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| Trust me, you don't want to be under this ride without an umbrella |
This is a personal post today, although to maintain the integrity of this blog I'll pause to say that everyone in politics can go f**k themselves.
Not that I'm paying attention to news; the only thing happening in my world right now is seeing my wife, Kathy, through to a successful outcome for her acute leukemia treatment. And between you, me, and the NSA, I'm not handling things as stoically as I might wish. This is rough going, folks.
That being said, Kathy is doing well in the hospital (albeit very fatigued, which is a regular part of leukemia) and responding well to the chemo so far. The upper limit on a normal white cell count is 11,000. For some years she was edging her way up to the low 40 thousands. Then, over about a week's time, things went crazy. Her count was up to 167,000 when we got that terrifying "two to three weeks to live without treatment" prognosis. I'm no math whiz, but that's WAY the hell more than 11,000. Plus the numbers were doubling and tripling in record time.
Happily, with some chemo pills to get her through the weekend, that number dropped to 40,000 again on Monday, and today - on chemo - it's down to 13,000. Nearly normal! Unfortunately, this only tells a teeny bit of a complicated story, but as a first step on the thousand-mile journey, we'll take it.
Considering she's going to be in the hospital for a month, I'd hoped the room would be vaguely inviting. Foolishly, it turns out. It's a very hospitally hospital room, which means it has all the important stuff and no real luxuries or calming elements. There's a big TV, but we're a TIVO family who has been fast-forwarding through commercials for years. For Kathy to actually have to watch commercials in real time is torture. I've tried to come up with workarounds, but Kathy is reluctant to learn new technologies at the best of times, and this ain't the best of times.
In fact, she called me as I was on my way to the hospital today - a very rare thing since she despises her cellphone and doesn't know how to use it. I, on the other hand, also despise my cellphone and don't even know how to ANSWER the sumbitch. So we had a brief and confusing call (while I was driving) after which I tried to hang up the damn phone. Later, at her bedside, I realized that both of us were still connected, and had each burned up about 30 minutes of Tracfone time. And don't even TALK to us about texting. If picture postcards were good enough for our grandparents, they're good enough for us!
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| According to the postcard, this Texas bank was never successfully robbed by anything with horns. |
Still, I'm not a complete technical nincompoop, so Wednesday I'm going to try setting up an Amazon device (yes, they're spying bastards but I needed Prime delivery) which will let her listen to any kind of music she likes, play radio stations, listen to podcasts (Scott Adams' is great), or even audiobooks - controlling everything with her voice, which is handy when you're hooked up to various lines, wires, and sensors.
Kathy was in good spirits today, actually eating a bit (despite no appetite) knowing that a storm is coming soon in which solid food won't stay down. Which is much the same effect people experience when watching a Biden speech.
I'll give further updates when I'm able, but in the interim, my whole family thanks you for your supportive comments, thoughts, and prayers. I honestly didn't know how much they'd mean to me until this very moment. -Stilton
141 comments:
Prayers for you both!
Dear Stilton, I am adding Kathy, you, and your family to my prayer list. I ask for St. Peregrine’s intercession for people with cancer, because he is their special patron saint. Thank you for letting your readers know so we can pray. From Tacoma, Washington
Damn, virtual hugs to all of you guys, big ones. Check out some ensure if she can stand it, helps my 85 year old mom who won't eat right and it's better than nothing. Amazon prime isn't too bad, and I order way too damn much at times. I'm on an iphone Xr, thanks to my precious kids. Especially the one who worked at a phone store for years and has me on her plan. Her best advice is, and I quote, "google it, mom", smart ass brat, lol. Seriously, we will keep you in prayers and yell if you need help on anything.
Praying for the best.
If prayers were by the pound, I'm in for about 60 tons. Don't waste them on cell phone minutes, unless you get a really good signal.
I spent 71 years without ever spending a night in my own hospital room, this year (so far) I've made two trips. Nothing helps set your priorities in place like sleeping in a place where you never wanted to be!
Tell Kathy we're praying for her and hope she's better soon!
You take care of yourself, too!
Stilt
Damn. Tough news. Sounds like she is getting good care. Mama frog’s advice about Ensure is good. Vanilla is my favorite, I even drink the stuff and I don’t need to. Prayers to you both.
