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
Monday, March 9, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Friday, February 6, 2009
February 6, 2009
John's "numbers" are doing what they are supposed to be doing so he is on the right track. He is mostly fatigued and nauseous, but he took meds for the nausea. Food doesn't appeal to him, so he really has to work at eating. Nourishment is important! He is riding his bike, but claims he would rather be doing the cha cha. I am waiting patiently to be asked for a dance.
Tobi
John's "numbers" are doing what they are supposed to be doing so he is on the right track. He is mostly fatigued and nauseous, but he took meds for the nausea. Food doesn't appeal to him, so he really has to work at eating. Nourishment is important! He is riding his bike, but claims he would rather be doing the cha cha. I am waiting patiently to be asked for a dance.
Tobi
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
February 4,2009
Not too much to report today. John doesn't feel the greatest, but he is able to get up and move around. A stationary bike was brought into his room so he could exercise. He tried it out. Yes, they are taking good care of him. They even brought another chair in for me! Really, all we need now is a warm beach and some fresh air to make our stay the very best. Since that is probably not going to happen, we will celebrate the small things. The bike and chair are perfect additions!
We sure hope all of you are well and happy!
Tobi
Not too much to report today. John doesn't feel the greatest, but he is able to get up and move around. A stationary bike was brought into his room so he could exercise. He tried it out. Yes, they are taking good care of him. They even brought another chair in for me! Really, all we need now is a warm beach and some fresh air to make our stay the very best. Since that is probably not going to happen, we will celebrate the small things. The bike and chair are perfect additions!
We sure hope all of you are well and happy!
Tobi
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 2, 2009
John was admitted to the hospital this morning. He is in room 605. We have an east view of Omaha, and it was fun looking for places that are familiar to us. The Furniture Mart is right on the corner, and John pointed out a place where he used to play gigs.
The nurse set John up to receive hydration through his catheter. This took 4 hours. Then they delivered the bag of chemo which was administered the same way. Must be some powerful stuff; The nurse had to wear a special gown just for this procedure!
Everyone wears masks and gloves, and John has a special air filter machine to keep germs at bay. (The masks remind me of the neighbor in the old show-Home Improvement. You never saw his full face!) Visitors who have not had the flu shot will also need to wear a mask and gloves.
Dr. Tarantolo visited us and drew a diagram on the white board in our room. It showed us how patients typically feel on a daily basis when going through this procedure. We figure John’s horrible days will fall on Saturday- Tuesday. That is when he will need extra doses of positive energy! Your thoughts and prayers are exactly what will be needed most! Thanks, friends and family!:)
We have enjoyed all the comments you have posted! Thank you!
John was admitted to the hospital this morning. He is in room 605. We have an east view of Omaha, and it was fun looking for places that are familiar to us. The Furniture Mart is right on the corner, and John pointed out a place where he used to play gigs.
The nurse set John up to receive hydration through his catheter. This took 4 hours. Then they delivered the bag of chemo which was administered the same way. Must be some powerful stuff; The nurse had to wear a special gown just for this procedure!
Everyone wears masks and gloves, and John has a special air filter machine to keep germs at bay. (The masks remind me of the neighbor in the old show-Home Improvement. You never saw his full face!) Visitors who have not had the flu shot will also need to wear a mask and gloves.
Dr. Tarantolo visited us and drew a diagram on the white board in our room. It showed us how patients typically feel on a daily basis when going through this procedure. We figure John’s horrible days will fall on Saturday- Tuesday. That is when he will need extra doses of positive energy! Your thoughts and prayers are exactly what will be needed most! Thanks, friends and family!:)
We have enjoyed all the comments you have posted! Thank you!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
February 1, 2009
Hi everyone!
John and I and our girls are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support we have recieved from all of you. Thank you...we appreciate your kindness, concern, and your friendship.
Tomorrow John will be admitted to the Methodist hospital in Omaha. After we get settled in, I will post more about his daily care and progress. This coming week will be the tough part of this procedure.
Take Care,
Tobi
Hi everyone!
John and I and our girls are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support we have recieved from all of you. Thank you...we appreciate your kindness, concern, and your friendship.
Tomorrow John will be admitted to the Methodist hospital in Omaha. After we get settled in, I will post more about his daily care and progress. This coming week will be the tough part of this procedure.
Take Care,
Tobi
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19, 2009
We made the trip to Omaha today. First they checked to see if John’s white blood cell count was high enough to begin the collection of stem cells. As we waited for the results, I read the paper. Both John and I were supposed to have a 5-star day according to our horoscope. And guess what? That’s what it was! John’s count was great, so they called the Red Cross and a nurse came to the hospital to begin his stem cell collection. It took several hours, but we managed to pass the time chatting, reading and such.
