Day + 19

Hi All,

Well, I have been home a week now, and all seems to be going smoothly to date. Saw my transplant Doc on Thursday, and he confirmed that as well. They are constantly tweaking my medicine doses, and monitoring all my body functions, and I get the feeling that will go on for a long time, but that's what they are there for, right? Makes me think of a master chef, constantly tasting his creation, adding a pinch here, and a pinch there to offset too much of whatever ingredients he uses. ( I know Richie takes that analogy to heart!) Hope I taste terrific when it's all over! One difficult thing that I feel very badly about after my doctor visit...When I told him Cookie was going back to work next week to her 1st grade class, and I asked the doc what preventative measures she could take to not pick up any illness from the kids. He proceeded to tell me that, if at all possible, she should take off the remainder of the school year, or live somewhere else while she went back! Not very good options, either way. I dreaded telling her the advice when I got home. But when he explained to me that, among other everyday sicknesses floating around, the flu (not just the new version) is rampant and at it's highest level of the year. And he has transplant patients back in the hospital, some in serious trouble, from picking up what most of the adult world can fight off on their own. My darling wife is a very devoted teacher, as most of you know. But she is an even more devoted spouse, and refused to leave me for 3-4 weeks. So she is taking off and additional 2 weeks, and playing it by ear. She would love to see her little kids again, and may work out something for a few days at the end. Thank goodness there are teachers like her out there for our youth! And thank goodness she is my wife!
Meanwhile, it's great to finally see some sunshine. We were out on the deck yesterday, under the new umbrella we got from dear sister Barbara and brother-in-law Herb. And Cook and I took a stroll around the neighborhood as well (have to start regaining some muscle and stamina!). We had a great evening with friends Sandi and Warren Friday night, which was a treat. Thanks to Mylove (2) for keeping in touch! I ditto Cookies last blog, and she said it better than I can, regarding how great you all have been since the beginning of this thing...please keep it up!
Big day in sports today...Blackhawks vs. Wings (a classic original 6 rivalry that has the town buzzing), and two game sevens in the NBA...I know I will have plenty of TV time! Love to you All!

Mike