Prayers my friend to your wife and to you
Prayers for Kathy to put one in the W column against leukemia and prayers for you to be just as strong as she needs you to be.
Ditto the prayers to St Peregrine also to St Padre Pio. My wife is going through chemo. I can attest that prayers work and provide comfort both physically and mentally. BTW, Catholics use pray the way Shakespeare did.
Make sure you eat your Wheaties and get some rest, you're her Rock! Sending prayers skyward for you both...
Kathy is officially on our church’s prayer list. Although that does not extend to the suffering through commercials dilemma. God Bless.
Mi Sheberach
Avoteinu: Avraham, Yitzhak, v’Yaakov,
v’Imoteinu: Sarah, Rivka, Rachel v’Leah,
Hu yivarech virapei
et hacholah Kathy bat Jane
HaKadosh Baruch Hu
yimalei rachamim aleha,
l’hachlimah,
u-l’rap’otah,
l’hazikah,
u-l’chay-otah.
lah bim-hera
r’fuah shlemah,
r’fu-at hanefesh u-r’fu-at hagoof,
b’toch sh’ar cholei Yisrael v’cholei yoshvei tevel,
hashta ba’agalah u-vizman kariv,
v’no-mar, Amen!
May the One who blessed our ancestors —
Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah —
bless and heal the one who is ill:
Kathy daughter of Jane.
May the Holy Blessed One
overflow with compassion upon her,
to restore her,
to heal her,
to strengthen her,
to enliven her.
The One will send her, speedily,
a complete healing —
healing of the soul and healing of the body —
along with all the ill,
among the people of Israel and all humankind,
soon,
speedily,
without delay,
and let us all say: Amen!
So sorry to hear this news. I wish nothing but the best for you and Kathy. I would repeat Mitch Marmel's Mi Shebeirach (the Jewish prayer for healing and better health) but it is already there for you.
For all you have done for all of us, i only wish there was more we could do for you. If i have an address, i will be happy to send you a bottle of good scotch for now, and a bottle of Kathy's choice when she has gotten better.
It may be hard to maintain your humor in the face of this type of misery, however as a long time doctor i can promise (even swear on a bible) that laughter really is the best medicine. I hope that you and Kathy can keep smiling during all of this. Even if it doesn't work, at least the journey will be more fun.
All my best wishes to you and especially to her. Barry Newman
To all the good wishes and prayers I can only add, “Amen “.
What you said MMM! That is really beautiful! I’m on my knees for you Kathy, and also for you Stilt. Be well, the both of you!
Savanasu ❤️
I can only pray that you both stay strong through this and hope that all turns out for the best. Having a niece who went through this (it's in remission now) I can only say ... well, I can't really say what I'd like to say about it because I think I'm not supposed to use that sort of language, but I think you know what I mean.
May God richly bless and heal you Kathy and Stilt. Wives hold us together. Sometimes it’s our turn to return the favor. I’ll be praying for you both.
Praying for you Stilt. May all the good feelings, laughter, and joy you've given others over the years come back to you now.
Sioux and I continue to remember our friends in prayer. For Kathy, daughter Jarlsberg, and Stilt, we petition God for peace, healing, and assurance. Take care of yourself, Stilt. You are the rock your family holds to when the storm rages. Love, Glen and Sioux.
Prayers and thoughts for Katy and you.
Kathy is what I tried to type.
Praying for you and Kathy, hang tough!
So sorry you all are going through this. As my possible future back surgeon says, "Getting old ain't for sissies". I hate to use Amazon, too, and have found Walmart is sometimes a viable alternative. All that being said, I don't know if I could live without Audible now. I hope Kathy continues to improve!
My prayers will include all of you.
I pause, in this busy day filled with so many pointless distractions, to offer a prayer with the intention of healing for your wife Kathy and strength for you in the days ahead. As a physician nearing the end years of my practice, I agree with Dr Newman above that laughter is the best medicine. [That saying assumes that you've got the actual "medicine" part already taken care of which, by your description, you have!] God bless you both in your time of struggle.
I’m standing in line to offer my prayers and encouragement. You are on the world’s scariest E-Ticket ride and sometimes you will just have to hang in there, living one moment at a time. We discovered it helps to find the funny in scary situations; it sounds stupid but it’s there.
