56 Days and Counting

Boy, I know I have been meaning to update my blog, but I didn't realize so much time has gone by.  Today is my 57th day since I left the hospital.  We are more than halfway to the "milestone" 100 day checkup when we'll go back up to SLC for a final visit with the Transplant Unit.  In the meantime, I'm back to working with my local oncologist.  Some of you have still been sending me a joke of the day which I appreciate!  :)

As of about a month ago, my white blood cells were staying in normal range -- yes!  My red blood cells and platelets were below normal, but not by too much, so that is looking pretty good.  We still won't know about how the cancer is doing until we do a checkup in about 6-7 more weeks.

Overall, things are going pretty well:  No naps, walking around 2.5 - 3 miles, five times a week, and working part-time from home.  I'm making progress on my major projects (designing my online Abnormal Psych course and working on my book), and I can go to the store etc. either when they aren't busy or with a mask.  I'm going to ask the doctor about masks when I go to visit again this week.  I still can't get in the dirt; my wife, bless her, is doing the outside work this spring and summer from planting, moving compost, etc.

Speaking of projects -- I am trying to build wooden tomato cages for my wife to put in the garden.  Since I suppose wood does not have loads of bacteria or mold in it, I can work with it, but I am doing this in the garage with my mask on.  Loads of fun!  Both this project and the walking, though, have taught me something.  With exceptions, I feel like I am trying to resume a "normal" life; however, the swelling of my feet and ankles, my tiredness the next day, and ongoing aches and pains tells me that I think that I am more ready for things than sometimes I am.  At least I think that is what they are telling me.  I feel pretty good, so I assume I can do normal things, but I am finding out that I am not quite back to normal yet.  I think it will come, but I've had to cut back on some of the walking (not quite as far) and trying to get some rest in, and I may not be able to cut as much lumber in a day as I thought I would.

I think it is an ongoing issue of adjustment.  But that is what all of life is, right?  We all have to adjust to the things that come our way and learn how to interact the best way we know how.  Thank you again for your love and support.  As my friend Buzz likes to say:  To Infinity and Beyond!