being able to participate with the church choir once again is a thrill. Made moreso by the fact that Iwas not allowed to do so the past two years. When something is taken away from you, it means all the more to you if you are fortunate enough to be able to have it returned to you.
Church begins at 10:30 tonight with a half hour of choir and organ music before the actual service commences at 11:00. As I said two years ago, the real impact of the evening is the ride home afterwards with the world in a quiescent moment an experience unlike that of any other time of the year as everyone awaits Christmas Day in his or her own way - adults, children, men, women, those at home, those away, those who will be travelling during the day, etc.
My wife was telling me that her 4th grade tour group at the Currier yesterday, generaly, did not who Jesus was in any of artwork in which he was portrayed. What a shame! What has our society degenerated to when our children do not even recognize Jesus?
I know that it is no surprise to us that Christmas is now just a holiday wherein Santa Claus comes for the children and everyone gives everyone presents. But, by not exposing our children to the meaning of the day, we deprive them of actually feeling and living into what Christmas and the life of Jesus is all about.
This service tonight is the only service that I attended the past two years. Why? Because, for me, it's message transcends that of all the other services as we celebrate the fact that God has chosen to give to each of us the greatest gift of all. As a sign of our gratitude, the least that we can do is to take the time and to make the effort to acknowledge it.
Merry Christmas to you all...
Bob
December 22, 2010 11:45 PM
It's almost here!
Not Christmas - Christmas Eve! To me that's the holiest night of the year. There is something magical in the air that seems to transcend everything else that we may encounter during the year. My posting on Christmas Eve two years ago explains in detail how I feel about the evening.
This year it will take on extra special meaning for me as it will be my first time back in the choir after missing the past two years. As a prelude to that, the lessons and carols service on Sunday night was probably one of the most moving ones in which I have participated. We sang some beautiful anthems and we ptrobably sang each one as well as we had ever sung them God seemed to be touching each of us as we performed our parts. It was a special night made more special by the fact that, once again, I could be a part of it.
As the day arrives, I have been finishing off the installation of our new kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts. A project that was to initially be done after the turn of the year but beckoned to me much earlier as all the materials were here and I had nothing to do anyway.
Monday I gave my last Zimmerman house tour of the season. January 9th is the final tour until the spring.
Weatherwise, we have finally had a little snow. Just a dusting and that appears to be all the snow that we will have for Christmas assuming that it doesn't melt between now and then. As far as I'm concerned, that's all the snow that we need for the winter! I know that it won't happen, but hope springs eternal. Which brings to mind the saying, "When winter comes, can spring be far behind?"
Healthwise, no change. It's off to the eye doctor in two weeks and we'll see how things go at that time. Tomorrow is the dentist. Just a cleaning but oral healthcare is very important.
With company coming Saturday, we have to get ready over the next two days. It should be enough time.
As an aside, my mother-in-law came home from the hospital on Monday. She still needs to get back on her feet again but (pardon the pun), it is a step in the right direction.
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year...
Bob
Not Christmas - Christmas Eve! To me that's the holiest night of the year. There is something magical in the air that seems to transcend everything else that we may encounter during the year. My posting on Christmas Eve two years ago explains in detail how I feel about the evening.
This year it will take on extra special meaning for me as it will be my first time back in the choir after missing the past two years. As a prelude to that, the lessons and carols service on Sunday night was probably one of the most moving ones in which I have participated. We sang some beautiful anthems and we ptrobably sang each one as well as we had ever sung them God seemed to be touching each of us as we performed our parts. It was a special night made more special by the fact that, once again, I could be a part of it.
As the day arrives, I have been finishing off the installation of our new kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts. A project that was to initially be done after the turn of the year but beckoned to me much earlier as all the materials were here and I had nothing to do anyway.
Monday I gave my last Zimmerman house tour of the season. January 9th is the final tour until the spring.
Weatherwise, we have finally had a little snow. Just a dusting and that appears to be all the snow that we will have for Christmas assuming that it doesn't melt between now and then. As far as I'm concerned, that's all the snow that we need for the winter! I know that it won't happen, but hope springs eternal. Which brings to mind the saying, "When winter comes, can spring be far behind?"
Healthwise, no change. It's off to the eye doctor in two weeks and we'll see how things go at that time. Tomorrow is the dentist. Just a cleaning but oral healthcare is very important.
With company coming Saturday, we have to get ready over the next two days. It should be enough time.
As an aside, my mother-in-law came home from the hospital on Monday. She still needs to get back on her feet again but (pardon the pun), it is a step in the right direction.
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year...
Bob
December 20, 2010 12:55 AM
It was a great weekend!
Yesterday, we visited with my mother. Though she has cancer as well, she is in great spirits(as she has always been) and is awaiting some tests this week to determine how well they have contained it. Her 88th birthday is Thursday, so suffering form any cancer and taking chemo as she does can be pretty debilitating. Though she made dinner for us, my sister and brother-in-law, and my two nieces and their familiies - it was plain to see that the effort was a taxing one.
However, it was great to see everyone. Some of them I had not seen since I bev=came ill over two years ago.
Tonight was a comeback. the choir performed their annual Christmas Lessons And Carols setrvice. We sang some beautiful anthems and everyone who attended thought that it was fantastic! Of course, I could not participate the past two years which made tonight's event all that more special to me.
It's hard to believe that two years ago I was undertaking my second round of chemo and looking forward to coming home for Christmas. A bone marrow transplant was predicted for the future but no one could guarantee that a donor would be found.
I've come a long way since then...
Bob
Yesterday, we visited with my mother. Though she has cancer as well, she is in great spirits(as she has always been) and is awaiting some tests this week to determine how well they have contained it. Her 88th birthday is Thursday, so suffering form any cancer and taking chemo as she does can be pretty debilitating. Though she made dinner for us, my sister and brother-in-law, and my two nieces and their familiies - it was plain to see that the effort was a taxing one.
However, it was great to see everyone. Some of them I had not seen since I bev=came ill over two years ago.
Tonight was a comeback. the choir performed their annual Christmas Lessons And Carols setrvice. We sang some beautiful anthems and everyone who attended thought that it was fantastic! Of course, I could not participate the past two years which made tonight's event all that more special to me.
It's hard to believe that two years ago I was undertaking my second round of chemo and looking forward to coming home for Christmas. A bone marrow transplant was predicted for the future but no one could guarantee that a donor would be found.
I've come a long way since then...
Bob
December 17, 2010 12:15 PM
Good news!
The rollercoaster ride is taking a decided upturn and my mother-in-law is scheduled to be released from the hospital on Monday. There were times that the hospital staff had its doubts but her inner strength and fortitude won out and she's headed home! A wonderful Christamas present for us all. Though she had initially planned to be here a few days over Christmas, it does look like she can at least make it here for Christmas day.
My life continues apace with Thursday nights being choir rehearsal. Though it's work, it's still fun to sing the wide variety of music that is to be presented Sunday night as part of our annual Lessons and Carols service. This is something that I dearly missed over the past two years. Unfortunately, I may miss it again as they are predicting the possibility of a big snowstorm Sunday night into Monday. I'm sure that it will have a great impact on my scheduled Zimmerman house tour that day. Amazingly, they continue the tours until January 8th. It's winter in New England and it tends to snow. How can we tour the outside of the house under such conditions?
Wednesday night we had dinner with a number of friends at a friends house. Some of the people we hadn't socialized with for a while so it was nice to re-establish ties again. Tomorrow night is a big party at a church friend's house and Saturday it's off to my mothers. A year ago, none of this was possible. It seems to me now that that was so long ago. Time flies and I guess that we like to put certain things behind us and move on.
It's a busy time of the year for all and for us it feels good to be back into the fray once again. Sitting on the sidelines as life seems to pass you by is no fun. However, it was certainly better to sit there rather than being somewhere else.
I read with interest today, the fact that the great baseball player Bob Feller died today at age 92 having been diagnosed with leukemia this past summer. What intrigued me the most was that they did give him chemotherapy. Unfortunately, he did not respond well to it. At 92, you would probably surmise that. But to still take that course of treatment at his age meant that they have come a long way with how they try to fight off this disease. Someday, hopefully, they'll be able to successfully cure everyone who contracts it. We can only hope and pray.
My kitchen cabinet door and drawer front reoplacement project caontinues. I don't think that I will finish before Christmas what with all the final preparations that must be done next week. But, I'll be close. I'm not trying to brag, but what I've installed has greatly improved the look of the kitchen. My wife is ecstatic about it and eager to see the job done.
Once again I've rambled on when I had originally no idea what I would be writing about.
God provides...
Bob
The rollercoaster ride is taking a decided upturn and my mother-in-law is scheduled to be released from the hospital on Monday. There were times that the hospital staff had its doubts but her inner strength and fortitude won out and she's headed home! A wonderful Christamas present for us all. Though she had initially planned to be here a few days over Christmas, it does look like she can at least make it here for Christmas day.
My life continues apace with Thursday nights being choir rehearsal. Though it's work, it's still fun to sing the wide variety of music that is to be presented Sunday night as part of our annual Lessons and Carols service. This is something that I dearly missed over the past two years. Unfortunately, I may miss it again as they are predicting the possibility of a big snowstorm Sunday night into Monday. I'm sure that it will have a great impact on my scheduled Zimmerman house tour that day. Amazingly, they continue the tours until January 8th. It's winter in New England and it tends to snow. How can we tour the outside of the house under such conditions?
Wednesday night we had dinner with a number of friends at a friends house. Some of the people we hadn't socialized with for a while so it was nice to re-establish ties again. Tomorrow night is a big party at a church friend's house and Saturday it's off to my mothers. A year ago, none of this was possible. It seems to me now that that was so long ago. Time flies and I guess that we like to put certain things behind us and move on.
It's a busy time of the year for all and for us it feels good to be back into the fray once again. Sitting on the sidelines as life seems to pass you by is no fun. However, it was certainly better to sit there rather than being somewhere else.
I read with interest today, the fact that the great baseball player Bob Feller died today at age 92 having been diagnosed with leukemia this past summer. What intrigued me the most was that they did give him chemotherapy. Unfortunately, he did not respond well to it. At 92, you would probably surmise that. But to still take that course of treatment at his age meant that they have come a long way with how they try to fight off this disease. Someday, hopefully, they'll be able to successfully cure everyone who contracts it. We can only hope and pray.
My kitchen cabinet door and drawer front reoplacement project caontinues. I don't think that I will finish before Christmas what with all the final preparations that must be done next week. But, I'll be close. I'm not trying to brag, but what I've installed has greatly improved the look of the kitchen. My wife is ecstatic about it and eager to see the job done.
Once again I've rambled on when I had originally no idea what I would be writing about.
God provides...
Bob
December 14, 2010 10:45 PM
A downturn!
Not for me, but for my mother-in-law. Her platelet count is going down and her blood pressure is all over the place. So, bright and early tomorrow morning, we'll go down and see her and talk to the doctors to see what's up and what's next. It's been a rollercoaster ride up to now over the past almost three weeks. Hopefully we come to a successful end of the ride.
As for me, no change. I take my meds as prescribed and each day one at a time.
It's funny though. I was talking to my wife today and saying that this whole experience seems, at times, to be so surreal to me. Of course I would never get leukemia - that only happens to other people. And, even I did have it, I never really suffered enough to make it seem that anything was out of the ordinary. About the only concession to the disease has been all those trips to the doctor over the past two years and that period of 'House arrest" lat year.
Otherwise, the disease certainly hasn't affected anything that I do which seems to further lend credence to the fact that it's not a part of my resume. I do attend the monthly Leukemia And Lymphoma Society group meeting. Here again, everyone is so upbeat and positive that it makes it more like a social gathering than a group consultation session. And that's the way that it should be.
Time to draw to a close for today especially with my mother-in-law's status up in the air at this point.
Time for more prayer...
Bob
Not for me, but for my mother-in-law. Her platelet count is going down and her blood pressure is all over the place. So, bright and early tomorrow morning, we'll go down and see her and talk to the doctors to see what's up and what's next. It's been a rollercoaster ride up to now over the past almost three weeks. Hopefully we come to a successful end of the ride.
As for me, no change. I take my meds as prescribed and each day one at a time.
It's funny though. I was talking to my wife today and saying that this whole experience seems, at times, to be so surreal to me. Of course I would never get leukemia - that only happens to other people. And, even I did have it, I never really suffered enough to make it seem that anything was out of the ordinary. About the only concession to the disease has been all those trips to the doctor over the past two years and that period of 'House arrest" lat year.
Otherwise, the disease certainly hasn't affected anything that I do which seems to further lend credence to the fact that it's not a part of my resume. I do attend the monthly Leukemia And Lymphoma Society group meeting. Here again, everyone is so upbeat and positive that it makes it more like a social gathering than a group consultation session. And that's the way that it should be.
Time to draw to a close for today especially with my mother-in-law's status up in the air at this point.
Time for more prayer...
Bob
December 12, 2010 11:55 PM
Been very quiet!
Winter is just around the corner and we missed church today as everything was covered with ice.
I spent the day by finishing and mounting my shelf and beginning the installation of my kitchen cabinet doors, Always the projects that need to be done. This one is challenging as I have to drill al the holes for the hinges and the door knobs. With the hinges I've got to be careful not to penetrate the front of the door. However, when you have the right tools, it makes the job much easier. So, I'll continue this job at an easy pace - making sure not to make any mistakes. There is no reason to hurry.
Friday was a little busy as we went to Mass Eye And Ear to get my eye medication refills, then it was off to visit my mother-in-law at the hospital(she's doing very well - just needs to get on her feet), and the capped the day by visiting friends. Yesterday was our docent Christmas party at the Currier museum. Tomorrow is bridge at church and the December Leukemia Society group meeting.
A busy schedule, but certainly not taxing as the days draw short until Christmas.
My eyes feel fine although I have detected no vision changes. But.... it's only been a few days and I have to be patient and give everything a chance.
It's hard to believe that 2010 is coming to an end. However, two years ago I had no idea that I would even see a 2010 so I can't complain.
With everything that's gone in since then, it's nice to be able to look farther into the future...
Bob
Winter is just around the corner and we missed church today as everything was covered with ice.
I spent the day by finishing and mounting my shelf and beginning the installation of my kitchen cabinet doors, Always the projects that need to be done. This one is challenging as I have to drill al the holes for the hinges and the door knobs. With the hinges I've got to be careful not to penetrate the front of the door. However, when you have the right tools, it makes the job much easier. So, I'll continue this job at an easy pace - making sure not to make any mistakes. There is no reason to hurry.
Friday was a little busy as we went to Mass Eye And Ear to get my eye medication refills, then it was off to visit my mother-in-law at the hospital(she's doing very well - just needs to get on her feet), and the capped the day by visiting friends. Yesterday was our docent Christmas party at the Currier museum. Tomorrow is bridge at church and the December Leukemia Society group meeting.
A busy schedule, but certainly not taxing as the days draw short until Christmas.
My eyes feel fine although I have detected no vision changes. But.... it's only been a few days and I have to be patient and give everything a chance.
It's hard to believe that 2010 is coming to an end. However, two years ago I had no idea that I would even see a 2010 so I can't complain.
With everything that's gone in since then, it's nice to be able to look farther into the future...
Bob
December 9, 2010 12:25 AM
If not a miracle - pretty darn close!
Today they got my mother-in-law up out of bed and are making plans to move her to a regular hospital room. For someone who they thought did not have too much of a chance, she's getting back on her feet and, hopefully, will be home in time for Christmas! Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. As we've seen before - they do work!
As for me, the situation isn't quite as rosy. I knew that my eyes had not improved in the past six weeks but it was confirmed today that they had gotten worse! What does it mean? Currently, it means taking the same eye medications on a more frequentbasis and returning to the clinic in four weeks. GVHD is wearing away the cover to my corneas and they have to stop it. It doesn't affect my vision per se. But constantly putting all that stuff in my eyes does make them somewhat blurry.
I had my blood drawn to make more serum drops and we'll go back to Mass Eye And Ear tomorrow to pick them up. I suppose that the upside is that I am not in any pain. The reason for that is that all the nerves in my eyes are gone! A blessing in disguise, I guess.
They also cauterized my lower tear ducts as the plugs fell out over the past 6 weeks and I had no tars at all in my eyes. It didn't go quite as painless this time but it is now over and done. With all four done I don't have to "look forward to" having the procedure done anymore.
Can I live like this? Sure I can!
I have nothing to complain about...
Bob
Today they got my mother-in-law up out of bed and are making plans to move her to a regular hospital room. For someone who they thought did not have too much of a chance, she's getting back on her feet and, hopefully, will be home in time for Christmas! Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. As we've seen before - they do work!
As for me, the situation isn't quite as rosy. I knew that my eyes had not improved in the past six weeks but it was confirmed today that they had gotten worse! What does it mean? Currently, it means taking the same eye medications on a more frequentbasis and returning to the clinic in four weeks. GVHD is wearing away the cover to my corneas and they have to stop it. It doesn't affect my vision per se. But constantly putting all that stuff in my eyes does make them somewhat blurry.
I had my blood drawn to make more serum drops and we'll go back to Mass Eye And Ear tomorrow to pick them up. I suppose that the upside is that I am not in any pain. The reason for that is that all the nerves in my eyes are gone! A blessing in disguise, I guess.
They also cauterized my lower tear ducts as the plugs fell out over the past 6 weeks and I had no tars at all in my eyes. It didn't go quite as painless this time but it is now over and done. With all four done I don't have to "look forward to" having the procedure done anymore.
Can I live like this? Sure I can!
I have nothing to complain about...
Bob
December 8, 2010 12:35 AM
We've dodged anothet bullet!
My mother-in-law seems to be improving on her own. Thank God! Two more pints of blood and her counts and other signs seem to have somewhat stabilized and the bleeding subsided. She finally had some very light food today - broth, jello, etc. The decision now is to keep her off of blood thinners which poses the risk of a possible stroke but the risk is less of a danger than the results of what the blood thinners have done.
