Well I have been waiting all day for some sort of inspiration but.......
I guess the good news is nothing much is happening with Bill.... the bad news is I have nothing much to blog about!
Today was another day of the about the same. A little more sleeping and a little less appetite. The nurses all love Bill because he is so low maintenance. He did have a visit from a Eucharistic Minister from Holy Name Cathedral which was very nice for him to be able to receive communion. I know one of biggest things Bill has missed is being able to go to church regularly. There have been many weeks when his white counts have been too low to chance being out in public. I have been bringing him home communion but my homilies have a lot to be desired!
We did have a moment of great excitement last night when Drea sent a text to his phone with a picture of an ultrasound and the caption: You are going to be GRANDPARENTS!!!!! It put a big smile on his face and definitely made my day!
Bill and Kay
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Day +5
Well........ I have been trying to come up with something interesting to report but........as Dr. Olga said this morning "Sir, there is nothing interesting about you". Of course she was referring to his medical condition and not his personality.
He is still doing remarkably well. His hemoglobin held so he escaped one more day without receiving blood products. He is extremely tired so the walk around the hall was a little slower than yesterday and he is on his 2nd nap of the day. Other than that no real news to report. I took advantage of him feeling pretty good along with the light Sunday traffic and took the car home. It has been sitting in the parking garage racking up a nice bill so I dashed home, did 2 quick loads of laundry and took the train back into the city.
As Bill and I were walking the hall this afternoon we met a gentleman receiving treatment with his wife helping him try to get around a few laps. We were once again stuck by the incredible positive attitudes all the patients seem to have. He had a joke each time we passed him in the hall and he told us he loved having a captive audience for his 1 line jokes!
The theme of the stem cell transplant program here is "Celebrate Life". Bill received a goodie bag filled with some fun things so I thought you might like to see the note of explanation.
Poster signed by the transplant team.
This group of individuals truly work together as a team from the housekeeping staff, patient care techs, nurses, to the laboratory staff who take care of the precious stem cells. It is very uplifting to see this amazing group working together in ensure the comfort of these very special patients!
Blessings,
Kay and Bill
He is still doing remarkably well. His hemoglobin held so he escaped one more day without receiving blood products. He is extremely tired so the walk around the hall was a little slower than yesterday and he is on his 2nd nap of the day. Other than that no real news to report. I took advantage of him feeling pretty good along with the light Sunday traffic and took the car home. It has been sitting in the parking garage racking up a nice bill so I dashed home, did 2 quick loads of laundry and took the train back into the city.
As Bill and I were walking the hall this afternoon we met a gentleman receiving treatment with his wife helping him try to get around a few laps. We were once again stuck by the incredible positive attitudes all the patients seem to have. He had a joke each time we passed him in the hall and he told us he loved having a captive audience for his 1 line jokes!
The theme of the stem cell transplant program here is "Celebrate Life". Bill received a goodie bag filled with some fun things so I thought you might like to see the note of explanation.
Poster signed by the transplant team. This group of individuals truly work together as a team from the housekeeping staff, patient care techs, nurses, to the laboratory staff who take care of the precious stem cells. It is very uplifting to see this amazing group working together in ensure the comfort of these very special patients!
Blessings,
Kay and Bill
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Day +4
Happy Saturday!!!
Bill woke up this morning with a big smile and said " It is the weekend so we can just relax today"
I received a lovely compliment yesterday about how positive it is that I am numbering the days! I had to confess that this is the way the transplant program works. Everyone is not only connected with a name but also what day in the transplant process they are at. So today is related to 4 days after the transplant. But, thanks Barb for the beautiful compliment!
Bill is still doing well. He escaped a transfusion today by .3 so tomorrow he will definitely begin receiving blood products to get him through til his body starts making those blood cells again. He is getting some IV fluid today so he is connected to his IV pole for some of the day. So far he has been pretty IV free which makes getting around and showering much easier.
He is slowing down a bit more so I fear that I may need to motivate him to walk those halls. So far the stickers have worked because if I forget to put one up after our walk he definitely lets me know!
We received a visit today from the head of the Oncology department wanting to know our thoughts about the hospital, staff etc. She asked Bill what he would change if he could and he struggled because we have been so pleased with the care he has been receiving both physically, spiritually and emotionally. I did suggest a few things: A small chapel on the floor since the patients can't leave to go downstairs; coffee and shower for family on this floor. I have to go up to the 16th floor and it is a bit of a pain to go through 5 sets of doors and wash my hands twice for my morning coffee and the doors are locked until 7:00 a.m.
So the rest of Bill's day will be spent relaxing, watching some television, a few walks and maybe a a game or 2 of poker! Wishing you all a very relaxing weekend as well!!!!
Bill and Kay
Bill woke up this morning with a big smile and said " It is the weekend so we can just relax today"
I received a lovely compliment yesterday about how positive it is that I am numbering the days! I had to confess that this is the way the transplant program works. Everyone is not only connected with a name but also what day in the transplant process they are at. So today is related to 4 days after the transplant. But, thanks Barb for the beautiful compliment!
