I've had a lot of visitors lately -- my dear wife has been here regularly, my father came to see me as well as Deb and Barry, my sister and brother-in-law, not to mention my Aunt Or, my Uncle Larry, and friend Robert. Between the visits and the ongoing daily routine of the hospital, things have been fairly busy. Thank you all for your love and support.
On the cancer front, so far, no major complications yet (mouth and throat sores, infections). My blood counts have been dropping every day, and this morning the Physician's Assistant told me that as of today, I have almost no white blood cells. This is expected, and Dr. Hoda told me that the fact that my counts came down somewhat slower may be a good sign.
The nausea has really ramped up, so we have been working to try and counteract it and to enable me to maintain my calorie intake and fluids. This has been more of a struggle, although today it seems a bit better. Eating is much more difficult when there is little or no appetite. We'll keep working at it.
To improve my outcomes, I have also been walking every day -- they strongly encourage this, and they have calculated how far around the unit equals a mile, so I've been putting in my time. However, the other day when the sun was shining and the birds were singing, Patricia asked the staff if I could actually go outside. There had been mention of something about this in our earlier meetings before admission, but for some reason I thought that would be for after the transplant. They said that we could! Thank you, Patricia!
So we conspired and got the whole group to go with us on our regular unit walk, but as we approached the elevators, we whispered to the family and friends that we couldn't stand it any longer and were going to make a break for it. They looked shocked at first and somewhat anxious as we loaded the elevator, but we all made it out and had some fun with it.
It was really good to get out for a bit, to see the sunshine not only through a window, and to feel the breeze. Simple things that are of great value. I wish I could go out today, but it will be a little while before that happens again. Enjoy it for me!
Deb and Anton make a break for it
Don't try and stop us!
Barry and Anton - view of the Capitol
Solidarity!
I do like this superhero outfit, the blue cap really sets it off. Thanks for the update, some of us worry.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anton. I am glad you got out for awhile. We are all thinking about you and praying for your speedy and FULL recovery!
ReplyDeleteThank you Drs. Matt and Kris -- I'm doing reasonably well right now; we are entering the nadir zone, so I hope I can keep it up. I will probably need at least one transfusion today and possibly tomorrow. Keep the prayers coming!
ReplyDeleteHey, Anton...so nice to hear of your progress...congrats on fighting the fight like a true warrior. Patricia told me of your "big break," good to know that you still like to play games...You and Patricia are in my prayers. I guess you know you are married to a saint.
ReplyDeleteWell I tried to post a comment and I can't find it anywhere so here it goes again...
ReplyDeleteAnton,
Thanks for creating this Blog. It is good to hear about your progress and your "break-away" while on your walk. Smiling and humor definitely has an effect on our bodies and minds and like you mentioned there are many studies that prove that. Your willingness to see the good in this phase of your life says a lot about you and your tenacity and trust in God's Plan.
Tawny's mom - Starla - had leukemia 6/7 years ago and it was a very grueling journey as she received a bone marrow transplant. Although grueling we are more than grateful today to still have here with us and thankful to all those at the cancer center who cared for her and cured her cancer. I pray that the outcome of your treatments are just as rewarding if not even more so.
Stay positive and know that you are an inspiration to many. Especially in the ward. There are many praying for you and Bishop Smith mentions you and how you are doing regularly. He asks us to pray and remember you and Patricia in our prayers.
Here is a joke for you just in case the nurses don't have one for you today:
After an elderly couple starts getting forgetful, they visit their doctor. Their doctor tells them that many people find it useful to write themselves little notes.
When they get home, the wife says, "Dear, will you please go to the kitchen and get me a dish of ice cream? And maybe write that down so you won't forget?"
"Nonsense," says the husband. "I can remember a dish of ice cream."
"Well, I'd also like some strawberries and whipped cream on it," the wife replies.
"My memory's not all that bad," says the husband. "No problem -- a dish of ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream. I don't need to write it down."
He goes into the kitchen, and his wife hears pots and pans banging.
The husband finally emerges from the kitchen and presents his wife with a plate of bacon and eggs.
She looks at the plate and asks, "Hey, where's the toast I asked for?"
Looking forward to your nest post, Anton.
Daniel -- thanks for the joke; that is a great one! Everyone has liked it.
ReplyDelete