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.

Mantle cell lymphoma remission continues

We are continued to be blessed by many around us. Last night a group of youth assisted with window washing and weeding. Although we have not been with this group for over a year, several consistently stop by. We appreciate the friendships. The days bring more health to Dale. He completes many projects he sets for himself and able to get ready for the next. He rests frequently, although, seems to recover more quickly.

Doctor visit today went well enough that he does not need to go in again until September. She is letting him go to a dentist, go back to work, and be as active as he thinks he can handle. He needs to be wise in infectious potential situations so he will don his surgical mask occasionally. Work begins on Monday. I do not know his plans on how much of a day he will be able to handle, however, I do know he will need resting periods and planned eating times. Dale's mind is clear and productive--the "chemo-brain" subsides.  The next stage of the mantle cell lymphoma journey is about to begin.

Flowers for life ahead

It is good to see Dale progressing each day for the better. He feels healthier each day, diarrhea in check (still some issues, but better), energy increasing, and his mind is clearing. Returning to work in a few weeks brings on the next chapter of unknowns. I think he will be fine as he adjusts to his work mode again. He will need time to update his mind, stamina, and schedule but I believe work for him has been understanding and will appreciate his needs.  He is a good guy to have around and they will enjoy him one more year.

We made it through this chapter in the journey of mantle cell lymphoma. With the endless prayers, continuous acts of service, supportive friends, and progress in science we held together through it all. Although many sleepless nights and days of minimal existence prevailed for both of us, Spring brings hope, new buds, and flowers for life ahead.

Day 132

I do not feel compelled to report any more. That means progress for both of us. I go to work and feel I contribute instead of take up space. Dale stays home and works on projects he feels need to be completed.  He plans full days and has built some stamina, but it is slow. He is doing quite well, actually. If we did not know better, it would be just regular days, however, Dale must plan when he eats and where he can be within the hour because the food processes too quickly and causes issues. That limits being in public places for a time span. Doctors have not given much information on his constant diarrhea issues. Going back to work in about a month, will bring discomforts and careful consideration. When he speaks to his supervisor, he feels they are willing to accommodate his needs. That certainly helps the anticipation of getting into the work world again.

This is day 132 since bone marrow transplant. It almost seems like it happened to someone else. Immunizations begin in July, gently begin work mid-June, and Dale's oldest daughter and her family are moving back to the state! How sweet it is.