Sunday, July 19, 2009

One small step...one giant leap

Hi Family and Friends,
I can't believe that it's been about 80 days since the transplant. At first, time felt like it was crawling at a snail's pace, but now it's seems to be passing very quickly. Of course that is always the case when dealing with a stressful situation. It is a great sign that time seems to be moving at a rather normal pace these days. When we first returned home from the hospital, Mike was very weak. Our first attempts at taking a walk, consisted of the few steps to the corner and back. I wore my flip-flops, and the only hazard that I had in doing so, was that I would trip on my sandals from walking too slowly. When we arrived back at the house, Mike had to rest because he was worn out. We continued our daily walks and slowly, but surely, progress was made. Now, when we go for a walk...I have to put on my very serious NB shoes and keep pace with Mike. Who would've "thunk it"? Mike is enjoying the Wii. It is really a fun way to excercise your body and brain. He is improving quickly, but I'm still holding my own on many of the game scores.
I've been thinking about Neil Armstrong's moonwalk 40 years ago on July 20. Of course, I remember being glued to the TV when the broadcast showed the first steps. I still get emotional thinking about that thrilling moment. Neil Armstrong faced the challenge of that day against enormous odds. He accepted the Apollo mission knowing that there was a 50/50 chance that he would return safely from that trip. It took tremendous courage to take that "leap of faith". Without question, he is one of the most important heroes of our time. There are many heroes that have accomplished extraordinary feats. They may be more modest by comparison, but that doesn't make them any less significant. Some accomplishments play to a smaller audience. Neil Armstrong will always be thought of as a hero. Heroes must have enormous spirit to rise to the occasion in the face of adversity. I find it it easy to think of Mike as my hero. He is courageous, gracious, determined, and sensitive...all traits that have aided him in getting to this point in his recovery. He has worked diligently to increase his stamina. Of course, the Donor, Doctors and Nurses have provided the medical necessities that have brought him to this point, but HIS positive attitude is the driving force that propels him forward. So, while his steps may not be the first ones on the moon... they radiate with the moon's glow, carrying that same courage and strength one needs to make a giant leap. Thank you for your part is getting us to this point in Mike's recovery. We wish you LOVE, STRENGTH, and STAMINA. Always and 4ever- Cookie

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Day 72

Hi to All,

I'm not sure anyone out there will even read this post, as most of you probably gave up on me due to my neglect these past many weeks! But several people have asked about the blog, so I finally got around to a new update. If you have missed us, please accept our apologies. There just has not been that much to write about lately.
Anyway, I hope you all had a great Fathers Day, and a fabulous 4th of July weekend! I have been feeling pretty good all along, with very minor issues to deal with, and the medical team is very pleased with my progress. I had some anemia issues for several weeks, but the counts are rising (mostly due to some shots I have received the past 4 weeks), and my energy level has improved with the treatments. While I am not going to attend my Enro sales meeting next week in Dallas, I am still shooting for a return to active duty in early August, especially for my first big show in Chicago beginning Aug. 9th. In fact, I just received my first shipment of sample cartons when we arrived home today, so things are starting to look a little more normal (at least normal for me, a very relative term).
Speaking of returning home today, I must tell you that Cookie and I spent most of the day at the U. of Chicago (a common occurance). However this was not a common day....while I got my usual blood work and examination, we joined the "family plan" again, and Cook had her annual visit with good old Dr. Baron. In addition, she had a PET scan as well and I am very thrilled to announce that she remains clean as a whistle, and her blood work was "mahvelous"!!! Let's hear it for the Cooker!!! Thank G_d for that, so we won't worry about her for at least another year!
My reports were also improved, and I get a little vacation from that place, as I don't have to go back for 2 1/2 weeks (Yipee).
Many people ask me how I spend my time at home, and I always struggle to give a good answer. Luckily, time just passes with menial tasks, puzzles, reading, T.V, walking...etc. Good thing I am easily entertained, huh? Actually, we have a new addition to the household: Cook bought me a Wii for Fathers Day, and it has really been great. Remember those couple of times I played in the hospital with Bridgette? Well, now we have our own game, and a Wii Fit board to boot. The competition is back on, and we are both always jockeying for number 1 scores in many venues now. Some of this stuff is really hard!!! Best of all, it is giving me some excersize that is sorely needed, as I need to build up to "schlepping" again for a living soon.
I also have been given the green light to go out more, and we have enjoyed several outdoor meals at restaurants lately (obviously last minute planning "weather permitting", which by the way has been pretty lousy here, as most of you know). Although I still wear a mask for most indoor visits, it's great to have a change of scenery once in a while.
I guess that wraps it up for now, and I thank all of you who are still paying attention! We love you all, and hope to see more of you soon!
Love,
Mike