Today is my next eye visit. I'm admittedly a little anxious because my right eye has not improved and I don't know if any improvement will ever be achieved. The doctors will have to be the judge of that.
Otherwise, it was another all day affair at the hospital today.
Later today, it's on to the clinic.
There just seems to bo too many doctors in our lives at this point...
Bob
My mother-in-law seems to be improving on her own. Thank God! Two more pints of blood and her counts and other signs seem to have somewhat stabilized and the bleeding subsided. She finally had some very light food today - broth, jello, etc. The decision now is to keep her off of blood thinners which poses the risk of a possible stroke but the risk is less of a danger than the results of what the blood thinners have done.
Today is my next eye visit. I'm admittedly a little anxious because my right eye has not improved and I don't know if any improvement will ever be achieved. The doctors will have to be the judge of that.
Otherwise, it was another all day affair at the hospital today.
Later today, it's on to the clinic.
There just seems to bo too many doctors in our lives at this point...
Bob
December 7, 2010 1:00AM
Holding her own!
Having spent the entire day at the hospital, we saw that my mother-in-law was starting to holding her own at thi spoint. The problem has been diagnosed as a bleeding ulcer with the initial goal to stabilize her system such that they can try measures to stop the bleeding .
After 8 pints of blood and countless units of fresh frozen plsma coupled with not allowing her to eat or drink, it appears that these non-invasive efforts have caused the bleeding to subside somewhat. Whereas on Sunday, as fast as the blood went in, she wound lose it.
Right now her blood pressure has come back to a good level, her hematocrit(blood clotting component) has finally increased about their threshhold bottom limit, but her InR(time to clot measurement - in minutes) has not decreased to quite the level that they are looking for. Having had leukemia, I'm well aware of what most of the components of the blood are for and what factors they most look for.
In a nut shell, she is feeling much better but we are not home free yet.
I wish to thank everyone who has called and who has offered prayers for her recovery.
I have to admit that it was disturbing today to have the person in the room next to her have two "code blue" calls and not survive the second one. We have to be very thankful that things have slowly seemed to progress with my mother-in-law.
There is still a long way to go and prayers are much appreciated...
Bob
Having spent the entire day at the hospital, we saw that my mother-in-law was starting to holding her own at thi spoint. The problem has been diagnosed as a bleeding ulcer with the initial goal to stabilize her system such that they can try measures to stop the bleeding .
After 8 pints of blood and countless units of fresh frozen plsma coupled with not allowing her to eat or drink, it appears that these non-invasive efforts have caused the bleeding to subside somewhat. Whereas on Sunday, as fast as the blood went in, she wound lose it.
Right now her blood pressure has come back to a good level, her hematocrit(blood clotting component) has finally increased about their threshhold bottom limit, but her InR(time to clot measurement - in minutes) has not decreased to quite the level that they are looking for. Having had leukemia, I'm well aware of what most of the components of the blood are for and what factors they most look for.
In a nut shell, she is feeling much better but we are not home free yet.
I wish to thank everyone who has called and who has offered prayers for her recovery.
I have to admit that it was disturbing today to have the person in the room next to her have two "code blue" calls and not survive the second one. We have to be very thankful that things have slowly seemed to progress with my mother-in-law.
There is still a long way to go and prayers are much appreciated...
Bob
December 5, 2010 11:45 PM
The vigil that could have been!
Yesterday, my mother-in-law was re-admitted to the hospital after being home less that 24 hours. She was found to have lost half of her blood because of internal bleeding. After the usual hospital delays, when we finally left the hospital at 4:00 the game plan was to transfuse her with 2 units of blood and look for her to stabilize.
We had to leave the hospital in order to attend a surprise birthday party for one of my daughters. If we were not there, she sould have been concerned as to why and we did not wish to have her not enjoy the party.
At 5:15 this morning the telephone rang with a call from my sister-in-law who had just spoken with the doctor at the hospital who suggested that we get to the hospital by 7:00 and who wished to re-establish what the rules were for resussitation. It didn't look good!
We quickly made the 1 hour plus drive back to the hospital in Concord, Mssachusetts to see that my mother-in-law seemed to be doing better although her color was extremely white. By then she had received 2 units of blood and had failed to stabilize. Two more units of blood achieved the same result. Tests revealed that the problem was gastro-intestinal in nature. But as fast as the blood went in - it went out again.
The game plan changed and they transfused 3 units of fresh-frozen plasma which seemed to bring the desired results that the doctors were looking for. When we left at 7:00 tonight, they still intended to transfuse one more unitt of plasma.
However, because of her age(93) and the multiple medications that she takes, the doctors find that their options are quite limited. In looking to stop the bleeding, they are leaving her susceptible to having a stroke or some other side effect that could be quite debilitating. Fortunately, the problem has been isolated. Unfortunately, there, as yet, does not appear to be a clean solution to the problem.
So it has been a long two days with the prospect of more to come.
As they say, where there's life there's hope. Keep her in your prayers...
Bob
Yesterday, my mother-in-law was re-admitted to the hospital after being home less that 24 hours. She was found to have lost half of her blood because of internal bleeding. After the usual hospital delays, when we finally left the hospital at 4:00 the game plan was to transfuse her with 2 units of blood and look for her to stabilize.
We had to leave the hospital in order to attend a surprise birthday party for one of my daughters. If we were not there, she sould have been concerned as to why and we did not wish to have her not enjoy the party.
At 5:15 this morning the telephone rang with a call from my sister-in-law who had just spoken with the doctor at the hospital who suggested that we get to the hospital by 7:00 and who wished to re-establish what the rules were for resussitation. It didn't look good!
We quickly made the 1 hour plus drive back to the hospital in Concord, Mssachusetts to see that my mother-in-law seemed to be doing better although her color was extremely white. By then she had received 2 units of blood and had failed to stabilize. Two more units of blood achieved the same result. Tests revealed that the problem was gastro-intestinal in nature. But as fast as the blood went in - it went out again.
The game plan changed and they transfused 3 units of fresh-frozen plasma which seemed to bring the desired results that the doctors were looking for. When we left at 7:00 tonight, they still intended to transfuse one more unitt of plasma.
However, because of her age(93) and the multiple medications that she takes, the doctors find that their options are quite limited. In looking to stop the bleeding, they are leaving her susceptible to having a stroke or some other side effect that could be quite debilitating. Fortunately, the problem has been isolated. Unfortunately, there, as yet, does not appear to be a clean solution to the problem.
So it has been a long two days with the prospect of more to come.
As they say, where there's life there's hope. Keep her in your prayers...
Bob
December 3, 2010 11:55 PM
93!
My mother-in-law turned 93 today. Her hospital experience came to an end today and we celebrated at her assisted living residence. Ninety three is quite an achievement and when you can make it with all your mental faculties then it's certainly worth getting there.
I made my "first connection" call Thursday night to a fellow who will be following in my footsteps starting on the 14th. That's when his visit begins to get his bone marrow transplant at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. The actual transplant will take place on the 21st.
It seems hard to imagine that I am kind of like a grizzled veteran when it comes to all of this( though I don't shave every day). But, with almost two years having elapsed since my own transplant, I have a lot of experience to share with those who are just embarking on the transplant journey.
This man tried to dodge the transplant bullet and managed to do so for a year but his disease returned leaving him with no choice. Like me, he was fortunate to have them find a donor so quickly. I really liked his attitude. Upbeat and positive.
As for me, I'm awaiting Wednesday's trip to Mass Eye And Ear to see what the next step(s) will be relative to my eyes. As far as I can tell there has really been no change in the past six weeks.
That's both good and bad...
Bob
My mother-in-law turned 93 today. Her hospital experience came to an end today and we celebrated at her assisted living residence. Ninety three is quite an achievement and when you can make it with all your mental faculties then it's certainly worth getting there.
I made my "first connection" call Thursday night to a fellow who will be following in my footsteps starting on the 14th. That's when his visit begins to get his bone marrow transplant at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. The actual transplant will take place on the 21st.
It seems hard to imagine that I am kind of like a grizzled veteran when it comes to all of this( though I don't shave every day). But, with almost two years having elapsed since my own transplant, I have a lot of experience to share with those who are just embarking on the transplant journey.
This man tried to dodge the transplant bullet and managed to do so for a year but his disease returned leaving him with no choice. Like me, he was fortunate to have them find a donor so quickly. I really liked his attitude. Upbeat and positive.
As for me, I'm awaiting Wednesday's trip to Mass Eye And Ear to see what the next step(s) will be relative to my eyes. As far as I can tell there has really been no change in the past six weeks.
That's both good and bad...
Bob
December 1, 2010 11:45 PM
I got another one to do!
It's my fourth "first connection" call. From what I hear, people do not frequently get asked to do this. So I am somewhat takem aback why I have been already selected so many times. However, I definitely feel that it is the least that I can do in order to help someone who is now walking in my footsteps. We are a somewhat limited group(as it should be). And it is a path that can certainly be daunting at times. Needing someone to talk to can be of invaluable help. I'm glad to be someone who can provide some assistance.
My bridge marathon came to a close today with two more matches. I was fortunate to come out on the high side all four times. I must say that it's a fun game and it helps to keep what little mind that I have functioning as well as it can. The fellow that we played against tonight is also a dabbler in home repair, etc. So, we had fun swapping war stories over gingerbread after the match.
It has been a good few days. I still don't notice any obvious changes in my eyesight. It's something that will be addressed next Wednesday.
I'm still more than grateful for what I have...
Bob
It's my fourth "first connection" call. From what I hear, people do not frequently get asked to do this. So I am somewhat takem aback why I have been already selected so many times. However, I definitely feel that it is the least that I can do in order to help someone who is now walking in my footsteps. We are a somewhat limited group(as it should be). And it is a path that can certainly be daunting at times. Needing someone to talk to can be of invaluable help. I'm glad to be someone who can provide some assistance.
My bridge marathon came to a close today with two more matches. I was fortunate to come out on the high side all four times. I must say that it's a fun game and it helps to keep what little mind that I have functioning as well as it can. The fellow that we played against tonight is also a dabbler in home repair, etc. So, we had fun swapping war stories over gingerbread after the match.
It has been a good few days. I still don't notice any obvious changes in my eyesight. It's something that will be addressed next Wednesday.
I'm still more than grateful for what I have...
Bob
November 30, 2010 12:20 AM
I had an excuse!
There was a mass outage of the internet last night so I didn't get to make any post for the day. Not that I had much to post - but I was prepared to do something.
I suppose that it's time to update everyone on my medication status. How boring that must be for you all! However, I think that one of them may be very beneficial as my friend who was diagnosed in April last year now has the shingles which has left marks on her face that look like bruises.
So here goes...
Pro-graf - an immunosuppressant
acyclovir - to prevent chicken pox and shingles
prednisone - to keep some of the transplant side effects in check
bactrim - to prevent pneumonia
As for the eyes...
serum tears - to replace the tears that my eyes currently no longer produce
kineret - to decrease inflammation
vigamox - to fight infection
Pretty exciting suff!! The first group will definitely stay in effect until February as that is my next Dana-Farber appointment. As for the others, next Wednesday will tell the tale here. I don't expect many changes because I haven't seen many changes in my eyes.
As for daily living, we're back into bridge again - played with friends Saturday night, in our couples league tonight*we won), and in the men's league and couples league on Wednesday. A busy schedule but it's fun and it keeps the mind churning.
Enough of boring all of you, until the next time...
Bob
There was a mass outage of the internet last night so I didn't get to make any post for the day. Not that I had much to post - but I was prepared to do something.
I suppose that it's time to update everyone on my medication status. How boring that must be for you all! However, I think that one of them may be very beneficial as my friend who was diagnosed in April last year now has the shingles which has left marks on her face that look like bruises.
So here goes...
Pro-graf - an immunosuppressant
acyclovir - to prevent chicken pox and shingles
prednisone - to keep some of the transplant side effects in check
bactrim - to prevent pneumonia
As for the eyes...
serum tears - to replace the tears that my eyes currently no longer produce
kineret - to decrease inflammation
vigamox - to fight infection
Pretty exciting suff!! The first group will definitely stay in effect until February as that is my next Dana-Farber appointment. As for the others, next Wednesday will tell the tale here. I don't expect many changes because I haven't seen many changes in my eyes.
As for daily living, we're back into bridge again - played with friends Saturday night, in our couples league tonight*we won), and in the men's league and couples league on Wednesday. A busy schedule but it's fun and it keeps the mind churning.
Enough of boring all of you, until the next time...
Bob
November 26, 2010 11:59 PM
On the other side of the fence!
But it's not a fence that I wish to be involved with. My mother-in-law went to the hospital last night with pains that the doctors have yet to be able to diagnose. It's the first time that I have visited someone in the hospital since my illness. We were all there today to cheer her up but she was doing great on her own. Her spirits were high and she seemed to be doing fairly well.
Unfortunately, as I stated up above, no one has been able to focus in on the cause of her problem(s). So, please keep her in your prayers.
Yesterday was a great day up until the moment that she went into the hospital - around 10:00 last night. Yesterday was also my nephew's 30th birthday as well. It seems like just yesterday when he was born. Of course, come Friday, my mother-in-law turns 93 and the doctor said that she should be out of the hospital and able to celebrate the day with all of us.
There is not much else to comment on as my mother-in-law's status obviously is of top priority. Tomorrow and Sunday will be visits tothe hospital as she was told that she won't be leaving until at least Monday.
Otherwise, I hope that each of you had a wonderful day as we now launch into the Christmas season and the never ending torture of endless Christmas music from now until the actual day. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to hear the songs. But, by starting now, when Christmas day actually arrives I am so relieved that the music will stop!
Now that I am back to "good health". my wife wishes to have everyone here for Christmas and that will be the case. However, it does mean that we will go into over-the-top mode when it comes to decorating because she wants to make sure that we are "truly festive" for the season and for our company. Two years ago when I was in the hospital - there were no decorations. Last year they were minimal. This year will make up for lost time.
However, let's all agree to look at Christmas for what it really is (the commemoration of the birth of Jesus) and, once again, we should be able to get something positive out of the month long trek to the holiday.
As the saying goes, "Jesus is the reason for the season"...
Bob
But it's not a fence that I wish to be involved with. My mother-in-law went to the hospital last night with pains that the doctors have yet to be able to diagnose. It's the first time that I have visited someone in the hospital since my illness. We were all there today to cheer her up but she was doing great on her own. Her spirits were high and she seemed to be doing fairly well.
Unfortunately, as I stated up above, no one has been able to focus in on the cause of her problem(s). So, please keep her in your prayers.
Yesterday was a great day up until the moment that she went into the hospital - around 10:00 last night. Yesterday was also my nephew's 30th birthday as well. It seems like just yesterday when he was born. Of course, come Friday, my mother-in-law turns 93 and the doctor said that she should be out of the hospital and able to celebrate the day with all of us.
There is not much else to comment on as my mother-in-law's status obviously is of top priority. Tomorrow and Sunday will be visits tothe hospital as she was told that she won't be leaving until at least Monday.
Otherwise, I hope that each of you had a wonderful day as we now launch into the Christmas season and the never ending torture of endless Christmas music from now until the actual day. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to hear the songs. But, by starting now, when Christmas day actually arrives I am so relieved that the music will stop!
Now that I am back to "good health". my wife wishes to have everyone here for Christmas and that will be the case. However, it does mean that we will go into over-the-top mode when it comes to decorating because she wants to make sure that we are "truly festive" for the season and for our company. Two years ago when I was in the hospital - there were no decorations. Last year they were minimal. This year will make up for lost time.
However, let's all agree to look at Christmas for what it really is (the commemoration of the birth of Jesus) and, once again, we should be able to get something positive out of the month long trek to the holiday.
As the saying goes, "Jesus is the reason for the season"...
Bob
November 24, 2010 11:59 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
And happy is the right word to use as the day provides us all with the opportunity to sit back and reflect on all of the blessings that we have and yet, simultaneously, feel that we probably don't deserve. Sure, life deals us some lousy cards once in a while. But, as with bridge, play the hand out the best that you can and move on to the next one looking for a more positive deal.
We always hope for the best and I've found that that is the best way to be. For me, my faith constantly provides me with that feeling of hope that things will work out. Obviously, the past two years were never pictured to be as they actually turned out. But, likewise, I never would have found out the things about myself that I've come to know without this experience. I'm certainly not wishing my situation upon anyone but I am saying that there has been a silver lining within that black cloud for me.
Basically, I've stepped outside the box that I was in because, in the long run, you realize that who and what you are is what's most important and that the other things are just fluff. As a result, I've done all those things around the house for the past year that I would not otherwsie have done because they are just things. If I make a mistake - it can be fixed. That's been the biggest hurdle to overcome. If you make a mistake - don't be concerned about it just move on. Believe me, that mindset opens many doors for you.
My list of blessings is quite large - family, long time friends, my current health, the new friends that I have made this past year, the knowledge that I'm not afraid to tackle things that I've never done before, the comfort that God provides me, etc.
Those are some of mine.
Now think about yours...
Bob
And happy is the right word to use as the day provides us all with the opportunity to sit back and reflect on all of the blessings that we have and yet, simultaneously, feel that we probably don't deserve. Sure, life deals us some lousy cards once in a while. But, as with bridge, play the hand out the best that you can and move on to the next one looking for a more positive deal.
We always hope for the best and I've found that that is the best way to be. For me, my faith constantly provides me with that feeling of hope that things will work out. Obviously, the past two years were never pictured to be as they actually turned out. But, likewise, I never would have found out the things about myself that I've come to know without this experience. I'm certainly not wishing my situation upon anyone but I am saying that there has been a silver lining within that black cloud for me.