Bill is still doing well. He escaped a transfusion today by .3 so tomorrow he will definitely begin receiving blood products to get him through til his body starts making those blood cells again. He is getting some IV fluid today so he is connected to his IV pole for some of the day. So far he has been pretty IV free which makes getting around and showering much easier.
He is slowing down a bit more so I fear that I may need to motivate him to walk those halls. So far the stickers have worked because if I forget to put one up after our walk he definitely lets me know!
We received a visit today from the head of the Oncology department wanting to know our thoughts about the hospital, staff etc. She asked Bill what he would change if he could and he struggled because we have been so pleased with the care he has been receiving both physically, spiritually and emotionally. I did suggest a few things: A small chapel on the floor since the patients can't leave to go downstairs; coffee and shower for family on this floor. I have to go up to the 16th floor and it is a bit of a pain to go through 5 sets of doors and wash my hands twice for my morning coffee and the doors are locked until 7:00 a.m.
So the rest of Bill's day will be spent relaxing, watching some television, a few walks and maybe a a game or 2 of poker! Wishing you all a very relaxing weekend as well!!!!
Bill and Kay
Friday, April 27, 2012
Day +3
Things have been going so well I keep waiting for the shoe to drop.............
Bill became walking buddies today with Scott, a fellow patient. I met his wife, Betty, the first time we were here when Bill received his 2nd round of inpatient chemo. Betty and I have stayed in contact these past few weeks so it was nice to see a familiar face.
I asked Bill what he wanted to do today. Passing the time, so far, has been the hardest part of this process. Game shows can only take up so much of the day! During his morning nap a nice volunteer stopped by: She brought Courage, Strength, Hope, Warm Thoughts, Determination, Angel Wishes, an Original Poem, and many well wishes.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to lift Bill's spirits with your cards, emails, texts, facebook postings and calls. We feel surrounded with love!
Bill became walking buddies today with Scott, a fellow patient. I met his wife, Betty, the first time we were here when Bill received his 2nd round of inpatient chemo. Betty and I have stayed in contact these past few weeks so it was nice to see a familiar face.
I asked Bill what he wanted to do today. Passing the time, so far, has been the hardest part of this process. Game shows can only take up so much of the day! During his morning nap a nice volunteer stopped by: She brought Courage, Strength, Hope, Warm Thoughts, Determination, Angel Wishes, an Original Poem, and many well wishes.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to lift Bill's spirits with your cards, emails, texts, facebook postings and calls. We feel surrounded with love!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Day +2
Today looks like it will be another pretty good day!
Maintenance adjusted the temperature so the room last night was not so stifling hot! The filtration system here is I believe is what they call a negative air flow? The air is EXTREMELY dry! My challenge today is to keep Bill hydrated. His doctor confirmed today what I have been telling him that he needs to drink more! He told his nurse that he needed a case of beer!!!! Pretty funny coming from a man who doesn't drink!
His numbers although still going down are still pretty good! It takes until day 10 or 11 for these new stem cells to get where they needed to go and do their thing! So the longer his numbers are still in the good range the shorter the time he will feel crappy and need transfusions!
This game show routine I fear will drive me crazy!!!! I found though while they are on it gives me time to get some work done!
I will check back in this afternoon...............
7:00 pm
Bill had another number of laps around the halls followed by a nap. During his nap I decided to talk a walk outside and headed toward Holy Cathedral Church. Sitting there reflecting I couldn't take my mind off of this wing we are on in the hospital. It has a total of 18 rooms. 18 completely occupied rooms. Everyone here is either getting a transplant or chemo for some type of blood cancer. Every once in awhile someone leaves and immediately the room is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and a new patient is moved in. Every one's treatment is different because I am learning how many different types of blood cancers there are and how each person responds differently to the treatments. What has hit Bill and me so hard is the many young patients here. Today we met Amy, a beautiful young woman in her 20's as we were walking. Her transplant is scheduled for next week. She reminded us so much of our neighbor Kelly who lost her battle with Leukemia not very long ago. Kelly was also a beautiful young woman both inside and out and was the first to welcome us to the neighborhood. We also were blessed today to witness a young man in his 30's going home after his transplant. What a joy that was to see the excitement on his and his wife's faces as they were leaving the wing. It is difficult not to question the whys of this disease. Earlier in the week when we were speaking with Chaplin Jeanie and discussing some of this she shared with us a quote, " Leave the unknown to the known God". As Bill is anticipating his body to start feeling the side effects of the very potent chemo he received and his fear of the unknown we try and remember to leave this in God's hands.
Maintenance adjusted the temperature so the room last night was not so stifling hot! The filtration system here is I believe is what they call a negative air flow? The air is EXTREMELY dry! My challenge today is to keep Bill hydrated. His doctor confirmed today what I have been telling him that he needs to drink more! He told his nurse that he needed a case of beer!!!! Pretty funny coming from a man who doesn't drink!
