Monday, March 9, 2009

March 9, 2009
Hello to everyone! John is starting to get out and about! Saturday he visited his steel drum band rehearsal. I know it did him some good to see everyone there. It was great!

Although he is ready to hit the hay early this evening, he did not take a nap all day. That is progress, too!

He hasn't made any plans to return to work, but I know he is formulating a plan on how to go about it. Baby steps all the way!

I am reminded of the Shell Silverstein poem about the girl who ate the whale. She was very old by the time she completed the task, but by golly she did it...one bite at a time:)

Tobi

Sunday, March 1, 2009

March 1, 2009

Wow! It is March already! John is on day 26 of an approximate 30-day recovery. He is beginning to feel more like himself. He is able to sustain enough energy to complete tasks at home. Napping is at a minimum and he has more of a desire to eat. Yeah! However, he is not bragging yet.

On Friday, Sarah drove him up to Omaha so the catheter in his chest could be removed. We are so happy to say good-bye to the daily cleaning and care it required.

This has been such a long process, yet we continue to be supported by all of you! Thank you so much! I only hope we can convey our heartfelt gratitude for everything you (our friends and family) have done to make this journey easier.

Tobi

Saturday, February 21, 2009

February 21, 2009
By request I am continuing with this blog.

It has been a week since John was released from Methodist Hospital. Little by little he has regained some energy. He still has a long way to go until he feels 100%.

We visited Dr. Tarantolo yesterday, and we were reassured that it is typical for stem cell patients to take a long time to get back to normal. So, I guess we just need to be patient.

To be honest, I did not realize there would be such a long recovery once we got home from the hospital. And I am so grateful for the continued support of everyone. Thank you!

Tobi

Saturday, February 14, 2009

February 14, 2009
Happy Valentines Day! And it is a happy one because I get to take my valentine home with me!

Dr. Tarantolo just came in and gave us the good news! Everything looks good for John to go home. (I am so glad he wasn't released yesterday since it was not a good day for traveling.)

Although he is not completely out of the woods on his recovery, the hardest part is behind him. Even at home he will need time to regain his strength. Our hope now is that John's cancer will go into remission enough for him to lead a normal life. God willing, he will be able to enjoy many more years of family, friends, teaching, music and a nice cold beverage of his choice!

Thanks again to all of you for the numerous ways in which you showed your care and concern. Both John and I have been overwhelmed with gratitude! We feel incredibly blessed.

Take care and remember each day is a gift...for all of us.
Love,
Tobi

Thursday, February 12, 2009

February 12, 2009
John is still waiting for his white blood cell count to rise. Although it has gone up a little, it hasn't gone up enough to be sent home. He is still weak, and food doesn't sound good to him. It doesn't help that he can't eat fresh food which is what he likes. For the past few days, this has been the challenge. Any of you who have ever been on a strict diet, you know what it is like to comply. With each passing day, it gets harder and harder. And when he feels nauseous it's even more difficult! Enough said.

I hope I have good news tomorrow. We'd like to have John home for Valentines Day.

Tobi

Monday, February 9, 2009

February 9, 2009

Just another low energy day. Nothing to report.

Tobi

Sunday, February 8, 2009

February 8,2009
A doctor who specializes in infectious diseases visits John daily. I asked him if I pose a risk to John (even though I have had a flu shot), and he assured me I was fine as long as I washed my hands. He even went on to say I am helping because I am bringing in “friendly” bacteria. Wow! I was so glad to hear this. Now, I feel like I am making a very important contribution to John’s recovery. And also, I am glad to know I am host to bacteria that “gets along well with others”. :)

In all seriousness, John’s energy is very low, and he is waiting for his white blood cell count to climb back up so he can go home.

Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts through this long journey.

Tobi