Basically, I've stepped outside the box that I was in because, in the long run, you realize that who and what you are is what's most important and that the other things are just fluff. As a result, I've done all those things around the house for the past year that I would not otherwsie have done because they are just things. If I make a mistake - it can be fixed. That's been the biggest hurdle to overcome. If you make a mistake - don't be concerned about it just move on. Believe me, that mindset opens many doors for you.
My list of blessings is quite large - family, long time friends, my current health, the new friends that I have made this past year, the knowledge that I'm not afraid to tackle things that I've never done before, the comfort that God provides me, etc.
Those are some of mine.
Now think about yours...
Bob
November 23, 2010 12:45 AM
Glad to be still trucking along...
I can remember all too well this time two years ago as I sat in the hospital with Thanksgiving approaching and knowing that I would still be there on that day. But the doctors put it all in perspective when they said that their goal was not to have me be available for Thanksgiving 2008 but for many more Thanksgivings after that. So far I have added two more to the list(if I can be presumpuous enough to assume that I will still be with you all on Thursday).
Yes, I can take life one day at a time, but it's nice to step back once in a while and truly think about the future as well. Spending time at family gatherings celebrating the good things in life, socializing with friends, doing things with the grandchildren, etc. Those are all activities and milestones that tend to keep us going for the long haul.
In two weeks it will be my mother-in-law's 93rd birthday. Later in December it will be my mother's 88th. It's nice to be able to be around for these events. And we all feel that there is something unfair about a child passing away before the parent does. Thank God for the advances of modern medicine such that I am fully able to participate in all that life has to offer.
As for my day to day activities, I just finished my lighting project of putting four recessed lights into our den ceiling. These are the kinds of jobs that I like the best bcause they add functionality where none existed before. The additional light is such a big plus in the room.
Next on the list is replacing all the kitchen cabinet doors. The doors arrived Saturday - nicely delivered to the wrong address by Fed-Ex. In any case, they are here and in the ensuing weeks I'll pick up and start that going. I have to drill all the holes for the hinges and the door knobs but it was quite a savings not to have the door manufacturer do it.
It's time for a little rest between now and Thursday as I have spent so much time over the past few days going up and down a ladder to my attic and climbing up and down a stool to mount the lights that I almost feel like a human yo-yo.
As for the only issue that I have(my eyes). Unfortunately, I see(a very poor pun at best) very little progress(if any) with the cornea situation in my right eye. The vision remains blurry. So I view my next visit to Mass Eye And Ear as being a very telling one as to what the future holds for me in that regard.
But, Thursday is a day to give thanks and I have so much to be thankful for. Any mild inconvenience is nothing when compared to the alternative.
I am here...
Bob
I can remember all too well this time two years ago as I sat in the hospital with Thanksgiving approaching and knowing that I would still be there on that day. But the doctors put it all in perspective when they said that their goal was not to have me be available for Thanksgiving 2008 but for many more Thanksgivings after that. So far I have added two more to the list(if I can be presumpuous enough to assume that I will still be with you all on Thursday).
Yes, I can take life one day at a time, but it's nice to step back once in a while and truly think about the future as well. Spending time at family gatherings celebrating the good things in life, socializing with friends, doing things with the grandchildren, etc. Those are all activities and milestones that tend to keep us going for the long haul.
In two weeks it will be my mother-in-law's 93rd birthday. Later in December it will be my mother's 88th. It's nice to be able to be around for these events. And we all feel that there is something unfair about a child passing away before the parent does. Thank God for the advances of modern medicine such that I am fully able to participate in all that life has to offer.
As for my day to day activities, I just finished my lighting project of putting four recessed lights into our den ceiling. These are the kinds of jobs that I like the best bcause they add functionality where none existed before. The additional light is such a big plus in the room.
Next on the list is replacing all the kitchen cabinet doors. The doors arrived Saturday - nicely delivered to the wrong address by Fed-Ex. In any case, they are here and in the ensuing weeks I'll pick up and start that going. I have to drill all the holes for the hinges and the door knobs but it was quite a savings not to have the door manufacturer do it.
It's time for a little rest between now and Thursday as I have spent so much time over the past few days going up and down a ladder to my attic and climbing up and down a stool to mount the lights that I almost feel like a human yo-yo.
As for the only issue that I have(my eyes). Unfortunately, I see(a very poor pun at best) very little progress(if any) with the cornea situation in my right eye. The vision remains blurry. So I view my next visit to Mass Eye And Ear as being a very telling one as to what the future holds for me in that regard.
But, Thursday is a day to give thanks and I have so much to be thankful for. Any mild inconvenience is nothing when compared to the alternative.
I am here...
Bob
November 20, 2010 2:30 PM
It's been a few days...
Well, truthfully, not much is going on. Just continuing with another project - putting 4 ceiling lights in our den. Believe me, it greatly helps to have the attic be above the room. Theproject is half done and I look to complete it on Monday(got company today and, on Sunday, football reigns!).
However, last night we were at a 60th birthday party for a friend(60 seems so long ago!) and she said that this blog has served to inspire so many lives and to cause people to change their outlook on life that I was more than humbled by the comment. She commented that it seemed so easy for me to release my feelings and innermost thoughts.
I have to admit that it is easy to do so when you just sit here at the computer. The other plus is that I have a chance to write and then rewrite if I see fit.
Because of that, I just felt compelled to get bck at it having taken a hiatus the past few days.
More to come, our company is here...
Bob
Well, truthfully, not much is going on. Just continuing with another project - putting 4 ceiling lights in our den. Believe me, it greatly helps to have the attic be above the room. Theproject is half done and I look to complete it on Monday(got company today and, on Sunday, football reigns!).
However, last night we were at a 60th birthday party for a friend(60 seems so long ago!) and she said that this blog has served to inspire so many lives and to cause people to change their outlook on life that I was more than humbled by the comment. She commented that it seemed so easy for me to release my feelings and innermost thoughts.
I have to admit that it is easy to do so when you just sit here at the computer. The other plus is that I have a chance to write and then rewrite if I see fit.
Because of that, I just felt compelled to get bck at it having taken a hiatus the past few days.
More to come, our company is here...
Bob
November 16, 12:20 AM
Not selected!
My second try at jury duty ended the same as the first - I was not selected. I was kind of grateful that that was the case as the trial was anticipated to go five or six days starting immediately after the jury selection process. So, my civic duty has consisted of two visits to the Nashua court house and waiting around over half the time. But, hey! The money is good. I'll clear $50 for my "efforts".
My eyes are maintaining the status quo. That means that they are not getting any better and my right eye is still blurry. Nighttime driving can be a little challenge but so far-so good and at times my wife has driven under such conditions. I'm not chauvinistic enough to think that I have to do all the driving.
My mother-in-law returned home tonight after three days and I know that she had a good time even though we don't do much other than eat and watch movies on television. But when you are almost 93 that seems to be entertaining enough. I have news for you; when you are 67 that seems to be enough entertainment as well!
Tomorrow(today, actually) is a luncheon at the Currier for all of us docents and then my week is free. I have a few ideas. As "they" say "Idle hands are the devil's workshop".
I guess that the eye situation is still one of watching and waiting...
Bob
My second try at jury duty ended the same as the first - I was not selected. I was kind of grateful that that was the case as the trial was anticipated to go five or six days starting immediately after the jury selection process. So, my civic duty has consisted of two visits to the Nashua court house and waiting around over half the time. But, hey! The money is good. I'll clear $50 for my "efforts".
My eyes are maintaining the status quo. That means that they are not getting any better and my right eye is still blurry. Nighttime driving can be a little challenge but so far-so good and at times my wife has driven under such conditions. I'm not chauvinistic enough to think that I have to do all the driving.
My mother-in-law returned home tonight after three days and I know that she had a good time even though we don't do much other than eat and watch movies on television. But when you are almost 93 that seems to be entertaining enough. I have news for you; when you are 67 that seems to be enough entertainment as well!
Tomorrow(today, actually) is a luncheon at the Currier for all of us docents and then my week is free. I have a few ideas. As "they" say "Idle hands are the devil's workshop".
I guess that the eye situation is still one of watching and waiting...
Bob
November 14, 2010 1:00 AM
Still wrestling with the eyes!
To be honest, my eyes really have not improved over the past week. In fact, with the new medication regimen(i.e. np Vigimox), they have taken a turn for the worse. Maybe I shouldn't self medicate myself but I've gone back to taking the Vigamox once more. We'll see how well that works. So far - so good!
My long term disability insurance company called yesterday and said that my doctor had given them the OK that I could go back to work. Certainly not music to my ears. At that point, I raised the issues with my eyes and the woman said that she would not change my status until she had done some investigation into the matter with my doctor at Mass Eye And Ear. Same as above: so far - so good!
But life is really about celebraing all the good things that happen. Friday night was the engagement party for my niece and her fiance. It was great to meet his parents for the first time and to be a part of one of the good things in life. Obviously an event that I might have missed if this were back a few years or so and bone marrow transplants were not given to people my age. Thank God we've expanded our horizons in this regard!
My mother-in-law is here again. It's good for her to get a change of venue. We certainly limit our activities to mostly TV watching when she is here. But, we will go to church this morning.
Of course, we can't ignore the marching of time as one of my daughters turned 40 on Saturday - meaing that they are now both in their forties. We don't seem to get older - but our children and grandchildren most certainly do ;)
Monday morning is round two of jury duty as well. It is also the last round. We'll see if I get picked this time. I received a check for $27. 40 for my first day, November first. I guess that you can't get rich doing it unless your trial lasts forever. Not a reasonable tradeoff in my book.
It seems that life is rather busy for me right now - and I guess that it is. Thursday night was choir practice as usual and Saturday was four hours of meetings at the Currier. There always seems to be something.
It's what keeps me going...
Bob
To be honest, my eyes really have not improved over the past week. In fact, with the new medication regimen(i.e. np Vigimox), they have taken a turn for the worse. Maybe I shouldn't self medicate myself but I've gone back to taking the Vigamox once more. We'll see how well that works. So far - so good!
My long term disability insurance company called yesterday and said that my doctor had given them the OK that I could go back to work. Certainly not music to my ears. At that point, I raised the issues with my eyes and the woman said that she would not change my status until she had done some investigation into the matter with my doctor at Mass Eye And Ear. Same as above: so far - so good!
But life is really about celebraing all the good things that happen. Friday night was the engagement party for my niece and her fiance. It was great to meet his parents for the first time and to be a part of one of the good things in life. Obviously an event that I might have missed if this were back a few years or so and bone marrow transplants were not given to people my age. Thank God we've expanded our horizons in this regard!
My mother-in-law is here again. It's good for her to get a change of venue. We certainly limit our activities to mostly TV watching when she is here. But, we will go to church this morning.
Of course, we can't ignore the marching of time as one of my daughters turned 40 on Saturday - meaing that they are now both in their forties. We don't seem to get older - but our children and grandchildren most certainly do ;)
Monday morning is round two of jury duty as well. It is also the last round. We'll see if I get picked this time. I received a check for $27. 40 for my first day, November first. I guess that you can't get rich doing it unless your trial lasts forever. Not a reasonable tradeoff in my book.
It seems that life is rather busy for me right now - and I guess that it is. Thursday night was choir practice as usual and Saturday was four hours of meetings at the Currier. There always seems to be something.
It's what keeps me going...
Bob
November 10, 2010 11:55 PM
Another two year anniversary!
Two years ago today I ended my first round of chemotherapy. It didn't change much. I was still hooked to an IV pole as saline solution was continually hooked up. However, at this juncture, the questions abounded as I waited for my immune system to become almost nonexistent. Would my my disease go into remission? How long would it take before my immune system rebounded and I could go home? Would the hospital food ever get any better?
As with most things, you could only take it one step at a time. The doctors would predict nothing - only saying that I was doing very well for someone in my condition. Niceto hear - but not very definitive.
Two years later, I remember those days as though they were yesterday. It's hard to believe that it was so long ago and that I have come so far since then. I can only thank God for His healing touch and each of you for your support. Even though the situation is certainly not as intense as it once was, I am still not out of the woods yet as I await that all important two year milestone after the bone marrow transplant.
Though I really don't think of the disease much anymore, without a doubt it has made drastic changes in my life. All of our plans have been modified to account for the sinister affect that it has had on us. That's the physical part. Mentally, I still feel as though I have a huge debt to repay that I know is not required of me. It is a burden that will forever be with me as I know that the debt can never be repaid.
Each day for me is not mine anymore, it is God's as without His intervening I would not be here today. I know that modern medicine has made great strides in helping people like me overcome this disease but, nevertheless, I hear of and know of people who have not survived it.
I have been most fortunate.
I have to leard to accept that and move on...
Bob
Two years ago today I ended my first round of chemotherapy. It didn't change much. I was still hooked to an IV pole as saline solution was continually hooked up. However, at this juncture, the questions abounded as I waited for my immune system to become almost nonexistent. Would my my disease go into remission? How long would it take before my immune system rebounded and I could go home? Would the hospital food ever get any better?
As with most things, you could only take it one step at a time. The doctors would predict nothing - only saying that I was doing very well for someone in my condition. Niceto hear - but not very definitive.
Two years later, I remember those days as though they were yesterday. It's hard to believe that it was so long ago and that I have come so far since then. I can only thank God for His healing touch and each of you for your support. Even though the situation is certainly not as intense as it once was, I am still not out of the woods yet as I await that all important two year milestone after the bone marrow transplant.
Though I really don't think of the disease much anymore, without a doubt it has made drastic changes in my life. All of our plans have been modified to account for the sinister affect that it has had on us. That's the physical part. Mentally, I still feel as though I have a huge debt to repay that I know is not required of me. It is a burden that will forever be with me as I know that the debt can never be repaid.
Each day for me is not mine anymore, it is God's as without His intervening I would not be here today. I know that modern medicine has made great strides in helping people like me overcome this disease but, nevertheless, I hear of and know of people who have not survived it.
I have been most fortunate.
I have to leard to accept that and move on...
Bob
November 7, 2010 11:45 PM
It's been a few days...
but not much has happened. My eyes seem to have stabilized for the moment which is both good and bad. The good is that there is certainly no discomfort. But, my right eye still has a way to go before it gets back to where it should be. It remains somewhat cloudy. Meanwhile, I continue to pour in the eye drops as prescribed and await the expected improvement.
It's amazing how things seem to happen to fill up your time. Yesterday, I really had not planned on doing much except to frame a picture that my wife had completed. The first thing that I do in this situation is take pictures of her artwork before I frame it in order to eliminate any glare and get the actual colors, etc. Well, wouldn't you know it, the automatic flash would not open!
My first inclination when anything goes wrong is to immediately go to the web to seek a solution. It turns out that this is a common problem for my camera and that people have benn quoted approximately $200 in order to fix it. I was fond of neither the price or the possibility of doing without the camera for quite a while so I went on a search for possible solutions. Many were proposed on a variety of web sites and I think that I tried them all. To make a long story short, about three hours later, I had the problem fixed. But, of course, half the day went by.
However, I must say that having saved $200 was very satisfying.
Otherwise, the days have been uneventful - just the way that the doctors want them to be.
I can live with that...
Bob
but not much has happened. My eyes seem to have stabilized for the moment which is both good and bad. The good is that there is certainly no discomfort. But, my right eye still has a way to go before it gets back to where it should be. It remains somewhat cloudy. Meanwhile, I continue to pour in the eye drops as prescribed and await the expected improvement.
It's amazing how things seem to happen to fill up your time. Yesterday, I really had not planned on doing much except to frame a picture that my wife had completed. The first thing that I do in this situation is take pictures of her artwork before I frame it in order to eliminate any glare and get the actual colors, etc. Well, wouldn't you know it, the automatic flash would not open!
My first inclination when anything goes wrong is to immediately go to the web to seek a solution. It turns out that this is a common problem for my camera and that people have benn quoted approximately $200 in order to fix it. I was fond of neither the price or the possibility of doing without the camera for quite a while so I went on a search for possible solutions. Many were proposed on a variety of web sites and I think that I tried them all. To make a long story short, about three hours later, I had the problem fixed. But, of course, half the day went by.
However, I must say that having saved $200 was very satisfying.
Otherwise, the days have been uneventful - just the way that the doctors want them to be.
I can live with that...
Bob
November 3, 2010 11:55 PM
Another first!
Today we had two doctors appointments - first at Dana-Farber and then a quick trp over to Mass Eye and Ear. Even better - they were both highly successful!
At Dana-Farber, my counts were perfectly normal. So much so that my prednisone was cut from 40 mg/per day down to 30 and my next appontment was oncwe again set for three months. Ground Hog Day has been set for the next one with the expectation that the day will not be repeated over and over until we get it right!
At Mass Eye and Ear my eyes were deemed to definitely be getiing better. This does not mean that I am doing well on my way to getting back to "normal" but I am most certainly far better thatn I was even two weeks ago. The end result is that the bandage lens that I was wearing for the past two weeks is now gone along with one of my eye medications. The inflammation in both eyes was deemed to be reduced and I, once again, had tears. However, it was basically at the same level as before which is OK but certainly not a huge step forward. More importantly, my next appointment is now set for five weeks from now.
Al in all, a great day at both places as I get set to mark the two year anniversary of my firat hospital stay at Brigham and Women's Hospital. November 4th was the day and chemotherapy was the game. It's hard to vbelieve that so much has gone on since then. Evereyone says that Ihave endured so much - but I don't feel that way. As we all know, I have escaped so much which seems to make this journey somewhat surreal. Howso? Well, the time has gone by and I basically have done everything that I've wanted to do without giving a second thought to my condition because I have not suffered at all. What a great way to be! I don't feel guilty about it either. As I've said before - why me? I guess that it's just a lesson in having to learn to accept God's grace and just continue on with life.
But, it's hard to accept without feeling the need to say thank you in some fashion. As such, y third "First Connection" call has been very dificult as the party is never there when I call. Multiple calls over the past two weeks have yielded no results - but I'll press on.