You have Amazon Prime so allow me to proffer some unsolicited advice: get some books from Erma Bombeck (available in either paperback form or kindle) and another book, I'd Rather Do Chemo Than Clean Out the Garage: Choosing Laughter over Tears by Fran Di Giacomo.
And s always, let us know if there is anything we can do. All the best to you, Mrs J, and Daughter J.
All the best and prayers for the family.
And Stilton, you don't know how much you mean to us.
All the love and support I can gather to send to you,
Kitty
Wishing you and Kathy the best.
Don't forget to take care of yourself and take oodles of vitamins to keep you healthy during this very stressful time.
I also had cancer but, for whatever reason, I did not suffer too much. I believe it was because of the oodles of vitamins, minerals, and herbs I was taking.
I'm right alongside you as you face these awful things! My good friend is going through the leukemia thing - and he's alone, caring for himself. I'm helping as much as I can with rides, grocery shopping, etc. But I'm going through my own trials - awaiting acceptance for a double tansplant. Jeez - and I thought life would get a bit easier when I got old. Praying for you as I pray for a number of my friends!
We will be praying for you both and the whole family for complete healing.
SJ,
Prayers for your wife, for you, and for your family..truly and I mean it.. May God Bless y’all.. May He lay his hands upon you and Kathy, and remove the pain and anguish.. May Angels watch over her and you.. God Bless my Friend..
Take Care and let us know..
Danger Will Robinson..
Remember the Big Guy is in charge, ( not Joe the jackass ). Prayers for all Ya'll.
Ditto Mr. Marmel's sentiments:
May G-d
overflow with compassion upon Kathy,
to restore her,
to heal her,
to strengthen her.
Send her, speedily,
a complete healing —
healing of the soul and healing of the body.
SJ: Our prayers are with you and Kathy. God bless.
Amen!
Stilton
My Mother was diagnosed with acute leukemia and was told she only had days to live. Thanks to a great hospital staff, chemo, and major dietary changes, she lived SIX more years! Hope is not lost. Prayers rising for her and your family. God Bless
Barry
Father, thank You that no matter what challenges and setbacks we face, You have the final word over all things. Thank You that it’s never over until You say it’s over. I believe that You are breaking the powers of darkness, and victory is on the way for Kathy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
You have many friends on here, all of whom are thinking of you and your wife. All the best to her, hoping she is well soon.
Prayers for you, Kathy, and her doctors!
Praying for you both. May God the Great Physician heal Kathy while giving you the strength to be the comforting husband during this stressful time.
Instead of watching all those awful advertisements and all that icky political crap on tv, read the Janet Evanovich books (if you already haven't). They are funny and laughter is the best medicine! I've been thru chemo also. It's no fun but obviously you have a very supportive husband - my husband was also good support! Love to you both.
Prayers headed your way.
Prayers for your continued strength and a quick recovery for Kathy. I'll add her name to our church prayer list.
Your family is in my prayers. Take care of yourself and you're family. We'll be here when you feel like returning. God Bless
Keeping your family in prayer.
Hey Stilton, Sorry to hear that you and Kathy are not at your best. I'm glad to hear she is responding to the chemo, and I hope she's out of there soon. Take care of yourself comrade.
I will pray for both of you. Both of you stay strong. God will provide remission and cure. Thank you for all you have done to make this world a better and happier place for us all Stilton.
Thanks for the update.
So sorry to hear about your wife's leukemia, Stilton. Stay strong.
Prayers for Kathy and you, Stilt. My wife went through chemo (and surgery) in '06. I understand the worry and terror that accompanies this trial. But her numbers are improving so she is responding favorably. Both excellent signs and reason to cheer. Prayers with you both. The entire online Stilton family is behind you and praying for you.
Dear Stilton, I am praying for a speedy recovery for Kathy. May God bless you both, and keep you strong.
Hang in there, my wife had the Big C and recovered, after a long spell of chemo & radiation. So it ain't over! "Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!"
Ditto on all prayers, I’ve never commented before but need to now. Tears in my eyes now, once I sent up my own prayers for healing and strength.
Amen.
