November 26, 2016:: +7

Wow, it is hard to believe it has been a whole week since the stem cell transplant.  Initially, I could not imagine how we would fill our days in the apartment with needing to stay inside this past week.  As it turns out it is busier than you might think.  Getting up early every morning to be ready for the nurse or doctor and getting breakfast takes until  about 8. It takes time for Doug to get a shower. Then I begin the washing routine, because everything we have worn, and the towels and sheets have to be washed everyday and then of course these past days with going to the hospital and Doug not feeling well, the days just escaped us.

Doug getting a steroid treatment at Clinical Ruis

Doug is much better than Thursday (Thanksgiving), however he is not doing great. Monday was a high point he was doing better than he has for a while. Thursday was the lowest with needing to be hospitalized.  And today, well he seems to have gone  downhill again.  He is coughing a lot tonight. He is stronger, he is mostly transferring himself with the wheelchair and he is dressing himself. However he is not where we want him to be and he is really annoyed with this cough.

Today we had an appointment at the clinic with Dr. Priesca for a steroid treatment.  Dr. Priesca is wonderful.  He is very concerned and helpful.  Marianne was there too and both of them were encouraging and positive.  Dr. Priesca thinks Doug will start feeling stronger tomorrow. He said his neutrophil white blood cell count should start coming up.  Doug gets blood drawn in the morning and then we will go to the clinic to get results in the afternoon.  We are very grateful for the support of these two people.

Dr. Priesca and  Marianne, wonderful people and
great health care providers

Good News!  The parts to Doug's wheelchair came today!  He is so happy about that.  He has really hated not having his chair, especially the last few days when he has been so weak.  It took me more than an hour, but I finally figured out how to fix it with the parts that were delivered and the limited tools that I have.  I did not cuss, but I wanted to sometimes!  The nice service man Michael at EZ Cruiser gave me extra parts in case I would need them and some pointers.  Luckily, I did not need the extra parts!  So, Doug is back in business, he has his wheelchair again.

Wheelchair parts

Tonight we watched a movie, that was a suspense comedy.  It was a nice distraction and had some Facetime with our grandson Cole and my sister.  That was fun.  Hard to believe that we will be home in a week.  It was nice to be able to say, we would see them next week.  Really, our time here has gone very quickly.  We have not had too many dull moments. :)

Time for bed, because the nurse is coming at 6:00 in the morning.  There is a marathon in the city tomorrow and many streets will be closed.  And so it is time to pray.

Gracious and Holy One,  you know our needs before we ask.  And yet we need to ask.  Please heal Doug, in body, mind and spirit. Give him hope when he is discouraged, and courage to face the tough days that come with healing.  Help us to see that all things are being made new.  We are so grateful for the love, care and concern of so many friends and caregivers.  Thank you for making yourself known in the generosity of spirit that touches us each day through those who surround us. Amen

Fixed part on wheelchair.  YEA!