I also finished my bathroom makeover for my wife's friend. It looks nice in my eyes with the check looking even nicer. That's the good news! The bad news is that I no longer have anything to do and I know that I'll ge bored to tears.
Oh well...
Bob
Today we had two doctors appointments - first at Dana-Farber and then a quick trp over to Mass Eye and Ear. Even better - they were both highly successful!
At Dana-Farber, my counts were perfectly normal. So much so that my prednisone was cut from 40 mg/per day down to 30 and my next appontment was oncwe again set for three months. Ground Hog Day has been set for the next one with the expectation that the day will not be repeated over and over until we get it right!
At Mass Eye and Ear my eyes were deemed to definitely be getiing better. This does not mean that I am doing well on my way to getting back to "normal" but I am most certainly far better thatn I was even two weeks ago. The end result is that the bandage lens that I was wearing for the past two weeks is now gone along with one of my eye medications. The inflammation in both eyes was deemed to be reduced and I, once again, had tears. However, it was basically at the same level as before which is OK but certainly not a huge step forward. More importantly, my next appointment is now set for five weeks from now.
Al in all, a great day at both places as I get set to mark the two year anniversary of my firat hospital stay at Brigham and Women's Hospital. November 4th was the day and chemotherapy was the game. It's hard to vbelieve that so much has gone on since then. Evereyone says that Ihave endured so much - but I don't feel that way. As we all know, I have escaped so much which seems to make this journey somewhat surreal. Howso? Well, the time has gone by and I basically have done everything that I've wanted to do without giving a second thought to my condition because I have not suffered at all. What a great way to be! I don't feel guilty about it either. As I've said before - why me? I guess that it's just a lesson in having to learn to accept God's grace and just continue on with life.
But, it's hard to accept without feeling the need to say thank you in some fashion. As such, y third "First Connection" call has been very dificult as the party is never there when I call. Multiple calls over the past two weeks have yielded no results - but I'll press on.
I also finished my bathroom makeover for my wife's friend. It looks nice in my eyes with the check looking even nicer. That's the good news! The bad news is that I no longer have anything to do and I know that I'll ge bored to tears.
Oh well...
Bob
November 1, 2010 11:55 PM
Rejected!
Well, at least not selected. Today was jury day and it was very interesting. There were only two ways to get out of it. One was to not be selected and the other was to rely on the judge to excuse me. The rules in New Hampshire are a lot stricter now and oly a judge can excuse you from jury duty. Fortunately, I was not selected because the case we were sitting for was a rape case that would take anywhere from three to four days which would have conflicted with Wednesday's two doctors appointments.
However, I have to return on the 15th for the second and last time. Hopefully, I can dodge another bullet there as well.
As for my eyes, I can see noticeable improvement and I'm looking forward to having that lens removed from my right eye on Wednesday to see just how much I have improved. But, the bluriness seems to be gone and it's only somewhat cloudy at this time.
Not much else to say other than to mention that tomorrow is election day.
If you don't vote, don't complain...
Bob
Well, at least not selected. Today was jury day and it was very interesting. There were only two ways to get out of it. One was to not be selected and the other was to rely on the judge to excuse me. The rules in New Hampshire are a lot stricter now and oly a judge can excuse you from jury duty. Fortunately, I was not selected because the case we were sitting for was a rape case that would take anywhere from three to four days which would have conflicted with Wednesday's two doctors appointments.
However, I have to return on the 15th for the second and last time. Hopefully, I can dodge another bullet there as well.
As for my eyes, I can see noticeable improvement and I'm looking forward to having that lens removed from my right eye on Wednesday to see just how much I have improved. But, the bluriness seems to be gone and it's only somewhat cloudy at this time.
Not much else to say other than to mention that tomorrow is election day.
If you don't vote, don't complain...
Bob
October 31, 2010 11:55 PM
Halloween!
A day to look at and dispel ghosts, goblins, poltergeists, and other evil spirits. For me, it will always be the day that I was told that I had a less than 50% chance to live!
Two years ago, I made my first visit to Dana-Farber on this day for the doctor to tell me what lie in store for me in the way of treatment. Round one consisted of several rounds of chemotherapy to (hopefully) put my cancer into remission and then a bone marrow transplant that would (again, hopefully) serve asthe knockout punch.
At the conclusion of the visit, I asked the doctor what my chances might be and she said about 35%. At the time, I was feeling fine. This got me a reprieve to go home and enjoy my last weekend before chemo began the following week. The doctor also said that if immediate treatment did not begin I would not feel so well in a few weeks and, if no treatment began, in about six weeks I would not be around. It was hard to fathom that such a decline could occur so fast when I felt fairly healthy. The key word is "felt" for, obviously, I was not very healthy. What an insidious disease that really did not appear to be too debilitating for me and, yet, in a few short weeks could have terminated my life.
Was I afraid? The answer is no. I had faith in the treatment regimen that the doctors were prescribing and I had faith that God would be there every step of the way regardless of the final outcome. To get where I am today, in the manner that I have done so, is way beyond the wildest of my expectations. A little bump here and there but I have nothing to complain about.
My life is very satisfying at this point and I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to enjoy this time that I have been granted.
Trick or treat is what we say on this day. No trick for me, I got the treat. Thank you God...
Bob
A day to look at and dispel ghosts, goblins, poltergeists, and other evil spirits. For me, it will always be the day that I was told that I had a less than 50% chance to live!
Two years ago, I made my first visit to Dana-Farber on this day for the doctor to tell me what lie in store for me in the way of treatment. Round one consisted of several rounds of chemotherapy to (hopefully) put my cancer into remission and then a bone marrow transplant that would (again, hopefully) serve asthe knockout punch.
At the conclusion of the visit, I asked the doctor what my chances might be and she said about 35%. At the time, I was feeling fine. This got me a reprieve to go home and enjoy my last weekend before chemo began the following week. The doctor also said that if immediate treatment did not begin I would not feel so well in a few weeks and, if no treatment began, in about six weeks I would not be around. It was hard to fathom that such a decline could occur so fast when I felt fairly healthy. The key word is "felt" for, obviously, I was not very healthy. What an insidious disease that really did not appear to be too debilitating for me and, yet, in a few short weeks could have terminated my life.
Was I afraid? The answer is no. I had faith in the treatment regimen that the doctors were prescribing and I had faith that God would be there every step of the way regardless of the final outcome. To get where I am today, in the manner that I have done so, is way beyond the wildest of my expectations. A little bump here and there but I have nothing to complain about.
My life is very satisfying at this point and I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to enjoy this time that I have been granted.
Trick or treat is what we say on this day. No trick for me, I got the treat. Thank you God...
Bob
October 29, 2010 11:55 PM
An anniversary day - check that two anniversaries!
Today is the weeding anniversary of one of my daughters. Unfortunately, it is tainted by the fact that it is also the two year anniversary of my diagnosis of leukemia. Even though things have worked out for the best, you just cannot forget how that day went two years ago.
For me, the moment came when the doctor told me that they had found the cause for my lowered hemoglobin level. In so doing, she gently placed her hand on my forearm and told me that I had leukemia. She offered counseling, told me and my wife how her mother coped with the disease(she wanted to do nothing about it and passed away about six weeks after her diagnosis), and offered me the choice of Boston or Hanover, New Hampshire for my treatment. I chose Boston as Dana-Farber is world renowned and I wanted nothing but the best.
The next day, I went into work for the last time and said my goodbyes - temporary or forever - who knew? My odyssey had begun. A story that most of you have lived with ever since and I am forever grateful for your support.
Today, I see(pardon the pun) an improvement in my eyes(actually my right eye, the left one is fine) which will, hopefully, be officially confirmed on Wednesday with my next visit to Mass. Eye and Ear.
Meanwhile, I keep busy working on my wife's friend's bathroom doing some plumbing, painting, electrical, and other stuff that would just be too expensive to do if the "professionals" were called in. It's simple work(righht up my alley) but it feels good that I can provide a service for someone. Admittedly I'm getting paid, but it's an agreed upon fair wage - not a ripoff.
Win-win for everyone - the way that things should be in life...
Bob
Today is the weeding anniversary of one of my daughters. Unfortunately, it is tainted by the fact that it is also the two year anniversary of my diagnosis of leukemia. Even though things have worked out for the best, you just cannot forget how that day went two years ago.
For me, the moment came when the doctor told me that they had found the cause for my lowered hemoglobin level. In so doing, she gently placed her hand on my forearm and told me that I had leukemia. She offered counseling, told me and my wife how her mother coped with the disease(she wanted to do nothing about it and passed away about six weeks after her diagnosis), and offered me the choice of Boston or Hanover, New Hampshire for my treatment. I chose Boston as Dana-Farber is world renowned and I wanted nothing but the best.
The next day, I went into work for the last time and said my goodbyes - temporary or forever - who knew? My odyssey had begun. A story that most of you have lived with ever since and I am forever grateful for your support.
Today, I see(pardon the pun) an improvement in my eyes(actually my right eye, the left one is fine) which will, hopefully, be officially confirmed on Wednesday with my next visit to Mass. Eye and Ear.
Meanwhile, I keep busy working on my wife's friend's bathroom doing some plumbing, painting, electrical, and other stuff that would just be too expensive to do if the "professionals" were called in. It's simple work(righht up my alley) but it feels good that I can provide a service for someone. Admittedly I'm getting paid, but it's an agreed upon fair wage - not a ripoff.
Win-win for everyone - the way that things should be in life...
Bob
October 27, 2010 11:30 PM
Tears on my pillow!
I should start looking each morning as I wake up because for the first time I actually registered something on the osmology test. That's a new word that I learned today for the test that they do to see if you have any tear lakes in your eyes. Does it mean that I'll ultimately be crying like a baby once again? Probably not! But it does signal noticeable improvement in both eyes - though my left eye is far superior to my right one. And, looking at the bright side, it means that I can most likely look very macho at tear-jerker movies no matter how I feel at the time.
The problem with the right one is that scratch on the cornea which, the doctor said, is about 75% healed and should be completely healed in a week. Unfortunately for me the scratch is right in the middle of the eye so it is the major contributor to the bluriness that I have. According to the doctor, when it's completely healed then the bluriness should vanish. I'm counting on it!
Meanwhile, the directive is to stick with the current eye regimen for another week and revisit them to take the next step. So, mext Wednesday we have two doctor's visits. Dana-Farber at 7 AM and Mass Eye ad Ear at 9:30. Might as well just do the back-to-back and get them over with.
The bottom line is that the doctor was extremely pleased to see the progress that's been made in a week and looks for more of the same in the week to come.
As for my current day to day living I have added on the task of redoing a friend's bathroom which starts tomorrow. Truthfully, if I didn't have this to do, I'd be sitting around for the next several days with absolutely nothing to do and it would drive me nuts. Next week is somewhat taken up with jury duty on Monday, the doctors on Wednesday, bridge on Thursday, and a Zimmerman House tour on Friday. For Tuesday, all I have to do is vote!!!!
A busy week ahead, a busy life in general, a far cry from two years ago...
Bob
I should start looking each morning as I wake up because for the first time I actually registered something on the osmology test. That's a new word that I learned today for the test that they do to see if you have any tear lakes in your eyes. Does it mean that I'll ultimately be crying like a baby once again? Probably not! But it does signal noticeable improvement in both eyes - though my left eye is far superior to my right one. And, looking at the bright side, it means that I can most likely look very macho at tear-jerker movies no matter how I feel at the time.
The problem with the right one is that scratch on the cornea which, the doctor said, is about 75% healed and should be completely healed in a week. Unfortunately for me the scratch is right in the middle of the eye so it is the major contributor to the bluriness that I have. According to the doctor, when it's completely healed then the bluriness should vanish. I'm counting on it!
Meanwhile, the directive is to stick with the current eye regimen for another week and revisit them to take the next step. So, mext Wednesday we have two doctor's visits. Dana-Farber at 7 AM and Mass Eye ad Ear at 9:30. Might as well just do the back-to-back and get them over with.
The bottom line is that the doctor was extremely pleased to see the progress that's been made in a week and looks for more of the same in the week to come.
As for my current day to day living I have added on the task of redoing a friend's bathroom which starts tomorrow. Truthfully, if I didn't have this to do, I'd be sitting around for the next several days with absolutely nothing to do and it would drive me nuts. Next week is somewhat taken up with jury duty on Monday, the doctors on Wednesday, bridge on Thursday, and a Zimmerman House tour on Friday. For Tuesday, all I have to do is vote!!!!
A busy week ahead, a busy life in general, a far cry from two years ago...
Bob
October 26, 2010 12:15 AM
A quiet day, but a great Sunday!
Yesterday we went to a birthday party for 2 of our granddaughters and had all five of our granddaughters together for the first time in a while. It was a ot of fun and the kids just seem to grow up soi fast. To think that I could have missed all of this if things had not worked out as they seem to have.
Meanwhile, two years ago, we were sitting around and waiting for the diagnosis of my ailment without too much concern as a simple blood transfusion seemed to fix all the problems. My boss would not let me return to work until the diagnosis was in so I was looking forward to three days of working at home before returning to work and life as we thought it was going to be. What fools these mortals be!
As for today, we simply await ourWednesday trip to Mass Eye and Ear to see how well my cornea has healed. I can say that I have stuck to the regimen of drops and pills so it better do the trick as I don't think that they have much more left in their toolbox down there that would serve to improve things.
Today we purchased some kitchen cabinet rollouts that I have to install tomorrow. It's always something and my wife has wanted these for years as it limits bending and back strain to get to the contents of the cabinets.
I'll probablywait until Wednesday for the next update as it will conatin hard facts about how I'm doing.
Meanwhile, I feel as though things are continuing to improve...
Bob
Yesterday we went to a birthday party for 2 of our granddaughters and had all five of our granddaughters together for the first time in a while. It was a ot of fun and the kids just seem to grow up soi fast. To think that I could have missed all of this if things had not worked out as they seem to have.
Meanwhile, two years ago, we were sitting around and waiting for the diagnosis of my ailment without too much concern as a simple blood transfusion seemed to fix all the problems. My boss would not let me return to work until the diagnosis was in so I was looking forward to three days of working at home before returning to work and life as we thought it was going to be. What fools these mortals be!
As for today, we simply await ourWednesday trip to Mass Eye and Ear to see how well my cornea has healed. I can say that I have stuck to the regimen of drops and pills so it better do the trick as I don't think that they have much more left in their toolbox down there that would serve to improve things.
Today we purchased some kitchen cabinet rollouts that I have to install tomorrow. It's always something and my wife has wanted these for years as it limits bending and back strain to get to the contents of the cabinets.
I'll probablywait until Wednesday for the next update as it will conatin hard facts about how I'm doing.
Meanwhile, I feel as though things are continuing to improve...
Bob
October 23, 2010 11:50 PM
Looking up!
Not physically, mind you. But after three full days with all the new drops, my eyes really seem to be improving such that the only time I need to do any eyedrops is when I'm scheduled to. The eyesight is still the same but there is no discomfort and I can continue on with my life. For example, I drove back and forth tonight to a restaurant where we met friends for dinner.
Of course, I've learned that whatever I feel doesn't count. It's what the doctors objectively see on Wednesday that counts. Thus we all wait a few more days for that determination.
Life is really quiet now. Having wrapped up the den this past week, there really isn't much to do. This week I'm supposed to look at start working on our friend's bathroom.
So, it's very quiet, but appears to be very positive.
I can live with that...
Bob
Not physically, mind you. But after three full days with all the new drops, my eyes really seem to be improving such that the only time I need to do any eyedrops is when I'm scheduled to. The eyesight is still the same but there is no discomfort and I can continue on with my life. For example, I drove back and forth tonight to a restaurant where we met friends for dinner.
Of course, I've learned that whatever I feel doesn't count. It's what the doctors objectively see on Wednesday that counts. Thus we all wait a few more days for that determination.
Life is really quiet now. Having wrapped up the den this past week, there really isn't much to do. This week I'm supposed to look at start working on our friend's bathroom.
So, it's very quiet, but appears to be very positive.
I can live with that...
Bob
October 22, 2010 12:30 AM
In the beginning...
And that's exactly what it was two years ago this evening as the doctors tarted to try to find what was causing my hemoglobin count to be half what it should be. For the first time in my life I was given a blood transfussion(little did I know that there were many more to come). But, I said to myself, that it can't be that bad if two pints of blood can "fix" you up.
So, there I lay in the cardio ward as they were afraid that I might have a heart attack or something and they were watching me like a hawk. Needless to say, the evening passed uneventfully and they began in earnest the next day to seek the source of my problem.
There are only three possible paths here. Either something was destroying my hemoglobin, I was losing it, or I was not making it. The tried the first two paths with no success and were at a loss as to what the problem was. For me this was rather unnerving as I had not been in the hospital in over 30 years and no one had ever found anything wrong with me. It was somewhat surreal to say the least.
Every day from now on reflects back on another step in the process to ascertain my problem and to fix it.
It's hard to believe that it's been two years. It's gone by fast and yet it's gone by slow as well.
And each year I can't help but relive those initial days once more. And each year is a gift that I don't deserve but one that I have been given.
What a two year ride it has been. And the ride continues...
Bob
Bob
And that's exactly what it was two years ago this evening as the doctors tarted to try to find what was causing my hemoglobin count to be half what it should be. For the first time in my life I was given a blood transfussion(little did I know that there were many more to come). But, I said to myself, that it can't be that bad if two pints of blood can "fix" you up.
So, there I lay in the cardio ward as they were afraid that I might have a heart attack or something and they were watching me like a hawk. Needless to say, the evening passed uneventfully and they began in earnest the next day to seek the source of my problem.
There are only three possible paths here. Either something was destroying my hemoglobin, I was losing it, or I was not making it. The tried the first two paths with no success and were at a loss as to what the problem was. For me this was rather unnerving as I had not been in the hospital in over 30 years and no one had ever found anything wrong with me. It was somewhat surreal to say the least.
