Another day down

Today was a mellow day for both of us. No incidents. Nothing exciting to report. Dale battles with a slow heal, but works hard to maintain his great attitude. He is a little bothered that his bald head is still bald. Peach fuzz is still fuzz. A friend reminded him that newborn babies sleep most of the time and Dale needs that much to allow his body to heal and build its immunity. We will probably begin celebrating two birthdays each year, adding bone marrow transplant day for the second one. Dale's appetite is improving and his system is beginning to function normally, he just continues to be very weak. Emotional support is especially important now. Self worth and doubt sneak in sometimes. That is when I work my hardest to support and bring him my best.

Central line is out

We traveled to Huntsman today in order to have them take out his central line (hickman, port, or whatever you want to call it). After one office to the next and then the next, which was at the University Hospital, it was carefully taken out. Radiology, doctor, and a nurse assisted in taking the lines out without incident. Radiology lights the way for doctor to see what is going on and the nurse, assists. Keeping the dressings clean and dry is Dale's job now. If they want to draw blood, or give blood, they will use veins in his arms to do so. No more flushing the lines, no more blood thinning injections, no more blood clots. Moving right along schedule. Yahoo!

We returned home, and he took a nap. Well, we did have to walk some long hallways at the hospitals--natural exercising worked.

Cruel & unusual

I came home today being out for a few hours to attend church, and found the keys on the counter and an empty McDonald's drink glass. I said nothing but inside, stewing up some comments: Fine! If you think you can start driving already and eating fast foods, you are on your own, buddy! You know what the doctor's orders are as well as I, and McDonald's and driving are not on the list. However, I said nothing and begin to make myself my dinner and begin talking about other things to Dale. He eventually volunteers that he had not gone anywhere, had visitors for awhile who left the McDonald's glass, and that he put the keys on the counter to get a reaction out of me. Cruel and unusual punishment for my complete devotion to Dale's well-being. Good thing I know how to advert the focus.

But that means he is feeling better, trying to get a smile, and wanting attention. But it still was not very funny! Diarrhea seems to be gone, weakness continues, and he chills easily. One day of many healing days to come.

Out for a drive

We took a drive today taking advantage of the sunny winter skies. It was nice to be out, however, once we returned home, Dale took a several hour nap. We were out long enough to indicate he has better bladder control today. That is good news. He must be healing. We both need to pay attention to his fragile condition and realize he needs to build up the stamina gently. It will take time and lots of it. Dale keeps the positive outlook and continues to endure with great strength. He told me I have only been "testie" twice during all of this time. Good thing I know how to hold my tongue because I think things sometimes that may be construed as "testie" but I deal with those thoughts silently not to interfere with Dale's emotional state. He needs all the goodness I can muster up giving. Sometimes, I admit, I busy myself with stuff enabling me to regroup and come back and care take with kindness. We are both doing alright and know each of us need each other's support. Kind of sweet,eh?

Bonus day

Doctor's appointment went well today. Blood levels are doing what they are supposed to do. Doctor was actually surprised how quickly Dale was released from the hospital from the transplant. Dale is like the textbook example, sans the continuous diarrhea and nausea. He told Dale people normally stay at least 3 or 4 days beyond what Dale did. However, because of the consistent issues from the last chemo-treatment, the doctor wants to see him one more time making sure Dale continues to heal.

This doctor will see him next week to finalize this phase and then at 100 days and one year mark. At each of those appointments further testing will be done, as they were to begin the bone marrow transplant process, to make comparisons in the healing. In the meantime, radiology will check him over ensuring there are no cancerous tumors anywhere. That appointment is yet to be determined when it will be.

Another bonus: the central line will be taken out on Monday. No more need for it especially since it causes the blood clots. I will not have to inject him with the enoxaparin after Sunday morning so blood clotting will be okay to take the line out. Nor will I need to flush the lines anymore after Monday! Healing is on the way. Yippee! But what do I do with all those supplies (injections, flushes, etc.)?

This morning's activities, though, wore Dale out. The heal will be s--l--o--w! From this point forward, as far as I know, there is only checkups and healing on the way. Dale will go back to his mantle cell lymphoma doctor in the next couple of weeks and I think they will also do their checkups periodically. Nurses insisted that Dale needs to take time to heal properly and not try to rush into normal routines. I need to ask about the continuous face mask requirements, immunization time schedule, and restricted cooking guidance.

Life's transitons

Dale's day brought more diarrhea and a much weaker state. We thought we would go for a drive today, just to get him out of the house, but the thought of bringing a porta-potty with us-quashed the idea. His appetite is nothing, yet he knows he should eat. We go through several suggestions and options before we agree what he will eat. He said: "I don't know why I am so weak!" My answer: "It is because you haven't had ice cream for a long time!" Dale responds with: "I don't think I will ever eat ice cream again..."

No more ice cream sharing!

My reaction: so sad! One of the simple pleasures of life! I suppose he has come to the necessity of becoming a person who eats-to-live instead of living-to-eat. Sad transitions of life's changes.


But think about it, Dale has been horizontal for the past seven months, in hospital beds, couches, or bed at home. He does not walk further than the bathroom or kitchen, and on a good day, down the stairs (and eventually back up the stairs). Muscle tone is gone. He needs physical therapy and a trainer to come in and get him conditioned in a manner his body can handle. My gentle persuasions haven't worked.

Sunshine

After thinking Dale was slowly getting better, he reports that he feels lousy and quite weak. The home nurse changed the dressings and he seems okay, but ongoing nausea, restless sleep, and diarrhea keep him  wondering when it will all be done. His gag reflex is high, which does not help much. Appetite is sensitive and I have a hard time anticipating what he thinks will work for him.  I spend my time making sure the house is clean of dust and germs, washing extra laundry loads, cooking Dale's wishes, and care-taking on demand.

I am so glad the sun is shining strong today.