Steam cleaners

Things have gone well lately. Dale has worked longer days more frequently, energy level increasing, and sense of wellness stabilizing. It is as though last year did not really happen, except we know it did. Our memory of events is vague until someone or something brings it to the front. Strange how the mind protects itself when necessary. Yesterday, day 300 since bone marrow transplant. Almost one year.

However, Dale still has situations occasionally. Usually at home but sometimes elsewhere. Once I got home yesterday, I knew something was amiss: laundry going, smell, and Dale more than his normal exhaustion. Twice. Once at work, another as soon as he arrived home. I am grateful to the steam floor cleaner we have. Works nicely, especially on the wood floors.

I don't know the causes of the ongoing diarrhea, other than the chemo reactions. It does not seem to be sensitive to a particular food. I believe the mantle cell lymphoma treatment further weakened his digestive system. I do not think the cancer is back, yet. They say 3-5 years and it will return. For now, we are about 65% of our normal lives. I am even making progress on dissertation proposal. Just the other day, as I continued on with my day of crazy work, I thought to myself that I finally felt that I am functioning at about 85%. Still more to go, but much, much better.

Harping doesn't work

Last week Dale told me he felt better, his energy slightly increased, and closer to normal although not there yet. Unfortunately, there are many responsibilities at work that demand his presence. Recovery time between work days may become somewhat limiting. He will need to rest as much as possible to do what he needs to do. I will have to quit harping at him to do stuff! I mean, after all, he looks fine!

Dale has situations at least once a day now so daily laundry loads have begun. The tests said there was some inflammation but nothing to be concerned about. My take is the chemo and bed rest killed off acids and muscle he needs to control, but what do I know?

In trouble at work

He is doing okay. Dale has good days, and not so good days. The last few days--good. Makes it sooo much easier on me. He put in almost a whole day of work today and got in trouble with his boss for being there as late as he was. Good for her for keeping him in line. It takes a whole city to take care of Dale! I appreciate the assistance. Recovery time mentally and physically is needed and appreciated. Thank you again, Dale's work people! He needs social interactions at work and I need Dale's mental well-being in tact. Thank you, thank you for knowing his needs.  

One way to get good rest

Dale's Upper GI Endoscopy tests on Friday, looked fine. Doctor took biopsies for more information but said nothing looked unusual. Dale told me he enjoyed the good rest he had while the procedure was completed, however, a bit expensive...

Energy level remains low.  Feelings of non-productivity and depression increase. One more day, one more test completed. He wants to give up, not wake up, and be done. His mortality may be earlier than he hoped for before cancer diagnosis and treatment, but it is not as fast as he seems to want it to be. Sad that he feels this way. Each day of life brings another opportunity to learn, serve, and become a better person. Dale, does not see it that way now. His focus, energy, and purpose has diminished. Sad because we have many reasons to be grateful each day.

PET Scan Results :)

Test results found nothing significant, however, they are ordering a GI specialty test for Dale. His digestive system does not do well, therefore, diarrhea and nausea, continue. It is good news. He seems to feel relieved, yet wants to feel better.

Waiting for PET scan results

After a run around with insurance and who actually has the equipment to perform a PET scan, Dale was able to get it done yesterday morning. We do not know results. He said the technician gave him no indications of problems, but they aren't supposed to say anything, radiologist is supposed to report to his doctor and she will tell him what is next. Dale manages 5-6 hours of work, comes home, and tries to recover for the next day. He sleeps pretty well mostly--why do I know? Because I don't. Dale continues to have situations a couple times a week, needing extra laundry loads. Depression seems to prevail much of the day. Understandable. His mind must be swimming in possible scenarios. I work hard to support and be understanding.

Coworkers that care

Dale attempted to go to work on Friday--well--he got there safely anyway. Coworkers brought him home a couple of hours into the morning. A 100 mile round trip for two of them indicates to me that Dale became pretty sick (vomiting included) with continued weaknesses shining through on the job. The coworkers tuned into his needs and brought him home. Thank you to them. What comes first? Not feeling well enough to do anything, or not doing anything, therefore, not feeling well? Saturday, Dale repeated the same (vomiting with extreme fatigue) while at the grocery store, so we quickly ended the shopping, drove home, where he stayed with the remote all day long.

Dale tries to get to work, however, in the last three weeks, has not been strong enough to do so very often. Driving in his weakened state, is not a good idea, therefore, he works from home as best he can with computer communications, although not the same, works okay for now.

Insurance okayed the PET scan at a hospital just a couple minutes away. Hopefully, they will schedule him quickly, send information to his cancer doctor, and we will have an answer. In the mean-time, hang in there, Dale.

Is remission from mantle cell lymphoma over, or is there another cancer brewing inside him somewhere? Or what!?