Day +10

We have finally hit the double digits here at the hospital! It has been ten days since Jason has received his transplant, and over two weeks since we had been admitted. We still wait for the marrow to grow and start producing cells. It could be a while but we are hoping to see this happen soon.  Jason’s platelets remain steady at 7,000 (really low) and his hemoglobin fluctuates between 8 and 9 (not too bad).

Jason had a fever today but no one seems surprised. We are told it is normal, and the fever was under control in about 20 minutes. I must say, there are many things about this hospital we can really appreciate. He was able to get a few hours of sleep last night, and he is sleeping now after a busy day of antibiotics, blood draws, a chest xRay and platelets.

Another present arrived for Jason yesterday. Since he is my lumberjack, I got him a pillow with a bark pattern. What he doesn’t know is that there will be nine more of these pillows at home for him. Here is a picture of him sleeping on it this morning.

On the schedule for Jason today is the hope of a lot of sleep and healing. On the schedule for me is a small window to get some work done. You would think that sitting in a hospital all day and night would mean that you have oodles and oodles of time on your hands but the truth is that you are often helping your patient, moving out of the way of nurses, and running errands all on little or no sleep. When Jason sleeps I sleep.

But I am not “down” or “upset” or “sad.” I can assure everyone who is concerned for my health that I am very optimistic and relaxed, that I am eating three meals per day with snacks, that I shower every day, do my laundry, that I haven’t lost or gained any weight and I even do my hair and makeup in the morning. I appreciate your concern but I am quite fine. And my mother is my “caretaker,” making sure that I have been taking care of myself.

If I do become stressed, it would begin once we return home and I will need to begin cooking (per hospital rules), cleaning (per hospital rules), taking care of Jason and monitoring his meds, driving him to the hospital 1-3 times per week for months, and returning back to work when Jason is able to take care of himself. But I know there are many people who have offered their help and I will gladly take it. I am grateful for the friends and family we have who are willing to help us on this long journey. I continue to walk forward with the hope that this strange and dangerous procedure will be the beginning of a terrific, long life for Jason! Thank you for all of your prayers and help!

God Bless the Givers (Day +3)

They say it is more blessed to give than to receive. Jason and I believe that statement. For years we have been receiving and, although we are grateful, we would rather be the people who are giving to others. We know what it is like to need something or to ask others for help, and it is humbling. Hopefully, one day, we can be the givers. Until then, thank you all for  giving to us. It has made all that we have been through become an opportunity to learn, grow and make new friends, and it has definitely made our situation better.

Since Jason’s health problems returned five years ago there have been many who have given to help us. For all of the meals, treats, small toys, gift cards and financial blessings, thank you! One of my favorite gifts since coming to the hospital this time has been the Chocolate Cherry Hemp body lotion from my cousin Nancy (Oh my gosh, I could eat it with a spoon). And so many people have prayed for us, given us financial help, brought us food and gifts . . .

In this hospital there are many givers. If I may, I would like to take the time to show you a couple of amazing examples of giving. I hope they will serve as inspiration to you. I hope all of us are helping our friends and family who are on difficult journeys. But what could you do for a stranger? Personally, I find it easier to give to strangers than to friends – of this I am not sure why.

While I was enjoying a momentary break to sip my hot chocolate and look for photo opportunities I noticed a basket that I had seen over the years and I wanted to inform people about it. This particular basket was filled with all sorts of beautiful, crocheted hats, free to take for any cancer patient (Jason is often treated in the same areas as cancer patients). In the past, I have seen similar baskets filled with scarfs and mittens as well. The tag on the basket says “Peggy’s Hats for Cancer.” These hats are incredibly popular on this floor of the hospital. When walking past patient rooms you will see nearly every woman and some men wearing them. They have become some kind of fashion statement among those who are fighting a war for their lives.

