Great News!!!! Tuesday September 14th

Just a quick update to say that things have really changed over the past 2 days - and it's all good! Ed was told yesterday that he didn't need to take home his IV medications in the 15lb. bag that he was hauling around. I can't tell you how much this picked up his spirits! The visiting nurse also doesn't need to stop by anymore.
His blood numbers and white cells have increased enough that he doesn't have to be totally isolated anymore. He still has to avoid crowds and sick people. (Something we like to avoid anyway!) Starting Wednesday he only has to go to the hospital to check his blood work. Thursday he gets his port removed! :)

He chemo damaged a lot of fast growing cells, which included the stomach and hair cells. Hence the nauseousness and occasional diarrhea. His hair was starting to slightly thin/fall out today, so we will see if he has to shave his head. He claims he is still dog tired and "spacey". He actually walked 2/3 of a mile yesterday and today - which is a big deal!

Bottom line is that Ed has done extremely well during this entire procedure. He progressed just as they predicted, but he didn't get many of the extreme side effects that sometimes accompany this treatment (sores in mouth, throwing up, hives from the platelet transplant). The doctor and nurses were impressed all along with his progress. Unequivocally his positive attitude and cheerfulness definitely added to his speedy recovery. I totally marvel at his spirit and cheerfulness, even when he hits rock bottom. His attitude has kept me totally grounded, and being his caregiver has been a pleasure. I only had 2 days where I felt very lonely and depressed because Ed was sleeping most of the time, and too weak to talk. Other than that we have enjoyed our long rides to the hospital, reading, and watching movies together. Considering how sick he has been - he is great company. He still misses teaching, but as he gets healthier , he will be able to enjoy more of his retirement.

Thanks to Colleen and Paul for their Dunkin' Donuts gift certificate. This will be well used for pumpkin lattes at the hospital! A shout out also to Barb B. for her extreme gift and ever ending support. Can't thank her enough. Additionally thanks to Beth C. for bringing over a yummy fantastic chicken potato casserole tonight for dinner. All the calls, cards, e-mails, and texts have been more than uplifting, and we could never thank people enough.

Well enough philosophical dribble - Ed will be back to Blog soon!