Erma’s books are wonderful, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books are a hoot. I can also add Patrick McManus to the list, his stories make me laugh so much. I think his first was titled A Fine and Pleasant Misery. Check him out, he’s a PNW guy and outdoor fun is his focus starting from when he was a boy growing up in Idaho. You’ll both love his stories.
May our Father hold you both in His loving arms.
Stilt, know that Kathy and your family are in our prayers.
Many prayers for recovery and healing. Thanks for letting us know so we can give our support through prayer. Blessings for Kathy and you Stilton
Add to my prayers. Remember God, Family, Blog in that order. :)
That said if I lived anywhere near she'd be setup with a Roku connected (in secret) to the room TV and connected to the guest wifi (provided it was fast enough). I'm a tech minded dinosaur that works in IT support at a large unnamed university in Syracuse NY and provides tech support to the dinosaur faculty all the time. If you have no one else hit me up with a reply I'd be honored to help in anyway.
Praying for you and your family!
prayers to you and your family!
A lot of people are praying for you and your loved ones! Keep the faith and stay strong.
Continued prayers for you both. And while I know you are focused on Kathy, remember to take care of yourself. I know that is difficult, but it will not help her if the stress takes you down.
My daughter-in-law went through treatment for this problem. Chemo, nuke and a bone marrow transplant and now, years later, is doing great. Praying for healing for Ms. Stilton!
Stay strong! Know that you and your family are in my family's prayers.
I really like the white cell count trend, seems a very encouraging result so far.
As with everyone above, thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear that! I'm not a praying man, but my thoughts are with you both.
I have added Kathy to my prayer list and also pray that you and your daughter are given all you need to get through this.
Patricia Katagiri
Didn't proofread before hitting the button...
I've got my arm around both your shoulders, amigo.
More thoughts and prayers from a cancer survivor. Chemo and radiation suck, but they work. One thing that helped me, if the medicos approve, is protein drinks. I preferred Ensure, but there are other brands out there that she might like better.
Godspeed.
I seldom comment, but always enjoy and appreciate Stilton's Place. It's heartwarming to see all the comments and warmth so many folks have for you and Kathy. That includes me, and your situation will be on my prayer list for as long as it takes. NWPA Ray
Stay strong and my prayers for a full recovery for Kathy. Yours is the best blog going, always enjoyed it immensely so please don't lose your sense of humor. I survived two spells of lying flat on my back for a week each time with an Amazon fire tablet, listening to audio books from the local library, which worked well until I would doze off and wake up later wondering where the hell I was in the book. We also use Amazon firestick on the TV, hopefully the hospital can accommodate some version of that. (Deplorable Mikey in Florida)
Bless you my friend.. chemo is a hard road, praying your wife has a good response.
I've always argued that hospitals are no place for sick people. It's impossible to relax in such an environment where relaxation is one of the most important factors in regaining one's health.
You're going to be on the phone allot. You might consider a phone/plan with unlimited time. They aren't that expensive anymore.
I'd also head to Costco and pickup an inexpensive Android tablet. (I love my 10-inch one which was less than $300, I spend almost as much time on it as I do my other computers) They're great for consuming media anywhere you've got a decent wifi signal. Of course, all the major audio and video services can be consumed on it in addition to email and web browsing.
Stay strong, and remember we're all pulling for you.
Stilt:
As you're taking care pf her, don't forget to take care of yourself.
As far as entertainment, an Amazon Kindle Fire is a good investment. Read, listen to music, or watch movies/TV shows.
Between Prime Video and Netflix, you're pretty much covered.
Best wished to both, for a mild and speedy recovery!
Lee
Prayers and Blessings for you and Kathy at this difficult time. From personal experience, I know the health care professionals have near miraculous treatments nowadays. I had my Bone Marrow Transplant for Leukemia back in 2012 and am still doing well. There may be lots of uncertainties at this point, but have Faith. I will keep you in my thoughts and Prayers. God Bless.
Devastating news Stilt. I so pray for your wife's recovery. I'm a two time cancer survivor, but not leukemia. I've been free for over 10 years now, so there is a lot of positive hope.
Hang in there and be tough. To quote John Wayne, "F*** cancer and the horse it rode in on."
Navyvet
R.Rowan
Hopes and good wishes to Kathy and you.