These hats are nothing fancy or extravagant. They are not spun from gold or embellished with expensive accessories. They are just hats. But I cannot tell you how many people have taken from this basket to cover their baldness or to simply keep their heads warm after the chemotherapy has stripped their hairs from their heads. I have seen similar baskets in the children’s hospital, in the chemotherapy units, and obviously in the inpatient hallways.

What a simple way to show people you care. What a unique way to help others and spread some love while making people feel well.

Another wonderful example of giving is through those who are willing to walk directly into your situation and offer you healing through the arts. Last year, Jason and I made friends with Kevin and Laurie. Kevin was undergoing a transplant and we were able to ask them questions about the procedure and also just chat about life. I couldn’t believe it when they told me that they are from Gays Mills, WI, a town my family and I would visit every year during their Apple Fest to sell our artwork. Even stranger that they have an orchard that we have frequented!

Their daughter Amy, a music therapist, was able to help write and compile songs written by cancer patients and their caregivers. There is a lot of talent in this CD, and the stories the lyrics tell are incredibly touching. The words will give anyone a great insight into the emotions and struggles that these people have felt and endured and, thanks to Amy and others like her, their stories can be told through lyrics and music.

Thanks to Laurie and Kevin, who also have their own songs on the discs, Jason and I have a copy of the CD. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gift for someone who has been through or is going through serious and life-changing events such as cancer, or if you wish to peek into the hearts of those who have faced tremendous obstacles. You can purchase the CD on the Gundersen Lutheran hospital website here: http://www.gundluth.org/cancer/hope-grows

If you are willing to help others, be creative and use the gifts you currently possess to make a difference. Perhaps you can crochet hats or write music or maybe there is something else that you can do. Don’t be shy about helping others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy,
do it cheerfully. - Romans 12:6-8

*On a more personal note, Jason’s headache from yesterday lasted 27 ½ hours before he no longer needed painkillers. This morning he is feeling better and even ate breakfast. Hopefully his Tacrolimus level has lowered. When they do resume his regimen for the drug they will lower the dosage.  

Taking Bets

Jason is taking bets on his hospital discharge date! Respond to this post  on my facebook fanpage, or email me your bet (obviously only people we know on facebook may "bet") with the date and time you think that Jason will be discharged from the hospital. We will add your bet to the calendar soon. Winner receives a hospital "gift" set (basically a bunch of free stuff we found in Jason’s hospital room – haha. Most doctors say he will be home within 4 to 6 weeks of admission. Some nurses say the best case scenarios have left the hospital after only 3 weeks! Good luck betting! I personally am betting on April 3.

Day -4 Movin' On Up!

Due to a faulty sink drain, Jason has been moved across the hall. No biggie. I Just had to haul all 10 loads of possessions to another room after I unpacked. But it was a good move. Jason likes this new room better and we are a little closer to the nurse’s station.

Jason and I picked up right where we “left off” when we were living in the hospital last Spring. We woke up early (because we never really went to bed) and we went on a little walk to the end of the hall where the coffee/cocoa machine rests. There, we each had a drink and sat at the sweetheart table by the window and watched people park their cars at the gargantuan VA Hospital parking ramp. Walking is vital for Jason’s health during the transplant stay. It is said that patients who exercise shorten their stays and have a better possibility of recovery. Unfortunately, as your body becomes sicker from the chemotherapy (not for another ten days or so) it becomes harder and less desirable to exercise and eat. Hopefully Jason can push through the nausea and keep moving.

During the day we enjoyed some quality time since he is still feeling well. We tried to play Sorry but most of the game pieces were missing. We then played a very competitive game of Farkle after both of us realized that we no longer remember how to play Crazy 8’s.

I also took the time to tape all of our photos to the hospital door (you can see in the image). I did this last time we were in the hospital and it seemed to have a positive effect. So far, many nurses have come to our room to smile at the pictures and laugh at Jason’s “fat” face from when he was receiving steroids. I hope they will be a reminder to Jason throughout his stay, that he is a human being, not a syndrome, and that he can look forward to a wonderful and active life once this chapter is over.