His numbers although still going down are still pretty good! It takes until day 10 or 11 for these new stem cells to get where they needed to go and do their thing! So the longer his numbers are still in the good range the shorter the time he will feel crappy and need transfusions!
This game show routine I fear will drive me crazy!!!! I found though while they are on it gives me time to get some work done!
I will check back in this afternoon...............
7:00 pm
Bill had another number of laps around the halls followed by a nap. During his nap I decided to talk a walk outside and headed toward Holy Cathedral Church. Sitting there reflecting I couldn't take my mind off of this wing we are on in the hospital. It has a total of 18 rooms. 18 completely occupied rooms. Everyone here is either getting a transplant or chemo for some type of blood cancer. Every once in awhile someone leaves and immediately the room is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and a new patient is moved in. Every one's treatment is different because I am learning how many different types of blood cancers there are and how each person responds differently to the treatments. What has hit Bill and me so hard is the many young patients here. Today we met Amy, a beautiful young woman in her 20's as we were walking. Her transplant is scheduled for next week. She reminded us so much of our neighbor Kelly who lost her battle with Leukemia not very long ago. Kelly was also a beautiful young woman both inside and out and was the first to welcome us to the neighborhood. We also were blessed today to witness a young man in his 30's going home after his transplant. What a joy that was to see the excitement on his and his wife's faces as they were leaving the wing. It is difficult not to question the whys of this disease. Earlier in the week when we were speaking with Chaplin Jeanie and discussing some of this she shared with us a quote, " Leave the unknown to the known God". As Bill is anticipating his body to start feeling the side effects of the very potent chemo he received and his fear of the unknown we try and remember to leave this in God's hands.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Day +1
Getting into the Routine! I am glad Bill is a morning person because the day starts between 5 and 6 just like home!
5:30 am Weight Check
7:30 8 laps around the halls
8:30 Transplant team visit ( Doctor, Nurse practioner, pharmacist and PA)
addiing general antibiotics, something to lower his phosphorus, and new antibiotic for his toe
9:00 Breakfast
DEAL OR NO DEAL
10:00 PRICE IS RIGHT
more to come......................
11:00 nap
12:30 6 laps around the hall
1:00 Lunch
2:00 JUDGE JUDY
2:30 8 more laps
3:00 Afternoon smoothie
4:00 FAMILY FEUD
THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONGGGGGGGGG COUPLE OF WEEKS!
5:30 am Weight Check
7:30 8 laps around the halls
8:30 Transplant team visit ( Doctor, Nurse practioner, pharmacist and PA)
addiing general antibiotics, something to lower his phosphorus, and new antibiotic for his toe
9:00 Breakfast
DEAL OR NO DEAL
10:00 PRICE IS RIGHT
more to come......................
11:00 nap
12:30 6 laps around the hall
1:00 Lunch
2:00 JUDGE JUDY
2:30 8 more laps
3:00 Afternoon smoothie
4:00 FAMILY FEUD
THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONGGGGGGGGG COUPLE OF WEEKS!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Day 0 "This is the Day the Lord has made. Let us Rejoice and be Glad!"
Today is the day we have been waiting for!!!!!!
They are giving Bill back his stem cells at 4:00 p.m. today!!! The chaplain is going to bless them first!
They will start an IV of hydration at noon and continue it until about 8 pm. This helps his kidneys handle the preservative they are stored in better. The actual transplant will only take about 1 hour! Pretty amazing stuff!
Blood counts today:
White 6.1
Red 8.7
Platelets 185
Down a bit from yesterday but still in a normal range which tells us the previous 2 chemo's helped reduce the disease. The chemo yesterday will wipe them all out so they will start giving him transfusions when he drops dangerously low.
More to follow........ It is time for a few laps around the hall.
4:00 pm
PICTURES OF TRANSPLANT
Stem Cell Storage:
Coming out of Storage
Defrosting Stem Cells
Ready to GO
Stem Cells being Infused
Bill enjoying a popcicle during transplant
Transplant Team
Chaplin Jeanie Blessed Bill's Stem Cells before Transplant
They are giving Bill back his stem cells at 4:00 p.m. today!!! The chaplain is going to bless them first!
They will start an IV of hydration at noon and continue it until about 8 pm. This helps his kidneys handle the preservative they are stored in better. The actual transplant will only take about 1 hour! Pretty amazing stuff!
Blood counts today:
White 6.1
Red 8.7
Platelets 185
Down a bit from yesterday but still in a normal range which tells us the previous 2 chemo's helped reduce the disease. The chemo yesterday will wipe them all out so they will start giving him transfusions when he drops dangerously low.
More to follow........ It is time for a few laps around the hall.
4:00 pm
PICTURES OF TRANSPLANT
Stem Cell Storage:
Coming out of StorageDefrosting Stem CellsReady to GOStem Cells being Infused Bill enjoying a popcicle during transplant
Transplant TeamChaplin Jeanie Blessed Bill's Stem Cells before Transplant
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