And she's totally correct about those TV commercials. They are pure mental torture! I hope you find a workable solution so she can watch some movies/shows without aggravation.
Again, God bless you folks!
Pulling for Kathy, and you, big time here!
May God watch over and bless you and Kathy! It is possible to beat this horrible stuff, so hang in there. Prayers are going up for you and yours.
While we all miss your almost daily emails, family always comes first. Prayers for Kathy.
Stilton,
You and Kathy will be in the Muenster household's prayers and conversation. The power of prayer is absolutely real!
I am impressed that you still took time to post some funnies. Thank you very much for thinking of us during this time.
@3M,
That is beautiful! Please post it every day!
Prayers for both of you. Modern medicine has made huge advancements in the past few years. Your wife has a very good chance of winning over that despicable disease.
Do NOT neglect yourself in this battle! You need to be her strength and be aware of everything that's is happening for her. SO you need to be rested and nourished to accomplish that.
Don't forget all of us out here who wish you the best.
Long time reader,
John Yeargin
Please give her my love.
Please know that both you and your wife are in our prayers!
Sending healing prayers and hugs of comfort to both you and Kathy.
Stilton, your post made me both laugh and cry. I laughed because, despite the devastating news, your unique brand of humor broke through. I cried because it moved me deeply your sharing the personal story of Kathy's illness and the sudden upheaval of your life. I feel like you are a friend, and also you are a neighbor, if you consider Plano a neighborhood. My best to you and Kathy.
As always, keep the Faith and get her a big bucket of Green Chile stew. May not cure her, but then one never knows. The stuff works for me from in-grown toenails to Depends rash. Keep looking up and chive on.......
Courage, my friend. I am praying for Kathy's healing, and for you to stay strong. If you ever feel the need to talk, I am here for you.
I faced the same type of situation your and your wife are facing now. I lost y beloved wife of 47 eight years and two months ago after caring for her for 15 years after she was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia. She was quite a fighter until the bitter end, so I know what the two of your are going through.
There are no words that can erase the heartache and concern you both feel, but I wish you both the best.
I have few regrets for the 47 years and many happy memories. My biggest regret is that I did not tell her "I love you" often enough.
Don't make that mistake.
Barry
Prayers for you and Kathy from just North of you in the Red River Valley.
Prayers for you Both!
I remember hustling my wife to the hospital after she'd had her stroke, and how terrified I was. More than her! It all worked out in the end - she's fine, now. At least you guys know what you're dealing with. Stay strong! And of course you have all the best wishes of
- KJARTAN -
Prayers for your family Stilt! Lots of them! Stay strong for Kathy and your daughter's sake. And tell Kathy you love her daily! (prayers, love and laughter can all heal)
Ditto on the tablet ideas above, you can watch commercial free AmazonPrime/Netflix/Hulu/YouTubeTV video on any tablet or smartphone. Just need access to the hospital wifi so you are not sucking data. Also with some phone/TV combinations you can push your phone content to the TV to get the larger screen (super easy on Samsung smart phone to smart Samsung TV).
And i can't avoid saying you should look into alternative medicines as well (specifically anything to boost the immune system). Although you may be receiving excellent care, our medical industry is limited in what they are allowed to do. I can tell you first hand they really suck at treating Lyme Disease. And their response to the Covid crisis is not stellar.
I’ve been a fan for at least a decade, this is my first comment. Will be praying for your family. With love in Christ, Nancy Randall
Oh, wow, what a journey Cathy and your family are going through, may our Lord's blessings be with all of you during this difficult time. Prayers and healing and she fights the cancer battle and I am a three time vet of that stuff.
Prayers and Best Wishes for you and your family, Stilton. Look to the Lord for strength, comfort, and guidance.
Please shake the wagon load to make room for another prayer for Kathy!
You're a unit, and I--among others--need you still to be able to observe, analyze, post here for years to come.
Clan MacGregor should now be reserved for external use only as the perfect sterilizer.
God's Presence and Peace be over you.
TVAG
Thanks for sharing your situation - it gives us the opportunity to pray specifically for Cathy, you, and the medical team. That is a privilege you have given us and we will not take it lightly.
Just make sure to make her laugh or smile at least once a day. You’ll both benefit from it.
My prayers are with you and Kathy.
Sending up daily prayers for Kathy, you and all your family....
