Greetings from bed 2.
I'm pleased to say that after 2 sessions of chemo, I am doing well. There have been no side effects as yet, but I expect that to change. I am scheduled for 4 more days of the current regimen, then 1 day of something that is supposed to be really nasty. The 7 days are designed to kill my blood while not effecting my marrow. Then I will require 3 weeks to recover. I am being tested twice daily to monitor the need for transfusions. All the while, I am required to shower twice daily complete with new clothes, changing bed sheets, no jewelry (Beck loves it, she gets mine too). I'm trying to get 10 laps of the floor daily. I do it 3 laps at a time. Ten is ssupposed to equal a mile. I'm tracking all these requirements on a white board in my room so visitors and staff can see what's happening.
Beck and Emily have been here since Thursday. It's nice to have them here. They are staying at a nearby hotel and commuting by MUNI. They were at Union Square for the lighting of the tree last night, along with thousands of others. They have also discovered some new restaurants. More ammo for when I get out.
The staff here has been great. I have been blessed with nurses who care and are easy to work with. Each nurse has only 3 or 4 patients and is responsible for all my care including housekeeping (other than garbage and mopping the floor). They are attentive and responsive. Without exception, the skill set of the nursing staff meets the job description, and they love their jobs. Very cool. The doctors seem to meet the same high praise with the exception of Dr.What's -her- name, whose bone marow biopsy training was from Abu Garub, the Doctors have been great as well. I will be interested to see if anything changes after the holiday weekend is over.
All my siblings have been tested. Their samples are here. Results have been delayed due to the holiday, but next week I should know if there is a match.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I'll close by saying how thankful I am on so many levels; for such incredible medical care; for so many friends who love care so much; but mostly to my family (you know who you are) without whom this would be unendurable. I love you all...
Rick
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4 comments:
Rick - Have never done a blog before so hope this works.... Very, very happy to hear you still are feeling okay-each good day is a blessing. We are thinking of you always and hope to see you in a week or so.
Connie&Gary
Rick: Your composure never ceases to amaze me.I'm glad to hear your spirits are up despite everything you are in the midst of right now. Take care!
Lisa Schnaidt
Wow, Beck, pretty desperate measures to get your husband to practice better hygeine! Joke, OK? So, Rick, you're walking more than I am these days unless you count my steps from the kitchen counter to the oven and back with sheets of cookies. With any luck you will be out of major germ-free, hyper-control phase in time to enjoy some of these. Keep up the good work and the good spirit. Much love from your other wife, Maria
Rick:
I think it's a terrific idea that you have started this blog, even though the news is ofter tough to hear (like, when you are in pain). At least the treatments are now underway, so progress is being made.
If you'd like some other holiday news, my Mother is recuperating at home from her recent hospitalization. Her biggest problem now is her vision, which has deteriorted badly. That makes it more difficult to use email, which she loves. I've showed her how to increase the font size, so that helps a little.
My brother, Jay, was forced to evacuate (for the second time this season) his Malibu home this weekend. He was able to get back in last night, though there are no utilities in the canyon. Homes right across the street from them were burned, so they were very fortunate.
Vanessa and Benjamin were here in Orlando with us for Thanksgiving. I "celebrated" by joining the "Lavely Skydiving Club," jumping out from 18,000 feet over Cape Canaveral on Saturday. I was able to sing "Happy Birthday" to Vanessa (her 26th) as we floated down. Wanda did her first jump last year, and Benjamin and Vanessa have jumped multiple times.
Keep up your spirits, Rick, and we will continue to pray for you. Love to all your family.
Love, Tony
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