Every day from now on reflects back on another step in the process to ascertain my problem and to fix it.
It's hard to believe that it's been two years. It's gone by fast and yet it's gone by slow as well.
And each year I can't help but relive those initial days once more. And each year is a gift that I don't deserve but one that I have been given.
What a two year ride it has been. And the ride continues...
Bob
Bob
October 20, 2010 11:05 PM
A difference of opinion and mine doesn't count!
I went to Mass Eye and Ear today to have my eyes checked. I thought that I was doing fairly well well except that the doctors did not agree.
I thought that three of my tear duct plugs had fallen out - but I was wrong. Only two had - the upper ones. Upon examining them they decided that it was impossible to put new plugs in so they took the wonderful approach of cauterizing them! It sounds somewhat dauntig and painful, I know. But... In reality it really was painless - either that or I have become so insensitive to pain at this point that I couldn't feel anything anyway.
The doctors still classified my dry eye as "severe" which means that I am now on two more eye drops in an effort to stem the tide. One of the concoctions is a homegrown item so that insurance doesn't cover it. How lucky can I get!!! In any case, they said to try it for a while and, if it doesn't work, they'll shelve it! However, they won't refund my money. Such a deal.
Also, I have managed to scratch the cornea on my right eye which means that I now have to wear a special contact lens for the next week to that shields the eye and induces healing. We have to go back to Boston next Wednesday to see if, indeed, healing has started to take place.
All in all, a long day. How do I feel now? I feel fine. But I felt that way going in and the doctors chose to disagree with me. I did ask if I would ever get back the ability to make my own tears and, in a nutshell, the feeling was that it was unlikely - though not impossible. Is it the end of the world? I don't feel that way as I can fully function at this point and there is no reason to think that I won't be able to in the future.
I'll maintain the spirit that I have always had and continue to takeit one day at a time, doing what the doctors say, and awaiting the consequences.
Considering that two years ago I was about to go into the hospital with an unlnown ailment that was causing my hemoglobin to be abnormally low, I've come a long way...
Bob
I went to Mass Eye and Ear today to have my eyes checked. I thought that I was doing fairly well well except that the doctors did not agree.
I thought that three of my tear duct plugs had fallen out - but I was wrong. Only two had - the upper ones. Upon examining them they decided that it was impossible to put new plugs in so they took the wonderful approach of cauterizing them! It sounds somewhat dauntig and painful, I know. But... In reality it really was painless - either that or I have become so insensitive to pain at this point that I couldn't feel anything anyway.
The doctors still classified my dry eye as "severe" which means that I am now on two more eye drops in an effort to stem the tide. One of the concoctions is a homegrown item so that insurance doesn't cover it. How lucky can I get!!! In any case, they said to try it for a while and, if it doesn't work, they'll shelve it! However, they won't refund my money. Such a deal.
Also, I have managed to scratch the cornea on my right eye which means that I now have to wear a special contact lens for the next week to that shields the eye and induces healing. We have to go back to Boston next Wednesday to see if, indeed, healing has started to take place.
All in all, a long day. How do I feel now? I feel fine. But I felt that way going in and the doctors chose to disagree with me. I did ask if I would ever get back the ability to make my own tears and, in a nutshell, the feeling was that it was unlikely - though not impossible. Is it the end of the world? I don't feel that way as I can fully function at this point and there is no reason to think that I won't be able to in the future.
I'll maintain the spirit that I have always had and continue to takeit one day at a time, doing what the doctors say, and awaiting the consequences.
Considering that two years ago I was about to go into the hospital with an unlnown ailment that was causing my hemoglobin to be abnormally low, I've come a long way...
Bob
October 18, 2010 10:55 PM
And another one bites the dust!
Actually 2! The den was finished today reducing the number of rooms to be redone down to one. This is our office area. And... Since we really haven't decided what we're going to do, it will take awhile before this gets completed. Fortunately, its not in such a condition that we can't live with it for a while.
Secondly, afer I don't know how many years, our printer finally went. So, it was off to get another one which I will install tomorrow. It just never seems to end. Computers go, hard drives go, monitors go, now its a printer. Its such a pain to replace these things - but a necessary evil.
Healthwise, the eyes are kind of holding their own. I haven't noticed much improvement over the past few days. However, they haven't seemed to get any worse either. Its a standoff. Wednesday will provide with a definitive medical update as to their status.
For the rest of the week, its R and R in order to get ready for working on our friends bathroom. That starts sometime next week I guess.
A quiet weekend although my son and his daughters came to visit yesterday. He really wanted to watch the football game with someone while my wife entertained the kids. I have to admit that it was quite a sacrifice for me to watch it with him - who am I kidding!!!!
Unlike yesterday's game, I want to make sure that I beat this thing in regulation time - no overtime for me...
Bob
Actually 2! The den was finished today reducing the number of rooms to be redone down to one. This is our office area. And... Since we really haven't decided what we're going to do, it will take awhile before this gets completed. Fortunately, its not in such a condition that we can't live with it for a while.
Secondly, afer I don't know how many years, our printer finally went. So, it was off to get another one which I will install tomorrow. It just never seems to end. Computers go, hard drives go, monitors go, now its a printer. Its such a pain to replace these things - but a necessary evil.
Healthwise, the eyes are kind of holding their own. I haven't noticed much improvement over the past few days. However, they haven't seemed to get any worse either. Its a standoff. Wednesday will provide with a definitive medical update as to their status.
For the rest of the week, its R and R in order to get ready for working on our friends bathroom. That starts sometime next week I guess.
A quiet weekend although my son and his daughters came to visit yesterday. He really wanted to watch the football game with someone while my wife entertained the kids. I have to admit that it was quite a sacrifice for me to watch it with him - who am I kidding!!!!
Unlike yesterday's game, I want to make sure that I beat this thing in regulation time - no overtime for me...
Bob
October 16, 2010 12:45 AM
Jost a bunch of stuff...
After excessive battles with Comcast, I finally got my e-mail back - but not without a price! I don't have any e-mails from October 13th through the 19th. According to them the account did not even exist even though I have been using it for over 4 years! Go figure!
I'm now all set to make my third "First Connection" call although I think that I have mentioned it before.
Most importantly, the ball is now rolling toward the second anniversary of my diagnosis. Two years ago we were on our cruise whereby my perceived breathing problems convinced everyone but me that I should go see a doctor upon my return home. Pretty good advice since I have come to learn that if I had not I probably would not have survived another two months. As I said before, once they diagnose the disease, without treatment you only have weeks to live. Quite a bullet to dodge!
Our den floor went in today. Tomorrow starts the molding although I have three hours of meetings to attend to first. Everything is basically cut and ready to go so I am not assuming that it will take long. I have to get the TV hooked up so that I can finish the room while I'm watching the football game on Sunday.
Out to dinner with friends tonight. We haven't seen them for two months so it was nice to touch base.
Not much else that I can think of other than Wednesday is my next eye doctor visit. I that it will be interesting to see what, if any, progress has been made and what lies in store for me.
Meanwhile, my eyes seem to be holding their own - not yet back to normal and no longer at their worst...
Bob
After excessive battles with Comcast, I finally got my e-mail back - but not without a price! I don't have any e-mails from October 13th through the 19th. According to them the account did not even exist even though I have been using it for over 4 years! Go figure!
I'm now all set to make my third "First Connection" call although I think that I have mentioned it before.
Most importantly, the ball is now rolling toward the second anniversary of my diagnosis. Two years ago we were on our cruise whereby my perceived breathing problems convinced everyone but me that I should go see a doctor upon my return home. Pretty good advice since I have come to learn that if I had not I probably would not have survived another two months. As I said before, once they diagnose the disease, without treatment you only have weeks to live. Quite a bullet to dodge!
Our den floor went in today. Tomorrow starts the molding although I have three hours of meetings to attend to first. Everything is basically cut and ready to go so I am not assuming that it will take long. I have to get the TV hooked up so that I can finish the room while I'm watching the football game on Sunday.
Out to dinner with friends tonight. We haven't seen them for two months so it was nice to touch base.
Not much else that I can think of other than Wednesday is my next eye doctor visit. I that it will be interesting to see what, if any, progress has been made and what lies in store for me.
Meanwhile, my eyes seem to be holding their own - not yet back to normal and no longer at their worst...
Bob
October 14, 2010 12:15 AM
What a wonderful, emotional day!
Not for me, but for those 33 miners in Chile, their families and friends, the country of Chile, and the entire globe. To see God perform another miracle in such a fashion that it brought the entire world together to follow this most human of human interest stories. To have us all put aside our lives in order to focus on the plight of these men and their steadfast resolve to live and to return to us once again. Yes, they are forever changed but so are we and we are all so much better for it.
It appears to make my situation seem miniscule in comparison, But until these miners became trapped they literally lived undergraound lives of which most of us are unaware. That holds true for all those suffering from cancer as well as they seek treatment and only suffer from its side effects if they are fortunate. It is figuratively an underground world of activity that none of you should ever wish to be a part of. It will never capture the attention of the world as this incident because it is an individual story for each of us that we live out daily as we go about our daily lives.
But let me tell you the story of the man that I called on Sunday as part of my "First Connection" volunteer program. They are having problems controlling his red blood cell counts so they have told him that he is not allowed to do anything for the next NINE MONTHS. The seventy days that the miners spent underground is still 30 short of the 100 days of house arrest that each of us transplant recipients must undrgo. Is it easier? - Of course it is! But, we still don't know if we'll survive (there is a 5% death rate). Like the miners, we pray to accept God's will for us and hope for the best - always keeping a positive attitude and always striving to survive.
This may sound like it, but it is not sour grapes. For I have been truly moved by this marvelous story and seeing the joy on the faces of the miners, their families, and their rescuers is just overwhelming. The President of Chile seems like such a wonderful, compassionate man that it brought tears to my eyes. Well, I tried. I'm still niot so sure that I am able to make tears as yet.
Today, again, I have been asked to make a third "First Connection" telephone call. Many people never get asked - but I've been tapped three times in the past few weeks. I enjoy the opportunity to help where I can but being limited to empathizing and serving as a sounding board seems so superficial to me. Yet, it's all that we can do. I cannot offer advice - I'm no doctor nor am I familiar with their cases. I can only hope that God has me provide them with something to take away from our conversations.
I've gone on much too long...
Bob
Not for me, but for those 33 miners in Chile, their families and friends, the country of Chile, and the entire globe. To see God perform another miracle in such a fashion that it brought the entire world together to follow this most human of human interest stories. To have us all put aside our lives in order to focus on the plight of these men and their steadfast resolve to live and to return to us once again. Yes, they are forever changed but so are we and we are all so much better for it.
It appears to make my situation seem miniscule in comparison, But until these miners became trapped they literally lived undergraound lives of which most of us are unaware. That holds true for all those suffering from cancer as well as they seek treatment and only suffer from its side effects if they are fortunate. It is figuratively an underground world of activity that none of you should ever wish to be a part of. It will never capture the attention of the world as this incident because it is an individual story for each of us that we live out daily as we go about our daily lives.
But let me tell you the story of the man that I called on Sunday as part of my "First Connection" volunteer program. They are having problems controlling his red blood cell counts so they have told him that he is not allowed to do anything for the next NINE MONTHS. The seventy days that the miners spent underground is still 30 short of the 100 days of house arrest that each of us transplant recipients must undrgo. Is it easier? - Of course it is! But, we still don't know if we'll survive (there is a 5% death rate). Like the miners, we pray to accept God's will for us and hope for the best - always keeping a positive attitude and always striving to survive.
This may sound like it, but it is not sour grapes. For I have been truly moved by this marvelous story and seeing the joy on the faces of the miners, their families, and their rescuers is just overwhelming. The President of Chile seems like such a wonderful, compassionate man that it brought tears to my eyes. Well, I tried. I'm still niot so sure that I am able to make tears as yet.
Today, again, I have been asked to make a third "First Connection" telephone call. Many people never get asked - but I've been tapped three times in the past few weeks. I enjoy the opportunity to help where I can but being limited to empathizing and serving as a sounding board seems so superficial to me. Yet, it's all that we can do. I cannot offer advice - I'm no doctor nor am I familiar with their cases. I can only hope that God has me provide them with something to take away from our conversations.
I've gone on much too long...
Bob
October 11, 2010 10:45 PM
A reunion!
Tonight I went to my leukemia support group meeting. The guest speaker was the first doctor that I had who diagnosed my disease. She had not seen me since the beginning of last year so she was delighted to see that I was doing so well.
A couple of things emerged from her talk. One was that I was lucky enough to be one of the 7,000 to 9,000 people who contract AML each year. I can't win the lottery but I can buck the odds to get leukemia! Another interesting comment was that no one really knows why people get the disease!
As for getting a bone marrow transplant, back in 1990 the death rate was 40% while today it has decreased to 5% - we've come a long way!
She talked about drug trials of which I have not had any and about the difference between lymphoma and leukemia and what it means regarding the type of transplant that you can have - autologous for lymphoma(you) and allogenic for leukemia(someone else) because lymphoma does not affaect the blood like leukemia does. Another interesting tidbit is that lyphoma and leukemia are the most curable cancers. So I guess that I can consider myself "lucky" in that regard.
It was a little more fun in the afternoon when I played bridge with some people at our church. My cards were so good that we outscored them by 4320 to 470. That's almost unheard of! But, when you have all the cards all the time, such a result is to be expected.
Not much else going on as we await the arrival of the flooring for our den which is to be installed on Monday.
Tomorrow is bridge(couples this time) and dinner at a friend's house.
Life is good...
Bob
Tonight I went to my leukemia support group meeting. The guest speaker was the first doctor that I had who diagnosed my disease. She had not seen me since the beginning of last year so she was delighted to see that I was doing so well.
A couple of things emerged from her talk. One was that I was lucky enough to be one of the 7,000 to 9,000 people who contract AML each year. I can't win the lottery but I can buck the odds to get leukemia! Another interesting comment was that no one really knows why people get the disease!
As for getting a bone marrow transplant, back in 1990 the death rate was 40% while today it has decreased to 5% - we've come a long way!
She talked about drug trials of which I have not had any and about the difference between lymphoma and leukemia and what it means regarding the type of transplant that you can have - autologous for lymphoma(you) and allogenic for leukemia(someone else) because lymphoma does not affaect the blood like leukemia does. Another interesting tidbit is that lyphoma and leukemia are the most curable cancers. So I guess that I can consider myself "lucky" in that regard.
It was a little more fun in the afternoon when I played bridge with some people at our church. My cards were so good that we outscored them by 4320 to 470. That's almost unheard of! But, when you have all the cards all the time, such a result is to be expected.
Not much else going on as we await the arrival of the flooring for our den which is to be installed on Monday.
Tomorrow is bridge(couples this time) and dinner at a friend's house.
Life is good...
Bob
October 10, 2010 11:35 PM
The eyes have it!
Today, my eyes have probably felt the best that they have for quite a while. Progress seems to be underway and it feels great. I also made my second "First Connection" call to an AMLpatient right here in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He's having a tougher time than man me but the real issue is that he's been told to stay home for the next nine months and do nothing. It's driving him crazy! I can fully understand that. But, unfortunately, ther's not much that you can suggest for him to d to occupy his time. If all you do are diversions - jigsaw puzzles, work on your hobby, etc., then they cease to be diversions and you don't enjoy doing them anymore.
I suppose that I should comment at this time to anyone who might be trying to e-mail me that my e-mail mysteriously went down on Wednesday and no one has been able to fix it yet. Not that I get a lot of e-mails, but it does hurt not to have it. I'll work on it tomorrow in the morning but I'm busy in the afternoon and evening so it will have to wait until Tuesday for a second shot if it neeeds it.
We've been looking for projects for me and it appears that, if we can order doors for our kitchen cabinets off the web, right after the holidays I'll be replacing all of the doors. It's a lot cheaper to order off the web and it wil be work(but still fun) to drill all the holes for the hinges and knobs and it will keep me busy for a while longer. We've been itching to do this for quite awhile but had never found the right place to go. Now I think we've got it. We ordered a small door on Saturday and if it arives to our liking then we'll go for it.
So, we never stop looking to improve this place and I'm still busy with a raft full of activities.
My mother-in-law is now here for a few days as well and we all went out for some super Chinese food tonight.
Life continues to be good...
Bob
Today, my eyes have probably felt the best that they have for quite a while. Progress seems to be underway and it feels great. I also made my second "First Connection" call to an AMLpatient right here in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He's having a tougher time than man me but the real issue is that he's been told to stay home for the next nine months and do nothing. It's driving him crazy! I can fully understand that. But, unfortunately, ther's not much that you can suggest for him to d to occupy his time. If all you do are diversions - jigsaw puzzles, work on your hobby, etc., then they cease to be diversions and you don't enjoy doing them anymore.
I suppose that I should comment at this time to anyone who might be trying to e-mail me that my e-mail mysteriously went down on Wednesday and no one has been able to fix it yet. Not that I get a lot of e-mails, but it does hurt not to have it. I'll work on it tomorrow in the morning but I'm busy in the afternoon and evening so it will have to wait until Tuesday for a second shot if it neeeds it.
We've been looking for projects for me and it appears that, if we can order doors for our kitchen cabinets off the web, right after the holidays I'll be replacing all of the doors. It's a lot cheaper to order off the web and it wil be work(but still fun) to drill all the holes for the hinges and knobs and it will keep me busy for a while longer. We've been itching to do this for quite awhile but had never found the right place to go. Now I think we've got it. We ordered a small door on Saturday and if it arives to our liking then we'll go for it.
So, we never stop looking to improve this place and I'm still busy with a raft full of activities.
My mother-in-law is now here for a few days as well and we all went out for some super Chinese food tonight.
Life continues to be good...
Bob
October 8, 2010 11:50 PM
What you can learn from a movie!
We watched the movie "Secretariat"today. The real message of the movie is to believe in yourself and what you are. Don't quit or let others dictate how you should run your life.