God can do the impossible....
impossible is i -m - possible....
Bless you all....
Stilt, as you can see there are a lot of people out there who not only appreciate what you do but also consider you a friend. I'm pleased to be counted among them. These are very trying times and I can personally attest to that because I went through this almost 13 years ago and lost my truly wonderful wife of 45 years to ovarian cancer. She was a tough fighter but this damn disease is a formidable foe. Kathy will rely on you a lot these days and it's important for you to stay strong and take care of yourself. I've added your entire family to my daily prayer list and believe in the power it provides. Stay focused on the important things in the days ahead and only post something if you have the inclination. We'll all be here.
So sorry to see what your wife is going through with you at her side in loving support. I'm retired from medicine for a few years now and you have made my days better with your intelligence and wit - and I pray that this will respond and resolve with good care, something I have seen happen on many occasions. While you focus on what is most important in your life, we will be here in support when you are back in the saddle.
I'm sorry to hear the news, and may the burdens be light.
So sad to hear what your wife is going through. My wife got an infection due to some bad surgery a few years back and had blood cell counts way up there also. They had her in a medical coma with many doctors hovering over her changing medications constantly. She came out of it OK as I'm sure Kathy will but it is hard on everyone in the mean time.
No help with your electronics dilema from here. I rely on others now a days.
We will be thinking of you both in the coming days and hope for a speedy recovery.
jack
Best wishes to Kathy and yourself, Stilt.
Erik
My father was diagnosed with Acute Monoblastic Leukaemia in 1968 ! He was told he had 3 months to live . He agreed to let them use him as a guinea pig for the new chemo therapy treatments . My poor father was so sick with those treatments ! He did live for 6 months after diagnosis tho . I guess you could say he was a pioneer in that field .
God bless Kathy and help her in her affliction, and give you both strength and courage.
Stilton, My prayers are for your wife and yourself to get through this ordeal. My close-by neighbor's wife has leukemia and is undergoing treatments at the U. of Washington Medical Center. I know what he is experiencing as well as his wife from what he has told me; we have discussed it all. His wife has her god and bad days, as yours does. Please keep us all posted on how both of you are doing and i wish I could offer something more positively encouraging besides sincere prayer for her speedy recovery.
Your loyal follower,
Ed
Good Sir. I pray that your Lady Wife and you remain strong and that she is returned to full health. May the drugs put a really heinous smack down on the cancer so that it never returns to darken your lives. In God's Safekeeping...Red
Without going through all 111 posts before me I am sure that pretty much everyone of them expresses some sort of Prayers for you and your family. I also am going to pray for you and your family to come through this safe and sound. I also pray for your family to have strength and peace to see this through. I don't know how it will end but again I wish you strength and peace. I'm sure you know how much all of the people here truly care for you given all you have done to keep some of us sane over the past years simple words on a screen just don't convey the worry we have for you and your wife.
Please dear Lord give this man and his wife peace of mind and soul to overcome this.
John
My Good Friends (I think we're past the "readers" stage now!), I am moved to tears by such a wonderful outpouring of support, prayers, wisdom, and humor. Tears, incidentally, do nothing to make Clan MacGregor taste worse. In fact, it creates sort of a bad margarita vibe.
After reading 92 messages at the end of a long day, I'm just going to scattershot a few answers, but please know that I read and appreciate EVERY message.
I visited Kathy at the hospital today (of course) and she was having a good day. Her bad blood numbers are way down and she was actually feeling better than she did at home for the days preceding her admission. She looked good (albeit somewhat bionic with wires, tubes, and attachments) and was able to eat a bit. She knows that's going to get harder soon.
And yes, we laughed a bit. We both believe in the power of humor, but this is a challenging environment for such. We'll work at it, though!
The various book suggestions are appreciated and I'll run them by Kathy. I also appreciate the suggestions about Kindle/Tablet media...but therein lies a funny tale.
To help entertain Kathy, I bought a Kindle Fire 8 HD and loaded it with everything, spending weary hours prepping some of the materials. It was then a fight to make everything work with the hospital wi-fi, but I eventually triumphed. And today, with a great flourish, I presented the device and...
"Will that let me watch my favorite shows without commercials?" she asked
"Well, no - I tried to make that work but it doesn't."