Afterwards, they sent us home and called within a couple hours to say the collection put John in rock star status (That’s the nurse’s claim). She said they collected enough stem cells to do about 16 transplants. Wow! We were very happy to hear this since we weren’t really looking forward to going through the whole process again. So now we are in a holding pattern. John has a couple of weeks to recuperate before the actual stem cell transplant. I don’t think I will need to post much of anything until that happens. I’ll just enjoy the next two weeks...living with my husband...the rock star.
Thanks again, and again for all your prayers, thoughts and concern!
Tobi
We made the trip to Omaha today. First they checked to see if John’s white blood cell count was high enough to begin the collection of stem cells. As we waited for the results, I read the paper. Both John and I were supposed to have a 5-star day according to our horoscope. And guess what? That’s what it was! John’s count was great, so they called the Red Cross and a nurse came to the hospital to begin his stem cell collection. It took several hours, but we managed to pass the time chatting, reading and such.
Afterwards, they sent us home and called within a couple hours to say the collection put John in rock star status (That’s the nurse’s claim). She said they collected enough stem cells to do about 16 transplants. Wow! We were very happy to hear this since we weren’t really looking forward to going through the whole process again. So now we are in a holding pattern. John has a couple of weeks to recuperate before the actual stem cell transplant. I don’t think I will need to post much of anything until that happens. I’ll just enjoy the next two weeks...living with my husband...the rock star.
Thanks again, and again for all your prayers, thoughts and concern!
Tobi
Sunday, January 18, 2009
January 18, 2009
John is feeling better today. He worked around the house and went for a short walk. He even logged onto his blog and enjoyed all the comments. Even though he feels well enough, he is not inclined to write, so he probably won't add any comments of his own. But it sure helps his spirits to be connected to everyone. Thanks for all the support!
Tobi
John is feeling better today. He worked around the house and went for a short walk. He even logged onto his blog and enjoyed all the comments. Even though he feels well enough, he is not inclined to write, so he probably won't add any comments of his own. But it sure helps his spirits to be connected to everyone. Thanks for all the support!
Tobi
Friday, January 16, 2009
January 16,2009
John had a rough night. Evidently the medicine he takes to "tickle" the stem cells out of the bone marrow and into his blood stream are making his bones ache, especially his lower back and left hip. Fortunately, Tyelenol worked to take the edge off. Along with that, it has been difficult for him to stay home. He'd much rather be working with his students!
On Monday, we will go up to Omaha to see if he is ready for the stem cell collection. Since he will be his own donor, his white blood cell count needs to be at a certain level before his stem cells can be collected. Today the count was not high enough, so I am hoping it gets there by Monday.
Tobi
John had a rough night. Evidently the medicine he takes to "tickle" the stem cells out of the bone marrow and into his blood stream are making his bones ache, especially his lower back and left hip. Fortunately, Tyelenol worked to take the edge off. Along with that, it has been difficult for him to stay home. He'd much rather be working with his students!
On Monday, we will go up to Omaha to see if he is ready for the stem cell collection. Since he will be his own donor, his white blood cell count needs to be at a certain level before his stem cells can be collected. Today the count was not high enough, so I am hoping it gets there by Monday.
Tobi
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
January 11, 2009
It might be good to let you know what is coming up for John. This week he will be taking a regimen of medicines to help prepare him for his stem cell transplant. Since he will be his own donor, they are getting him ready so they can collect his own stem cells next week. After that, he will have some time (about a week) for his body to stabilize. Finally, he will spend 2 weeks in the hospital for the transplant. It will take place at Methodist Hospital in Omaha.
Today he is doing well!
Thanks for visiting.
It might be good to let you know what is coming up for John. This week he will be taking a regimen of medicines to help prepare him for his stem cell transplant. Since he will be his own donor, they are getting him ready so they can collect his own stem cells next week. After that, he will have some time (about a week) for his body to stabilize. Finally, he will spend 2 weeks in the hospital for the transplant. It will take place at Methodist Hospital in Omaha.
Today he is doing well!
Thanks for visiting.
Friday, January 9, 2009
January 9, 2009
We went up to Omaha on Wednesday, and John had a catheter put in his chest. This will be used to administer chemo and eventually for the stem cell transplant. He did real well with the surgery. Today he had his first dose of chemo. So far, so good. Tomorrow, he might experience nausea....we’ll see.
We went up to Omaha on Wednesday, and John had a catheter put in his chest. This will be used to administer chemo and eventually for the stem cell transplant. He did real well with the surgery. Today he had his first dose of chemo. So far, so good. Tomorrow, he might experience nausea....we’ll see.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Scofield Blog
Hello to all of you who are visiting our blog. Thanks for logging on. We hope this blog will be helpful in getting information to everyone about John's treatment. I will try to post something everyday so that you will have current info. You are welcome to respond, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Tobi
Tobi
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