While watching it, I realized that I have stepped forward in my life in so many ways during my illness and recovery that I know that I am not the same person that I was almost two years ago when this all started. I have never enjoyed speaking in front of others yet I now give Zimmerman House tours without any problems. My second time in the Sunday morning pulpit was no problem at all. I have tackled projects here at home that I never would have considered doing beforehand and I have succssfully completed them. Today I received notice that I have another name to call as part of the leukemia First Connection program. Counseling others was never something that I thought that I would be doing in my life.
Because of all of this, my life is fuller and I no longer hold back when it comes to doing something. A newfound confidence exists that says that I should give it a try - not a feeling of defeat before I've even started because a task may appear to be too difficult to do.
As I said earlier, this disease has helped me to better know and understand who I am and what I can do. And I continue to amaze myself at what I have accomplished. I am not trying to brag here. All I am saying is that I now feel unshackled in so many ways that my life is better off for it.
I don't wish this disease on anyone, but for me there has been a big silver lining in that seemuingly black cloud...
Bob
We watched the movie "Secretariat"today. The real message of the movie is to believe in yourself and what you are. Don't quit or let others dictate how you should run your life.
While watching it, I realized that I have stepped forward in my life in so many ways during my illness and recovery that I know that I am not the same person that I was almost two years ago when this all started. I have never enjoyed speaking in front of others yet I now give Zimmerman House tours without any problems. My second time in the Sunday morning pulpit was no problem at all. I have tackled projects here at home that I never would have considered doing beforehand and I have succssfully completed them. Today I received notice that I have another name to call as part of the leukemia First Connection program. Counseling others was never something that I thought that I would be doing in my life.
Because of all of this, my life is fuller and I no longer hold back when it comes to doing something. A newfound confidence exists that says that I should give it a try - not a feeling of defeat before I've even started because a task may appear to be too difficult to do.
As I said earlier, this disease has helped me to better know and understand who I am and what I can do. And I continue to amaze myself at what I have accomplished. I am not trying to brag here. All I am saying is that I now feel unshackled in so many ways that my life is better off for it.
I don't wish this disease on anyone, but for me there has been a big silver lining in that seemuingly black cloud...
Bob
October 7, 2010 12:10 AM
Not much to say!
The only health concern is the eyes and, overall, they are certainly tolerable. there are moments when I would like them to be a little better but you can't have everything. I must say that keeping busy pushes the issue to the back burner because I have my mind set on other things. When I stop and read - it's a different story. A lot of reading can get to them at times. TV watching is no problem at all - movies are fine as well.
So, I keep busy. Still lots of work to do to finish off our den and then it's on to helping one of our neighbor friends. After the holidays I'll probably wrap up finishing off the office and then every room will have been redone - 12 in all. It's nice when you have the time(and the physical health) to be able to do what you want to do. Who knows what's in store for us so we might as well do what we can when we can. I really like getting up in the morning with a game plan for my days activities. Sometimes, of course, it's meetings or bridge or doctor's visits or choir practice or church. But on those other days I need activity as well.
It's two weeks until the next eye doctor visit. I'll be curious as to how that works out - what they test and what they deem the changes(if any) to be.
Life continues apace and that's what I need...
Bob
The only health concern is the eyes and, overall, they are certainly tolerable. there are moments when I would like them to be a little better but you can't have everything. I must say that keeping busy pushes the issue to the back burner because I have my mind set on other things. When I stop and read - it's a different story. A lot of reading can get to them at times. TV watching is no problem at all - movies are fine as well.
So, I keep busy. Still lots of work to do to finish off our den and then it's on to helping one of our neighbor friends. After the holidays I'll probably wrap up finishing off the office and then every room will have been redone - 12 in all. It's nice when you have the time(and the physical health) to be able to do what you want to do. Who knows what's in store for us so we might as well do what we can when we can. I really like getting up in the morning with a game plan for my days activities. Sometimes, of course, it's meetings or bridge or doctor's visits or choir practice or church. But on those other days I need activity as well.
It's two weeks until the next eye doctor visit. I'll be curious as to how that works out - what they test and what they deem the changes(if any) to be.
Life continues apace and that's what I need...
Bob
October 3, 2010 11:55 PM
It's over!
The agony, known as the red Sox 2010 seaeson, is ove. Injuries and some poor pitching did in the team this year. As "they" say, "Wait until next year!" (Trust me, it won't be much better).
As for the weekend, I worked on the den project - there is no such thing as taking a day off. Every day another task or two get done and the room gets closer to what we envision it can be. What a bear it was to snake the surround sound wires through the attic. You can't stand up in it and it's covered with blown in insulation so that you cannot easily see the joists when maneuvering around. I certainly did not wish to step in the wrong spot and go plunging through the ceiling. Fortunately, I dodged that bullet.
Tomorrow, for the first time ver, I will be doing two Zimmerman House tours back-to-back. I'm really looking forward to the second one as it involves the girl scouts. It should be a lot of fun. I know that I'll do my best to make it so.
For today's choir anthem at church, I was selected as one of the two basses to sing a portion of it as part of an octet with two sopranos, altos, and tenors. I'm not saying that I am God's gift to the singing world but it is at least rewarding to think that somehow you are contributing to the overall choir performance.
It was a good weekend and I look forward to a nice week ahead...
Bob
The agony, known as the red Sox 2010 seaeson, is ove. Injuries and some poor pitching did in the team this year. As "they" say, "Wait until next year!" (Trust me, it won't be much better).
As for the weekend, I worked on the den project - there is no such thing as taking a day off. Every day another task or two get done and the room gets closer to what we envision it can be. What a bear it was to snake the surround sound wires through the attic. You can't stand up in it and it's covered with blown in insulation so that you cannot easily see the joists when maneuvering around. I certainly did not wish to step in the wrong spot and go plunging through the ceiling. Fortunately, I dodged that bullet.
Tomorrow, for the first time ver, I will be doing two Zimmerman House tours back-to-back. I'm really looking forward to the second one as it involves the girl scouts. It should be a lot of fun. I know that I'll do my best to make it so.
For today's choir anthem at church, I was selected as one of the two basses to sing a portion of it as part of an octet with two sopranos, altos, and tenors. I'm not saying that I am God's gift to the singing world but it is at least rewarding to think that somehow you are contributing to the overall choir performance.
It was a good weekend and I look forward to a nice week ahead...
Bob
October 2, 2010 12:10 Am
A night at the museaum ...after a day of snaking wires!
The Currier had the opening night for its new exhibit "The Secret Life of Art" tonight. My wife and I attended with a friend. After that it was out to dinner. All in all a fun event but with so many people there it will require us to go back to get a better view when the crowds are less. It was also nice to see a couple who were on my Monday Zimmerman house tour there as well. Getting involved with the museum has been both a lot of fun and rewarding. I have never been big on speaking in front of people but leading the tours forces you to overcome it.
During the day, it was finally tine(after three and a half years) to go up into the attic and snake wires for the surround sound system in our den. With a shallow roof, it was no peice of cake. Maneuveribility was extremely limited. But success was finally achieved - thank God!
The eyes seem to be slowly improving which I am extremely grateful for. And, last night, after choir practice I had a long discussion with our church deacon who was diagnosed in March 2009 with leukemia. She related how an acquaintance of hers who contracted the exact same disease that she had didn't make it. What determines who makes it and who doesn't? I most assuredly do not know. I never really prayed for recovery, I prayed that I be able to accept God's will for me. The fact that it appears to be recovery only begs the question all the more - why me?
God's will is not for us to understand - it is for us to accept...
Bob
The Currier had the opening night for its new exhibit "The Secret Life of Art" tonight. My wife and I attended with a friend. After that it was out to dinner. All in all a fun event but with so many people there it will require us to go back to get a better view when the crowds are less. It was also nice to see a couple who were on my Monday Zimmerman house tour there as well. Getting involved with the museum has been both a lot of fun and rewarding. I have never been big on speaking in front of people but leading the tours forces you to overcome it.
During the day, it was finally tine(after three and a half years) to go up into the attic and snake wires for the surround sound system in our den. With a shallow roof, it was no peice of cake. Maneuveribility was extremely limited. But success was finally achieved - thank God!
The eyes seem to be slowly improving which I am extremely grateful for. And, last night, after choir practice I had a long discussion with our church deacon who was diagnosed in March 2009 with leukemia. She related how an acquaintance of hers who contracted the exact same disease that she had didn't make it. What determines who makes it and who doesn't? I most assuredly do not know. I never really prayed for recovery, I prayed that I be able to accept God's will for me. The fact that it appears to be recovery only begs the question all the more - why me?
God's will is not for us to understand - it is for us to accept...
Bob
September 29 2010 11:45 PM
Stay the course!
That was the watchword of the day from my doctor this morning. And why not? My numbers were great! My blood counts are fine. My liver counts that were elevated a month ago are now in the normal range because of the prednisone that I take. My weight is as low as it has ever been in the last 15 years. My oxygen % is 99. My heart beat is 70/minute. And my blood pressure is 128/64. Everytihing is functioning on all cylinders. So there are no changes in my meds at this point with another visit scheduled in 5 weeks. Everything seems to be currently under control.
They asked me to take part in a study of patients who have experienced chronic graft vs host disease. Here, chronic only means that it occurrred after a while and not immediately after the bone marrow transplant. It does not mean that you have to live with it forever.
Since my doctor told us a while ago that Dana-Farber was number 2 in the world in bone marrow transplants, I finally remembered to ask him who number one was. It's MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. However, my doctor quickly interjected that Dana-Farber is number one in "quality" - whatever that means.
We watched my grandson's football game this afternoon. They lost, but he played fairly well. It was a beautiful fall day with the temperature in the low eighties and stll in the seventies when the game began after 5:00.
Otherwise, I'm just about done painting the den. And then it's on to installing the speakers - finally! They've been lying on furniture for three and a half years and need to be installed on the ceiling. It means a trip to the attic which I have not done before.
All in all, a great day in so many ways...
Bob
That was the watchword of the day from my doctor this morning. And why not? My numbers were great! My blood counts are fine. My liver counts that were elevated a month ago are now in the normal range because of the prednisone that I take. My weight is as low as it has ever been in the last 15 years. My oxygen % is 99. My heart beat is 70/minute. And my blood pressure is 128/64. Everytihing is functioning on all cylinders. So there are no changes in my meds at this point with another visit scheduled in 5 weeks. Everything seems to be currently under control.
They asked me to take part in a study of patients who have experienced chronic graft vs host disease. Here, chronic only means that it occurrred after a while and not immediately after the bone marrow transplant. It does not mean that you have to live with it forever.
Since my doctor told us a while ago that Dana-Farber was number 2 in the world in bone marrow transplants, I finally remembered to ask him who number one was. It's MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. However, my doctor quickly interjected that Dana-Farber is number one in "quality" - whatever that means.
We watched my grandson's football game this afternoon. They lost, but he played fairly well. It was a beautiful fall day with the temperature in the low eighties and stll in the seventies when the game began after 5:00.
Otherwise, I'm just about done painting the den. And then it's on to installing the speakers - finally! They've been lying on furniture for three and a half years and need to be installed on the ceiling. It means a trip to the attic which I have not done before.
All in all, a great day in so many ways...
Bob
September 28, 2010 12:30
A little bit of thia, a little bit of that!
Tomorrow(the 29th) it's back to Boston again. I don't expect much of anything to happen with the visit - but when requested to go - you go!
In Sears the other day and I noticed that they already have Christmas trees out - isn't this a little late to get started? I thought that Labor Day was the new kickoff to the holiday season;)
I did my Zimmerman House tour this afternoon and it was a good group. These tours have been fun. Next Monday I have a group of girl scouts to do and I am really looking forward to having a good time with the kids.
Myden painting project continues apace. I love painting, anyway, and when you tackle a room one wall at a time it's not really too disruptive to your living conditions. The room will take until the end of the week and then comes the fun of actaully installing the surround sound speakers instead of just laying them in place as they have been for the past three and a half years.
My monitor died yesterday. I wouldn't mind except that it was probably all of 6 months old. However, it was the floor model so there was no guarantee on it.
My eyes are still hanging in there and it's three weeks until my next eye visit.
I'm doing fine...
Bob
Tomorrow(the 29th) it's back to Boston again. I don't expect much of anything to happen with the visit - but when requested to go - you go!
In Sears the other day and I noticed that they already have Christmas trees out - isn't this a little late to get started? I thought that Labor Day was the new kickoff to the holiday season;)
I did my Zimmerman House tour this afternoon and it was a good group. These tours have been fun. Next Monday I have a group of girl scouts to do and I am really looking forward to having a good time with the kids.
Myden painting project continues apace. I love painting, anyway, and when you tackle a room one wall at a time it's not really too disruptive to your living conditions. The room will take until the end of the week and then comes the fun of actaully installing the surround sound speakers instead of just laying them in place as they have been for the past three and a half years.
My monitor died yesterday. I wouldn't mind except that it was probably all of 6 months old. However, it was the floor model so there was no guarantee on it.
My eyes are still hanging in there and it's three weeks until my next eye visit.
I'm doing fine...
Bob
September 26, 12:20 PM
Two inches!
Lately my pants just seem to be too big! My wife keeps telling me that they are falling down and I am really taking belt tightening to the next level(whatever that is)! So, today(among other activities) we went to the several stores to look at new jeans. Sure enough, the thirty six inch waist ones were fitting fine. What happened? I know that I have lost some weight - but to lose 2 inches off my waistline was unthinkable to me. I'm not complaining, mind you, all the new pairs that we bought fit very nicely.
Basically, all the weight that I have lost is from my butt and thighs. You could never tell by looking at me above the waist that I have lost anything. But it is nice to have pants that fit properly.
Today, we also went to my mother-in-law's assisted living place for a barbecue and craft show. The weather was gorgeous for an early fall day and we had a nice time.
Tonight was another night of bridge with friends. I thought it was here - it was supposed to be there - it ended up here.
Chemobrain strikes again...
Bob
Lately my pants just seem to be too big! My wife keeps telling me that they are falling down and I am really taking belt tightening to the next level(whatever that is)! So, today(among other activities) we went to the several stores to look at new jeans. Sure enough, the thirty six inch waist ones were fitting fine. What happened? I know that I have lost some weight - but to lose 2 inches off my waistline was unthinkable to me. I'm not complaining, mind you, all the new pairs that we bought fit very nicely.
Basically, all the weight that I have lost is from my butt and thighs. You could never tell by looking at me above the waist that I have lost anything. But it is nice to have pants that fit properly.
Today, we also went to my mother-in-law's assisted living place for a barbecue and craft show. The weather was gorgeous for an early fall day and we had a nice time.
Tonight was another night of bridge with friends. I thought it was here - it was supposed to be there - it ended up here.
Chemobrain strikes again...
Bob
September 24, 2010 11:15 PM
Not a whale of a lot!
Yesterday's dentist visit was a mixed bag. I have 1 small cavity but my deep pockets are slow;y disappearing - that's the good news. Everything else went fine with the visit,
The painting continues in my den and that should finish in another week. At which point I really will have only one room left to touch and I'm not sure what to do in our office area. However, a neighbor friend of ours has some things that she would like me to do. The timing appears to be perfect!
Healthwise, I'm doing fine and planning my next doctor's visit for Wednesday.Monday I have a Zimmerman House tour and Thursday I get that cavity repaired. So a somewhat busy week ahead.
It's hard to believe that it's autumn already - the time just seems to fly.
Keeping busy is the key...
Bob
Yesterday's dentist visit was a mixed bag. I have 1 small cavity but my deep pockets are slow;y disappearing - that's the good news. Everything else went fine with the visit,
The painting continues in my den and that should finish in another week. At which point I really will have only one room left to touch and I'm not sure what to do in our office area. However, a neighbor friend of ours has some things that she would like me to do. The timing appears to be perfect!
Healthwise, I'm doing fine and planning my next doctor's visit for Wednesday.Monday I have a Zimmerman House tour and Thursday I get that cavity repaired. So a somewhat busy week ahead.
It's hard to believe that it's autumn already - the time just seems to fly.
Keeping busy is the key...
Bob
September 22, 2010 10:30 PM
Another first!
I've been called for jury duty! After alllllll these years they have finally come to their respective senses and called me to jury duty. Now, I can vividly picture myself in a scene from the movie "Twelve Angry Men". It's amazing how, after all this time, that my name finally surfaced. Anyway, it won't start until November. I suppose that I could claim illness and get out of it, but I think that it will be very interesting. I'm going to go through with it. Another of life's experienes that I would have missed .
Today was also my first bridge match for the men's daytime bridge group. NO cards - not much score. That was the end result. But it was fun and that is the intended result.
Tomorrow, I'll commence painting our den. Room number eleven out of twelve. Then comes the real fun of snaking speaker wires for the surround sound system. Fortunately, the attic is right above the room so I think that it won't be too much of a challenge. Famous last words!
Tomorrow is also a teeth cleaning as I try to maintain some modicum of good health. Everything else seems to be on track. Tomorrow is also the last day for one of my eye drops as well. It's hard to believe but it's been two weeks since I went to Mass Eye And Ear. Time flies! My eyes definitely feel better but they are definitely not perfect. I'm just going with the flow here so we'll see how long it takes to return to normality - if that's even possible.
It reallly doesn't matter, I'm extremely satisfied...
Bob
I've been called for jury duty! After alllllll these years they have finally come to their respective senses and called me to jury duty. Now, I can vividly picture myself in a scene from the movie "Twelve Angry Men". It's amazing how, after all this time, that my name finally surfaced. Anyway, it won't start until November. I suppose that I could claim illness and get out of it, but I think that it will be very interesting. I'm going to go through with it. Another of life's experienes that I would have missed .
Today was also my first bridge match for the men's daytime bridge group. NO cards - not much score. That was the end result. But it was fun and that is the intended result.