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Day + 33

Hi All,

I know I have not written to blogland in a while, but I'm sure you have all found other things to do besides reading this! Hope you enjoyed Cookies' entry a few days ago, but to clarify one point: I never really saw her sitting down and watching the plants grow for any length of time. In fact, I rarely see her sit down at all, unless it is on the deck sunbathing on occasion! She is just not the sitting around type (I have become much better at that, and was always better than her).
Hard to believe I am home for three weeks already! This past week was a little more challenging, as I arrived at my first milestone of about 30 days post transplant, which meant a battery of tests last Tuesday was on my schedule. I went from a blood draw, to a PET scan, to a CT scan, to a bone marrow biopsy, to a surgeon visit, to a Pulmonary Function test. Do I know how to have a good time, or what?! I was back at U of C on Thursday, and found that my scans were clean (they better be!!!), I was still breathing, and I remain a little anemic. This explains why I have been a little low on energy lately, even compared to what I was before. But I am scheduled to get a couple of bags of blood tomorrow, so that should perk me up again!
One other bump in the road happened this week as well: I mentioned I saw the surgeon Tues., which was due to a recurrence of an infection starting up again in the site of my biopsy last Fall in the groin area. By Thursday, it was full blown, and he needed to reopen and drain the site while I was there. This did not make me particularly happy, but it is the third time this has happened, and therefore one at least knows what to expect. It is not related to my other treatment, and probably just occurred due to a suppressed immune system. So between the bone marrow biopsy on my left butt, and the right front groin, they now have me coming and going!!
This too shall pass. But meanwhile, I want to tell you all how fantastic my nurse Cookie has been, which will come as no surprise to anyone. It's one thing to be supportive and caring to your spouse in time of illness. It's another level, above and beyond the normal call of duty, to have to take care of things like my groin situation. I don't want to gross anyone out, but I must tell a few details so you understand her twice daily job fully: This is an open incision, that needs to be cleaned and packed twice a day. Picture Cook with her rubber gloves and mask, a wooden swab in hand, a piece of wet tape in the other hand, on her knees, pushing this tape into the incision until fully packed. Meanwhile, I am laying there grunting often in pain. Those who know her well, know that that's the hardest part....knowing that she is hurting me, while doing what is best for me at the same time! And the amazing part is that she never once has "blown her Cookies" . Nurse Mylove(2) would be so proud of her!! I am so proud of her...how lucky can one man be?!!
Sorry for rambling on, but I could not resist. Love to you all, and I hope to see many of you before too long.

Mike

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Sunshine In My Heart

Dear Family and Friends,
I'm looking out on another gloomy day, but I'm thinking about all of the evidence that the sun is indeed shining. First of all, Mike is doing well. His counts are holding, and in some cases, improving. Today, he will get the results of a number of tests that he had on Tues. Hoping for confirmation that his body is doing what it needs to do to accept the 21 year old immune system. If only it were a case of "mind over matter", we'd be done with the whole process.
Dealing with not being able to return to school has left me with considerable time on my hands...which is NOT the usual scenario for me. Consequently, I have nearly completed the planting of the garden. It is thrilling to me to plan, plant, and nuture a garden. It compliments my most cherished role in life. Nuturing the people that I love. I hope that each of you feels loved and nutured by your family and friends...including Mike and I.
SOOOOOO...now that the plants are in the ground, getting plenty of nature's juice, I am watching them grow. No! REALLY! I pull a chair up to the plants and watch them for any sign of growth. Yesterday, I got so excited because I saw a leaf move. My excitement vanished when I saw the rain hitting the leaf . Although I didn't have any luck yesterday, I'm determined to try again. I really think this could be the best sporting event ever. Do you think that Mike will agree?
Well, Just poking fun at myself. I think I need a rescue plan. I can't hover around Mike. My flowers are growing too slowly. Friends are working. Even with exercising, gardening, and running errands, and tutoring, I have unexpected time on my hands. I suppose that I'll get used to it. There is a silver lining...it's called Mike. He's got a great attitude, and continues to maintain his sense of humor. All of you...Keep strong and Keep Centered.
With Love,
Cookie

