Gloves

Good thing Dale's colonoscopy is next week. The issues are still present. Had to get the gloves out, turn fans on, and clean up the results. Dale reports constant problems in the digestive system and fears there will be more treatments of some kind. He is incredibly fatigued most of the time, however, he manages to make it through each day. Last night was the first night he actually slept most of the night. His lungs must be full of the smoked air from the excessive fires in the state because his raspy voice is constant. Breathing, digestive, and fatigue issues consume his health conditions.

Trouble ahead

We are in trouble. I feel that Dale should have whatever he wants since he made it through over 1300 hours of chemotherapy with grace (sans constant diarrhea) and survived it. He thinks I should have anything I want since I managed EVERYTHING so well. Now what? Should be easy, since we "want" similar things, however, it takes away those passionate discussions we used to have convincing one another in wanting the same things. So be it for communication skill development. Surviving cancer brings unpredictable changes in relationships.

Tired news brings good news

Being tired gets old quickly. Dale gets up every day, very early, heads off to work (about a 45 minute drive in the early morning hours) works a 9 hour day, and returns with at least an hour drive home in the afternoon. That, in itself, makes any one tired, however, one in remission of mantle cell lymphoma, it is remarkable. He typically comes home, slightly hungry, exhausted, and ready to unwind and be done with the day. It is very common for Dale to retire by 6:30 or 7:30. This means his need for physical recovery is greater than previously. We know he has aged quickly this past year and I am sure that plays into his fatigue.

The good news: because Dale retires so early and I need it quiet to study, I do. I read, think, write, analyze, outline, re-read, edit, and research a couple hours frequently now. I just may get this proposal done this summer.

Pondering the blessings

Dale made it through 4 days of work without much harm. His worst is at night with a cough keeping both of us awake. He sleeps part of the night but coughs the rest. Lack of good rest contributes to his overall fatigue.

Dale reports that people are happy to see him and even a bit surprised at how "good" he looks...if they only knew how bad he looked (and felt) for several months...he'd look even better. But what does one say when someone comes back after a long time away with a traumatic time separator? "You look good!" works very well.

Friends continue to inquire about his wellness and progress and I tell them happy news: successful bone marrow transplant, clearing mind, completion of treatment, remission, back to work, and so on. One friend asked me the question and was grateful for the progress and forward thinking. His wife has alzheimer's. Where is the remission in alzheimer's? That is a tough one. We feel blessed we have the remission stage now. However long it is, we are grateful to have it.

Another friend told me reading the blog has "changed her life." I am glad our experiences in this journey has brought thoughts, pondering, and blessings to others who happen to read it. I am convinced that journalling brings individual values to the writer, but to the readers also. Thank you to all that read and join us in life changing ponderings.

Working Dale

Dale's first day back to work went well. He met with many surprised co-workers welcoming him to the work grind of every day jobs. He has a new supervisor who Dale says is very good which made Dale feel more comfortable about being there. Now retraining and catching up on the daily responsibilities of the job. He will be fine. Dale loves to be with people and I think he is ready physically also.

Back to work today

Back to work

Dale was up early, got ready, and packed up hand sanitizer, bleach wipes, and surgical masks for his return to work. It is great he is able to go to work, yet his recovery still needs time. We made the statement last night, that although cancer is in remission, the aging process has quickened. Still many things to consider as he gets out into the world again. His compromised immune system picks up unwanted bacteria and germs easily. He suffers through a cold he picked up this week and it takes extra time for him to get over it. It is day 152 since bone marrow transplant.