Tomorrow, I'll commence painting our den. Room number eleven out of twelve. Then comes the real fun of snaking speaker wires for the surround sound system. Fortunately, the attic is right above the room so I think that it won't be too much of a challenge. Famous last words!
Tomorrow is also a teeth cleaning as I try to maintain some modicum of good health. Everything else seems to be on track. Tomorrow is also the last day for one of my eye drops as well. It's hard to believe but it's been two weeks since I went to Mass Eye And Ear. Time flies! My eyes definitely feel better but they are definitely not perfect. I'm just going with the flow here so we'll see how long it takes to return to normality - if that's even possible.
It reallly doesn't matter, I'm extremely satisfied...
Bob
September 20, 2010 11:25 PM
What's happened in three days?
Not much! But I do really get humbled at times. Yesterday, at church, I met the mother of one of our friends. A wonderful woman, so full of life, and a Red Sox and Patriots fan to boot! Anyway, via her daughter, she started going on-line and reading this blog. She was telling me how inspired she was by wahet I had to say and how wonderful it was to actually meet me in person. It really is nice to know that people are still following my activities and to realize that so many people that I don't know do so as well. But, I really feel as though I do not deserve any undo praise for my efforts.
As I have said before, as much as it keeps everyone informed, it serves to help me get through all this. Right now, I admit that the getting is relatively easy as it has always been. The eyes are certainly acceptable at this point. Could they be better? Of course, But I can fully function and that is what is really important. As my friend's mother said, "God is good". I most certainly cannot deny that!
Not much else has occurred other than I finished my bedroom/artist's room project and am now concentrating on doing our den next. After that, it is only this office area that needs doing and I will have done every room in the condo - a total of twelve, including the three bathrooms. What to do after that? Start over, maybe! Maybe I can take up some kind of a hobby - who knows?
Anyway, this week it's the dentist on Thursday, next week it's another tour on Monday, and back to Boston on Wednesday for the doctor.
No complaints, though. Every day that I have is a gift that many others who have walked in my footsteps did not get the chance to experience...
Bob
Not much! But I do really get humbled at times. Yesterday, at church, I met the mother of one of our friends. A wonderful woman, so full of life, and a Red Sox and Patriots fan to boot! Anyway, via her daughter, she started going on-line and reading this blog. She was telling me how inspired she was by wahet I had to say and how wonderful it was to actually meet me in person. It really is nice to know that people are still following my activities and to realize that so many people that I don't know do so as well. But, I really feel as though I do not deserve any undo praise for my efforts.
As I have said before, as much as it keeps everyone informed, it serves to help me get through all this. Right now, I admit that the getting is relatively easy as it has always been. The eyes are certainly acceptable at this point. Could they be better? Of course, But I can fully function and that is what is really important. As my friend's mother said, "God is good". I most certainly cannot deny that!
Not much else has occurred other than I finished my bedroom/artist's room project and am now concentrating on doing our den next. After that, it is only this office area that needs doing and I will have done every room in the condo - a total of twelve, including the three bathrooms. What to do after that? Start over, maybe! Maybe I can take up some kind of a hobby - who knows?
Anyway, this week it's the dentist on Thursday, next week it's another tour on Monday, and back to Boston on Wednesday for the doctor.
No complaints, though. Every day that I have is a gift that many others who have walked in my footsteps did not get the chance to experience...
Bob
September 17, 2010 11:55 PM
It's been quiet!
I haven't posted anything for the past few days as life has been quiet for me. I've completed the downstairs room renovation project so it will probably be some time before I tackle the next project.
I must admit that I really feel full of energy and having work to do is a great way to expend it. According to my wife, she says that it is the prednisone that I am taking. She may be right because over the past few months I would get tired during the day and have to stop for breaks while I was working. That's no longer true.
The eyes seem to have stabilized. The drops are still very necessary but I can survive very nicely in that fashion.
Tomorrow it is another granddaughter's birthday party. It should be fun.
Life is going on the way that it should...
Bob
I haven't posted anything for the past few days as life has been quiet for me. I've completed the downstairs room renovation project so it will probably be some time before I tackle the next project.
I must admit that I really feel full of energy and having work to do is a great way to expend it. According to my wife, she says that it is the prednisone that I am taking. She may be right because over the past few months I would get tired during the day and have to stop for breaks while I was working. That's no longer true.
The eyes seem to have stabilized. The drops are still very necessary but I can survive very nicely in that fashion.
Tomorrow it is another granddaughter's birthday party. It should be fun.
Life is going on the way that it should...
Bob
September 14, 2010 11:15 PM
What a pain!
I already wrote this once and the blog site lost it before it was published!
Today is primary day in New Hampshire whicout one of the best aspects of New Hampshire politics. That is, when you go to the polls you actually get to meet, greet, talk, and see who the candidates are. And not just those for the local offices but for the statewide ones as well. When we lived in Massachusetts and New York, these people were just prople you saw on television wno chance to ever see them in person.
At the polls, they were running a bone marrow registration drive. One of the women manning the table was overjoyed that she has recently been called upon to be a donor. And well she should be. By the way, these people have registered well over 37,000 people with 45 of them being called upon to man three times!
It all started when the cousin of one of the women at the table was diagnosed at the age of one and given a 1 on 20,000 chance of surviving. Today he is four years old and doing well.
Talk about miracles...
Bob
I already wrote this once and the blog site lost it before it was published!
Today is primary day in New Hampshire whicout one of the best aspects of New Hampshire politics. That is, when you go to the polls you actually get to meet, greet, talk, and see who the candidates are. And not just those for the local offices but for the statewide ones as well. When we lived in Massachusetts and New York, these people were just prople you saw on television wno chance to ever see them in person.
At the polls, they were running a bone marrow registration drive. One of the women manning the table was overjoyed that she has recently been called upon to be a donor. And well she should be. By the way, these people have registered well over 37,000 people with 45 of them being called upon to man three times!
It all started when the cousin of one of the women at the table was diagnosed at the age of one and given a 1 on 20,000 chance of surviving. Today he is four years old and doing well.
Talk about miracles...
Bob
September 13, 2010 11:15 PM
A pot-pourri!
On Saturdayy mother-in-law's Greek church which a lot of family to enjoy the food and dancing att their annual "Glendi". But the real cuase for celebration was the announcement earlier in the day that one of my nieces was engaged to be married. With all that has gone on in the family over the past few years, we are more than deserving of having an event like this to celebrate.
On Sunday, it was a lesser event, but a cause for celebration and enjoyment as well as my five year old granddaughter played her first soccer "game". She was pretty aggressive and scored her team's only goal. Another milestone as life moves on for all of us.
Today I received a letter from a group of Nortel people who are currently banding together to counteract Nortel's desire to terminate the program fact, in Canada, a year end termination date is already in place. For me, with a maximum of 7+ months left, my interest is limited to that timeframe. After that, I'm off the books. But I offered to help them if I could be of any service. One other little sidelight. Today was the first time ever that my wife and I were the only two in the theater watching the movie. I'm sure that many others of you have experienced it as well.
What about my eyes, you ask? With all the drops and ointments the level of discomfort has diminished(as was obviously intended). The important thing, however, is to continue taking the medication so that improvement continues. As for everything else, healthwise, I feel great. At times during the summer, I would feel tired during the day and have to stop and take a break - no longer! For a while, also, I would awaken in the morning with aloints aching - no longer! My current medicatio seems to be doing the trick.
Life is picking up and I'm right there with it...
Bob
On Saturdayy mother-in-law's Greek church which a lot of family to enjoy the food and dancing att their annual "Glendi". But the real cuase for celebration was the announcement earlier in the day that one of my nieces was engaged to be married. With all that has gone on in the family over the past few years, we are more than deserving of having an event like this to celebrate.
On Sunday, it was a lesser event, but a cause for celebration and enjoyment as well as my five year old granddaughter played her first soccer "game". She was pretty aggressive and scored her team's only goal. Another milestone as life moves on for all of us.
Today I received a letter from a group of Nortel people who are currently banding together to counteract Nortel's desire to terminate the program fact, in Canada, a year end termination date is already in place. For me, with a maximum of 7+ months left, my interest is limited to that timeframe. After that, I'm off the books. But I offered to help them if I could be of any service. One other little sidelight. Today was the first time ever that my wife and I were the only two in the theater watching the movie. I'm sure that many others of you have experienced it as well.
What about my eyes, you ask? With all the drops and ointments the level of discomfort has diminished(as was obviously intended). The important thing, however, is to continue taking the medication so that improvement continues. As for everything else, healthwise, I feel great. At times during the summer, I would feel tired during the day and have to stop and take a break - no longer! For a while, also, I would awaken in the morning with aloints aching - no longer! My current medicatio seems to be doing the trick.
Life is picking up and I'm right there with it...
Bob
September 10, 2010 11:35 PM
Another first!
Earlier in the year I mentioned the fact that I took the First Connection training from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to serve as a sounding board for those who are currently going through what I have undergone during the past (almost) two years. Basically, you relate your experience without offering any suggestions - I am not a doctor.
In any case, I was asked to call a woman in Arizona who was diagnosed with AML back in April and was informed that having a bone marrow transplant would make her very sick. When I asked her what was said, she said that her doctor told her that a bone marrow transplant would be 100 times worde than the chemptherapy! What a lot of balderdash - who knows what the affect will be? Nobody! And, because of that, the woman is reluctant to even consider the option. What a surprise!
Admittedly, she was extremely exhausted during the initial chemptherapy phase - which I was not. So, maybe she will have more problems - then again, maybe not! To be honest with you, being restricted to only being able to relate your own story does not seem to offer much to someone who is still somewhat early down the path and looking for direction. But, it's certainly understandable why you can't offer much more - you are not qualified to do so!
How was it left? She said that her doctor would pursue finging a donor(which is always of concern) and, if one is found, she can then decide what to do. I am the second person that she has spoken to and the other person had a positive experience with the transplant as well.
Speaking of that. The myriad eye drops and ointments do seem to help but I am forever dropping something into me eyes.
It's a wonder that I can see at all...
Bobb
Earlier in the year I mentioned the fact that I took the First Connection training from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to serve as a sounding board for those who are currently going through what I have undergone during the past (almost) two years. Basically, you relate your experience without offering any suggestions - I am not a doctor.
In any case, I was asked to call a woman in Arizona who was diagnosed with AML back in April and was informed that having a bone marrow transplant would make her very sick. When I asked her what was said, she said that her doctor told her that a bone marrow transplant would be 100 times worde than the chemptherapy! What a lot of balderdash - who knows what the affect will be? Nobody! And, because of that, the woman is reluctant to even consider the option. What a surprise!
Admittedly, she was extremely exhausted during the initial chemptherapy phase - which I was not. So, maybe she will have more problems - then again, maybe not! To be honest with you, being restricted to only being able to relate your own story does not seem to offer much to someone who is still somewhat early down the path and looking for direction. But, it's certainly understandable why you can't offer much more - you are not qualified to do so!
How was it left? She said that her doctor would pursue finging a donor(which is always of concern) and, if one is found, she can then decide what to do. I am the second person that she has spoken to and the other person had a positive experience with the transplant as well.
Speaking of that. The myriad eye drops and ointments do seem to help but I am forever dropping something into me eyes.
It's a wonder that I can see at all...
Bobb
September 9, 2010 11:35 PM
Like swimming under water all the time!
I'm constantly taking eye drops or ointment such that my eyes always seem to be full of something. Today I had to go back to Boston to get the serum based eye drops as it could not be shipped and it needs to be refrigerated. I also got another prescription that had to be ordered by my local pharmacy. So, now I take one set of eye drops twice a day, another one four times a day, a third one every two hours, and the ointment just before going to bed. It seems like I'm always putting something in my eyes. The twice a day drops will end in two weeks and we'll see what happens with the others after that.
However, if there is any consolation, there was another gentleman picking up his serum based eye drops along with me and he has to take his every one to two hours! I guess that I am not as needy as he is.
The pharmacist at Mass Eye and Ear said that the serum based drops usually do the trick but that it can take some time before you actually see results - from one to six months. The supply I got today is for three months. I'll have to go back at the end of November to get my blood drawn again for the next batch. It was interesting, yesterday, when they said that they would have to draw my blood for the drops. It didn't phase me in the east. When this all started, I would have cringed at the thought. However, I've had my blood drawn so many times over the past 19 months that I feel like a vampire test dummy at times.
So, does all this stuff work? It does work but for a limited time. Initial treatment makes the discomfort go away but after an hour or two - it returns. At this juncture, that's to be expected but it's nice to get some relief which is quickly restored when I apply a new dose of drops.
As I said yesterday, it's a small inconvenience in the grand scheme of things...
Bob
I'm constantly taking eye drops or ointment such that my eyes always seem to be full of something. Today I had to go back to Boston to get the serum based eye drops as it could not be shipped and it needs to be refrigerated. I also got another prescription that had to be ordered by my local pharmacy. So, now I take one set of eye drops twice a day, another one four times a day, a third one every two hours, and the ointment just before going to bed. It seems like I'm always putting something in my eyes. The twice a day drops will end in two weeks and we'll see what happens with the others after that.
However, if there is any consolation, there was another gentleman picking up his serum based eye drops along with me and he has to take his every one to two hours! I guess that I am not as needy as he is.
The pharmacist at Mass Eye and Ear said that the serum based drops usually do the trick but that it can take some time before you actually see results - from one to six months. The supply I got today is for three months. I'll have to go back at the end of November to get my blood drawn again for the next batch. It was interesting, yesterday, when they said that they would have to draw my blood for the drops. It didn't phase me in the east. When this all started, I would have cringed at the thought. However, I've had my blood drawn so many times over the past 19 months that I feel like a vampire test dummy at times.
So, does all this stuff work? It does work but for a limited time. Initial treatment makes the discomfort go away but after an hour or two - it returns. At this juncture, that's to be expected but it's nice to get some relief which is quickly restored when I apply a new dose of drops.
As I said yesterday, it's a small inconvenience in the grand scheme of things...
Bob
September 8, 2010 10:15 PM
A rather intersting day at Mass Eye and Ear!
Of course, they start you off with a full series of diagnostic tests to ascertain what your status is. My status- moderate to severe dry eye! Is this really bad? In their eyes it means that an agreesive treatment program needs to be put in place to bring it under control.
One reason for my thinking that things seemed to be improving somewhat with the new medication is that the body tries to defend itself by modifying nerve endings so that the pain goes away. This sounds serious but, with treatment, the body starts to rejuvenate them again. In any case, the situation does NOT lead to permanent eye damage such that you cannot see.
Now, what's the treatment plan? Mostly ointments and drops. I now have more eye drops and oitments that I am taking than I never knew existed. And some of this is rather interesting. One of the eye drops is my own blood serum! That's right~ Thwy draw your blood, spin out the cells, and save the serum to be used as eye drops! In this case, it's not my blood - just the blood that I am currently using. So I am to take eye drops periodically during the day and an ointment at bedtime which renders me permanently in blurry land until morning.
But the treatment doesn't stop there! I learned something new today. Your tear ducts are not for manufacturing tears but for drainming them! Since I am still making tears)but at a reduced rate), they plugged up all four of my tear ducts so as to maintain my tears as long as possible.
Now, what happens to the plugs over time? They will gradualy work themselves out but it could be days, weeks, months, even years before they are finally gone.
But it is really good news. The situation is treatable and is a somewhat common side effect of graft vs host disease. But, I will gratefully accept the inconvenience that I am currently facing over the possible end result of not having the bone marrow transplant.
But there is much better news. While we were there, we carried around my Dana-Farber medical records that had been faxed over and they said that everything else was perfect! So I don't currently have to worry about any leukemia at this point.
In life, you take the cards that you have been dealt and you play them the best way that you can.
I am winning...
Bob
Of course, they start you off with a full series of diagnostic tests to ascertain what your status is. My status- moderate to severe dry eye! Is this really bad? In their eyes it means that an agreesive treatment program needs to be put in place to bring it under control.
One reason for my thinking that things seemed to be improving somewhat with the new medication is that the body tries to defend itself by modifying nerve endings so that the pain goes away. This sounds serious but, with treatment, the body starts to rejuvenate them again. In any case, the situation does NOT lead to permanent eye damage such that you cannot see.
Now, what's the treatment plan? Mostly ointments and drops. I now have more eye drops and oitments that I am taking than I never knew existed. And some of this is rather interesting. One of the eye drops is my own blood serum! That's right~ Thwy draw your blood, spin out the cells, and save the serum to be used as eye drops! In this case, it's not my blood - just the blood that I am currently using. So I am to take eye drops periodically during the day and an ointment at bedtime which renders me permanently in blurry land until morning.
But the treatment doesn't stop there! I learned something new today. Your tear ducts are not for manufacturing tears but for drainming them! Since I am still making tears)but at a reduced rate), they plugged up all four of my tear ducts so as to maintain my tears as long as possible.
Now, what happens to the plugs over time? They will gradualy work themselves out but it could be days, weeks, months, even years before they are finally gone.
But it is really good news. The situation is treatable and is a somewhat common side effect of graft vs host disease. But, I will gratefully accept the inconvenience that I am currently facing over the possible end result of not having the bone marrow transplant.
But there is much better news. While we were there, we carried around my Dana-Farber medical records that had been faxed over and they said that everything else was perfect! So I don't currently have to worry about any leukemia at this point.
In life, you take the cards that you have been dealt and you play them the best way that you can.
I am winning...
Bob
September 8, 2010 11:40 PM
Off to see the eye doctor tomorrow!
I have no idea what he is going to do but we'll stick with the game plan. My eyes seem to be improving but I'm certainly not all the way back. Not much else to say about this until after the appointment.
A busy day for me now that I've resumed working on my basement project. It's a great way to occupy my time.
I'll be back tomorrow night when I really have something to report...