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Day + 23

Hi To All,

It's been a few days, but I figure you all may be tiring of this, especially when there is not much new to report, so I will space them out accordingly. Medical update: Had two visits to the U. of C. this week, and still getting good reports on all the labs. They tweaked my meds again, and are watching out till next week for a little anemia, which is very common for us transplantees. The Doc asked me how many blood transfusions I had while in the hospital, and when I told him none, he seemed surprised, and said that was another exception to the norm! Next Tuesday is my next bone marrow biopsy (not my "fave"!), and they tell me from that from that, they will be able to tell exactly how much of my marrow is my original, or the Studs' contribution. Isn't that amazing? I'll fill you all in on the details next week sometime.
Anecdote for today: Many of you out there in blogland know that I am rather infamous for my lack of singing talent, though I usually do not let that stop me when moved by a great song. Cook is certainly used to it (I do not contain it to the shower stall). Some have heard me validate this with the story of having to mouth the words at our Fraternity Sing in college to avoid ruining it for everyone. Anyway, Cookie was driving me down to the hospital this week, and on the radio they were playing Lucy in the sky with diamonds (by the Beatles obviously). Having grown up in the Beatles Age (Jill A and I saw them live in Chicago on their first tour, circa early '60's), I still love their music, and began to sing along. Here's where it gets strange...I actually sang a whole bar, and turned to Cook and said: "Did you hear that? I think I actually was on key for that whole phrase!" She smiled, looked at me in amazement, and said: "You really were!"
People, I have to tell you that this was truly a shocking accomplishment. I don't think I have ever been on key for that many notes and words in my entire life! There is only one person in this world who has ever told me that I have a good voice, and that was my mother-in-law, which only goes to show you how thick those rose colored glasses are that she puts on whenever discussing her children, spouses and grandchildren. Even my own mother made fun of my singing!
I tell you this story because I think it may have something to do with the new me! Maybe my 21 year old stud is a rock star, and now all those songs brought to mind by the names of the people we have met on this journey will be ammunition for my new-found abilities!!! We will keep you "posted" if this does indeed continue.
Wishing all of you a great Memorial Day Weekend! The weather turned great here in Chicago, and we hope you all enjoy the time off from your daily chores. Good health to All!!

Mike

Sunday, May 17, 2009

One Fine Day

Hi Family and Friends,
We've been home for a week now and things are going pretty well. Mike is getting stronger. We've been walking. The first walk was 10 minutes in length. Tonight we walked for 20 minutes. It felt great to be outside and be surrounded by fresh air.
All day I have been waiting to blog because I was excited to share a story with you. We had someone come to the house this morning to clean the gutters and windows. He even helped move some heavy planters for me. I know that you won't believe this...but, his name is Angel. YEP! We met an ANGEL today. I have added Angel to our growing list of recent new friends with incredible names. Mylove, Cherish, and now...Angel. These names all evoke feelings of tenderness, gentleness, and caring. All the love, care and support that you continue to give Mike and me is connected in some way to these names. Love is the spiritual connection that continues to link us with the most positive kind of energy. It feels as though you are encircling us with your acts of loving kindness.
I can't wait to meet the next new friend. Should we take bets on what wonderful new name will end up on the list? Tomorrow we head back to the hospital for a check-up. Let's all make it a GREAT DAY! Thanks for caring and sharing.
Love, Cookie

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