Bob
I have no idea what he is going to do but we'll stick with the game plan. My eyes seem to be improving but I'm certainly not all the way back. Not much else to say about this until after the appointment.
A busy day for me now that I've resumed working on my basement project. It's a great way to occupy my time.
I'll be back tomorrow night when I really have something to report...
Bob
September 6, 2010 11:59 PM
Getting back to "normal"!
Now tha Labor Day has come and gone, the fall season begins with its attendent set of activities ramping up. This week is another meeting at the Currier, choir practice begins anew, I have the doctor's appointment on Wednesday, next Monday my leukemia support group reconvenes, bridge begins for our couples group, the men's group, and our condo association group, etc.
Life gets really busy once again and that's great.
After I kind of finish off my projects at home, I'm still going to be looking for 1 or 2 more things to do. Sitting home all day long doing nothing is not an option that appeals to me.
This past weekend has been the last hurrah for the summer and it was so-so weatherwise - very windy and cool. But, fall is just around the corner and I guess that we can't expect much else from the weather even though tomorrow is supposed to be in the upper 80's.
At this point, anything I do is better that what the alternative might have been...
Bob
Now tha Labor Day has come and gone, the fall season begins with its attendent set of activities ramping up. This week is another meeting at the Currier, choir practice begins anew, I have the doctor's appointment on Wednesday, next Monday my leukemia support group reconvenes, bridge begins for our couples group, the men's group, and our condo association group, etc.
Life gets really busy once again and that's great.
After I kind of finish off my projects at home, I'm still going to be looking for 1 or 2 more things to do. Sitting home all day long doing nothing is not an option that appeals to me.
This past weekend has been the last hurrah for the summer and it was so-so weatherwise - very windy and cool. But, fall is just around the corner and I guess that we can't expect much else from the weather even though tomorrow is supposed to be in the upper 80's.
At this point, anything I do is better that what the alternative might have been...
Bob
September 3, 2010 10:05 PM
Bye, bye Earl!
The hurricane went by us today but not without leaving us with a lot of high winds which are still swirling around us right now. The wind limited outside activities taking away some of the enjoyment of this lakeside day. But, still, any day here at the lake is a good day.
The real benefit for me was that my eyes responded well to the air passing over them. Previously, they would have become extremely dry and I would not have been able to stay outside at all. The medication is definitely working and its only been a few days! Needless to say, this has been a great relief.
Overall, with 15 family members here, it makes for a great time.
I'm forever grateful to be a part of it...
Bob
The hurricane went by us today but not without leaving us with a lot of high winds which are still swirling around us right now. The wind limited outside activities taking away some of the enjoyment of this lakeside day. But, still, any day here at the lake is a good day.
The real benefit for me was that my eyes responded well to the air passing over them. Previously, they would have become extremely dry and I would not have been able to stay outside at all. The medication is definitely working and its only been a few days! Needless to say, this has been a great relief.
Overall, with 15 family members here, it makes for a great time.
I'm forever grateful to be a part of it...
Bob
September 2, 2010 11:59 PM
Definite progress!
It seems that the increased prednisone dosage is having a positive affect on my dry eye situation. There was definitely less problems today than yesterday and the days before. However, we still have an appointment with a doctor to look at it next Wednesday. It's at 1:00 so I hope that we leave for Boston after the morning commuter traffic rush and leave for home before the evening commuter traffic rush. We'll see.
I did my second Zimmerman House tour of the week the afternoon and was nicely rewarded with someone saying to me that I conducted a nice tour. It's nice to hear that but it leaves 11 others on the tour who might think that I didn't conduct a nice tour. I'll never, never know and I'm probably better off for it.
Tomorrow it's off to the lake for the weekend and, hopefully, no encounter with Hurricane Earl. At present that does not seem to be the case. But hurricanes can sometimes be capricious so we'll have to see how it tracks tomorrow. In any case it would only affect us late Friday evening and be past us by the morning. Not a big deal!
So it was a good with the prospect of even better days ahead...
Bob
It seems that the increased prednisone dosage is having a positive affect on my dry eye situation. There was definitely less problems today than yesterday and the days before. However, we still have an appointment with a doctor to look at it next Wednesday. It's at 1:00 so I hope that we leave for Boston after the morning commuter traffic rush and leave for home before the evening commuter traffic rush. We'll see.
I did my second Zimmerman House tour of the week the afternoon and was nicely rewarded with someone saying to me that I conducted a nice tour. It's nice to hear that but it leaves 11 others on the tour who might think that I didn't conduct a nice tour. I'll never, never know and I'm probably better off for it.
Tomorrow it's off to the lake for the weekend and, hopefully, no encounter with Hurricane Earl. At present that does not seem to be the case. But hurricanes can sometimes be capricious so we'll have to see how it tracks tomorrow. In any case it would only affect us late Friday evening and be past us by the morning. Not a big deal!
So it was a good with the prospect of even better days ahead...
Bob
September 1, 2010 10:55 PM
Todays rundown!
From my first doctor's visit after 13 weeks.
1. The major interest was my eyes. As I mentioned before, the dry eye effect is the direct result of graft vs host disease(GVHD). The doctor said that I should have an appointment with an opthamologist which they will set up at Mass Eye and Ear. Their treatment regimen is drops. If this fails, there is a facility in Needham that uses special contact lenses as treatment. I hope that it doesn't come to this as I hate purring anything in my eyes - even drops.
2. The doctor noticed blotchy area on my stomach and, therefore, precribed a boosted dose of prednisone to bring any skin problems under control. Again GVHD. None of this is surprising or unusual as the disease usually rears its ugly head from 6 months to 2 years post bone marrow transplant. With any luck, the boosted prednisone will also diminish the dry eye situation as well.
3. While 1 and 2 sound like items of concern that certainly deserve to be closely watched to make sure that we keep them under control - there is underlying good news! It means that the bone marrow transplant is still actively doing its job and the doctor has no concerns or fears that there is any present danger of the leukemia returning.
4. This was corroborated by blood count numbers being the best ever. This also includes my blood pressure, oxygen level, etc. Certainly a cause to celebrate and remain positive.
5. No three months to the next doctor's appointment, I have to return in 4 weeks. That's no surprise and I wouldn't have expected anything else. As the doctor said, we have to be pragmatic about the progress and take active steps to see that everything remains on the path to full recovery.
Now tha September 1 has arrives, my wife and I are now covered by Medicare as well as a defense mechanism against the company terminating my health insurance at a moments notice as they have already tried to do. So, yesterday, I tried to terminate my company insurance to avoid having double coverage. No can do! It seems that while you are on Long Term Disability you are still considered to be a full time employee. In such a case, you cannot terminate your health insurance until January 1 of the next calendar year.
The woman that I spoke to had a really brilliant idea. She said that I could termintae the insurance immediately if I chose to retire. In such a case, my Long Term Disability payments would be terminated immediately as well! It took me quite a while to ponder what my decision would be - double health insurance for 4 months or no more Long Term Disability checks!
In short, I'll gladly trade no leukemia for having some GVHD.
I can live with that...
Bob
From my first doctor's visit after 13 weeks.
1. The major interest was my eyes. As I mentioned before, the dry eye effect is the direct result of graft vs host disease(GVHD). The doctor said that I should have an appointment with an opthamologist which they will set up at Mass Eye and Ear. Their treatment regimen is drops. If this fails, there is a facility in Needham that uses special contact lenses as treatment. I hope that it doesn't come to this as I hate purring anything in my eyes - even drops.
2. The doctor noticed blotchy area on my stomach and, therefore, precribed a boosted dose of prednisone to bring any skin problems under control. Again GVHD. None of this is surprising or unusual as the disease usually rears its ugly head from 6 months to 2 years post bone marrow transplant. With any luck, the boosted prednisone will also diminish the dry eye situation as well.
3. While 1 and 2 sound like items of concern that certainly deserve to be closely watched to make sure that we keep them under control - there is underlying good news! It means that the bone marrow transplant is still actively doing its job and the doctor has no concerns or fears that there is any present danger of the leukemia returning.
4. This was corroborated by blood count numbers being the best ever. This also includes my blood pressure, oxygen level, etc. Certainly a cause to celebrate and remain positive.
5. No three months to the next doctor's appointment, I have to return in 4 weeks. That's no surprise and I wouldn't have expected anything else. As the doctor said, we have to be pragmatic about the progress and take active steps to see that everything remains on the path to full recovery.
Now tha September 1 has arrives, my wife and I are now covered by Medicare as well as a defense mechanism against the company terminating my health insurance at a moments notice as they have already tried to do. So, yesterday, I tried to terminate my company insurance to avoid having double coverage. No can do! It seems that while you are on Long Term Disability you are still considered to be a full time employee. In such a case, you cannot terminate your health insurance until January 1 of the next calendar year.
The woman that I spoke to had a really brilliant idea. She said that I could termintae the insurance immediately if I chose to retire. In such a case, my Long Term Disability payments would be terminated immediately as well! It took me quite a while to ponder what my decision would be - double health insurance for 4 months or no more Long Term Disability checks!
In short, I'll gladly trade no leukemia for having some GVHD.
I can live with that...
Bob
August 30, 2010 10:15 PM
Not much to say!
It's been a quiet few days just working around the house and going to dinner at a friend's house on Saturday night.
Yesterday was my wife's birthday so we spent the latter part of the afternoon and evening at my daughter's house.
Today I did another Zimmerman house tour and I'll follow it up with another one on Thursday.
I'm feeling fine but the proof of the pudding will be on Wednesday after I visit the doctor's office for the first time in three months. I would really like the numbers to corroborate the everything is going according to plan.
Almost forget! The battle still rages with my medicare provider as to whether or not I currently jave health insurance. It's unbelievable! One day I don't jave coverage and the next day I'll be covered twice. I've got three weeks to iron this whole thing out. Bureaucracy is just too much at times. Whatever you do, don't get involved with the government - they screw things up!
Enough ranting.
But, I admit, it makes me feel better...
Bob
It's been a quiet few days just working around the house and going to dinner at a friend's house on Saturday night.
Yesterday was my wife's birthday so we spent the latter part of the afternoon and evening at my daughter's house.
Today I did another Zimmerman house tour and I'll follow it up with another one on Thursday.
I'm feeling fine but the proof of the pudding will be on Wednesday after I visit the doctor's office for the first time in three months. I would really like the numbers to corroborate the everything is going according to plan.
Almost forget! The battle still rages with my medicare provider as to whether or not I currently jave health insurance. It's unbelievable! One day I don't jave coverage and the next day I'll be covered twice. I've got three weeks to iron this whole thing out. Bureaucracy is just too much at times. Whatever you do, don't get involved with the government - they screw things up!
Enough ranting.
But, I admit, it makes me feel better...
Bob
August 27, 2010 11:10 PM
Not much to say!
It's been a quiet few days. Just worked around the house(condo) - moving ahead every day. Not at breakneck speed, mind you, but always inching forward.
Last night we were over at friends for dinner and the same will be true tomorrow night. What a blessing it is to have a somewhat large circle of friens. Not because we can go to their house for dinner, but to be able to socialize with other people sharing your thoughts, ideas, a few laughs, etc. As they say you can pick you can't pick your family but you can pick your friends and I'm grateful that so many people have picked us to be their friends.
Healthwise, no changes. And, finally, we get to go to the doctor on Wednesday and get an update. It will be nice to see how things are advancing with the numbers.
Til the next time...
Bob
It's been a quiet few days. Just worked around the house(condo) - moving ahead every day. Not at breakneck speed, mind you, but always inching forward.
Last night we were over at friends for dinner and the same will be true tomorrow night. What a blessing it is to have a somewhat large circle of friens. Not because we can go to their house for dinner, but to be able to socialize with other people sharing your thoughts, ideas, a few laughs, etc. As they say you can pick you can't pick your family but you can pick your friends and I'm grateful that so many people have picked us to be their friends.
Healthwise, no changes. And, finally, we get to go to the doctor on Wednesday and get an update. It will be nice to see how things are advancing with the numbers.
Til the next time...
Bob
August 25, 2010 11:25 PM
Number 600!
Wow! This is post number 600. I never thought that this would continue on this long. But I guess that it's the one small waythat I can pay back so many of you for taking the time to boost my spirits and help me along the way. For that I will always be eternally gateful and always feel that it's a debt that I can never repay. I know that none of you are ever did anything with the thought of repayment and that makes the situation even more of a miracle to me. God has certainly shown His love for me through each of you. What a blessing!
How did I celebrate such a momentous occasion? I had a docent's meeting at the Currier andthen I went for the first time to my new local doctor. My last doctor retired and for the longest time my doctor at Dana-Farber restricted himself to being my only doctor. But, as my time slowly winds down there, it is time to ramp up locally. Nothing of any import happened today as I have "nothing" wrong with me. So the visit was short and it will be six months until the next one.
Otherwise, I work here at home and try to keep as busy as I can. As "they" sat, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop."
Tomorrow it's over to friends for dinner and ditto with Saturday. It's nice to be so popular;)
Seriously, however, life is good no matter what your situation.
Enjoy every moment of it as if it could be your last.
May God bless you all...
Bob
Wow! This is post number 600. I never thought that this would continue on this long. But I guess that it's the one small waythat I can pay back so many of you for taking the time to boost my spirits and help me along the way. For that I will always be eternally gateful and always feel that it's a debt that I can never repay. I know that none of you are ever did anything with the thought of repayment and that makes the situation even more of a miracle to me. God has certainly shown His love for me through each of you. What a blessing!
How did I celebrate such a momentous occasion? I had a docent's meeting at the Currier andthen I went for the first time to my new local doctor. My last doctor retired and for the longest time my doctor at Dana-Farber restricted himself to being my only doctor. But, as my time slowly winds down there, it is time to ramp up locally. Nothing of any import happened today as I have "nothing" wrong with me. So the visit was short and it will be six months until the next one.
Otherwise, I work here at home and try to keep as busy as I can. As "they" sat, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop."
Tomorrow it's over to friends for dinner and ditto with Saturday. It's nice to be so popular;)
Seriously, however, life is good no matter what your situation.
Enjoy every moment of it as if it could be your last.
May God bless you all...
Bob
August 24, 2010 12:15 AM
Framed!
A couple of pictures that is. My wife being an artist periodically needs to have her handiwork framed and I am the designated framer. It seems easy enough but there are a number of steps involved each involving a different set of materials and tools which makes it a lengthy process. In any case, doing it yourself saves a lot of money. Nuf said!
Played bridge with friends tonight - didn't have great cards but had a lot of fun. That's what it's all about.
Healthwise(which is the important stuff), I'm doing OK. The eyes periodically flare up but all I'm in good shape - still being able to function well. My wife was reading an article about someone who had to wear their Hickman catheter for 2 and a half years. I didn't know how lucky I was to be able to offload it after only seven months. It's such a pain to flush that thing every day and it's so dangerous if you don't. Thank God I don't have to think about that.
It's getting onto two years since this whole thing started with my being out of breath after climbing only one flight of stairs. This doesn't happen anymore!
My how time flies when you're having fun...
Bob
A couple of pictures that is. My wife being an artist periodically needs to have her handiwork framed and I am the designated framer. It seems easy enough but there are a number of steps involved each involving a different set of materials and tools which makes it a lengthy process. In any case, doing it yourself saves a lot of money. Nuf said!
Played bridge with friends tonight - didn't have great cards but had a lot of fun. That's what it's all about.
Healthwise(which is the important stuff), I'm doing OK. The eyes periodically flare up but all I'm in good shape - still being able to function well. My wife was reading an article about someone who had to wear their Hickman catheter for 2 and a half years. I didn't know how lucky I was to be able to offload it after only seven months. It's such a pain to flush that thing every day and it's so dangerous if you don't. Thank God I don't have to think about that.
It's getting onto two years since this whole thing started with my being out of breath after climbing only one flight of stairs. This doesn't happen anymore!
My how time flies when you're having fun...
Bob
August 22, 2010 12:25 AM
Our company just left!
We played bridge with friends tonight and, after much chitchatting after we finished playing, they just left. That was today's major event.
Yesterday I got word that my doctor will not be available this Wednesday as planned so my appointment has been moved to September 1st. Not really a big deal.
Now, however, I'm really concerned about Medicare after the two letters that I received on Thursday and Friday referring to our signing up for prescription coverage(Part D). Thursday's letter sais that they needed proof that I currently had prescriptoon coverage otherwise I would be penalized for not having any coverage over the past year and a half. Friday's letter said that since I alreasdy have active prescription coverage they would not enroll me in the prescription plan unless I specifically called them and requested it. Which is it? Is this what we are going to have to look forward to under Obamacare?
After three days of walking and picture taking in Maine, getting back toi reality and working here at home is not as much fun. Admittedly, I don't go to work. But I don't sit on my thumbs all day either. And I don't stop for Saturday or Sunday as well. It has been beautiful weather this summer but I don't necessarily get out there to enjoy it each day.
Tomorrow will be no different...
Bob
We played bridge with friends tonight and, after much chitchatting after we finished playing, they just left. That was today's major event.
Yesterday I got word that my doctor will not be available this Wednesday as planned so my appointment has been moved to September 1st. Not really a big deal.
Now, however, I'm really concerned about Medicare after the two letters that I received on Thursday and Friday referring to our signing up for prescription coverage(Part D). Thursday's letter sais that they needed proof that I currently had prescriptoon coverage otherwise I would be penalized for not having any coverage over the past year and a half. Friday's letter said that since I alreasdy have active prescription coverage they would not enroll me in the prescription plan unless I specifically called them and requested it. Which is it? Is this what we are going to have to look forward to under Obamacare?
After three days of walking and picture taking in Maine, getting back toi reality and working here at home is not as much fun. Admittedly, I don't go to work. But I don't sit on my thumbs all day either. And I don't stop for Saturday or Sunday as well. It has been beautiful weather this summer but I don't necessarily get out there to enjoy it each day.
Tomorrow will be no different...
Bob
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