"So why would I want that thing?"
"It's got Alexa, so you can control it by voice while it spies on you! And you can watch Netflix and Amazon Prime!"
"I don't want to watch those," she pointed out, as if I'd suggested she learn to juggle rutabagas in her hospital bed.
"You can play your favorite music," I cajoled.
"I don't want to hear music."
"If you ask it, it will play a slideshow of favorite family photos!"
(Her reply was a scrunched "what the hell were you thinking" face)
"How about a panoply of relaxing nature scenes...?"
(Same face)
"Funny animal memes...?"
(At this point she's considering divorce)
But then I pulled out the Big Gun. The feature that no one enduring chemotherapy could possibly resist:
"If you tell it to show the lyrics with a song, you can sing Karaoke!"
So yeah, the Alexa device came home with me today (wry grin).
All of your comments mean a great deal to Kathy, and not just because they distract me from trying to come up with more ways to "help" her.
And seriously, I've been in a near panic a lot recently and it's taken a physical toll. Sitting with her for a few hours today and just having things feel NORMAL was the first time in days my heart beat normally.
We know it's a rough road ahead, but we're taking things exactly one day at a time. And today was okay, all considered.
Back to your comments, we sure like hearing survivor stories. And my heart goes out to everyone who has fought this battle (for yourself or a loved one) whatever the outcome. This awful disease pretty much touches everyone from one direction or another. But in community there is strength, which is why I'm so very, very grateful for the community we've made here together.
You and your wife will be in my prayers.
You and the Mrs. continue in our thoughts and prayers.
NSB
Prayers for Mrs J to recover quickly to full health, prayers for you to stay strong, prayers for daughter J to maintain her sanity and health as her parents are going nuts, and prayers for the commenters here for being such good people.
God bless you all.
It's a long and winding road that leads to recovery, but we ALL are behind you, ready to buoy you up! Many prayers headed your way, may God grant you many more GOOD years with your Love of your Life!
Our family is praying for yours for healing, strengthening of faith and your sense of humor which can carry you through rough times. Thanks for all you do, we'll see you when it's time.
I'm praying for you and your family. It's been a rough time for you.
I know all about counting white blood cells myself and am grateful every day for the medical geniuses out there who help me keep the numbers within reason.
I wish you and Kathy all the best in this ongoing battle.
Damn, Stilt. So sorry to hear about Kathy. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!!!!
If you can help our friends further, go here (they are making a difference!);
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - LLS Official Site
donate.lls.org
We are the Largest Nonprofit Dedicated to Creating a World Without Blood Cancers. LLS Helped Advance 56 of the 66 Treatment Options Approved by the U.S. FDA Since 2017
Make a Difference · Help Fund Cancer Research
Types: Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma
Hang in there guys!
I have always treasured your sense of humor, Stilt. From Kathy's reactions and comments, it seems you are a matched set, with love and support for each other as your glue. Those things are not coincidences. There are none of those coincidinky things. Prayers still being sent up for Kathy, daughter J, and the Stilt himself. Love, Glen and Sioux.
Prayers to you and Kathy,
Fervent prayers ascending for you, your wife Kathy, and daughter.
The dogs are on their own.
Stilt...I like your moxie...all you need to do is everything that needs to be done for as long as it needs doing. Be on the lookout for those "am I worth it" moments when Kathy may wonder if she should be putting her family thru all this...those thoughts come from strength and love. As you know, life is gonna be tough for awhile, and you have the better part of it...of all the things I tried and spoke...I think the most important was just being the first person she saw when she woke up from a procedure...every time! That told her, in no uncertain terms, that there was nothing in this world that was more important to me...then her.
best to you both,
f
Second Anon above, the best thing for her is you and daughter J!
@Extended Jarlsberg Family (that's you)- I'm greatly appreciating all the comments and support. I believe they can make a difference.
I don't have much of an update today because I'm exhausted, but only from being too busy with too many things (and stressed). But I had another really nice visit with Kathy today and she's doing well. She's starting to get a few chemo side effects, but so far no nausea or pain, for which we're grateful. She's started getting transfusions (completely expected) and it's no big deal for her. She's a tough cookie!
I'm glad to say we're still laughing together ("Do you want the Alexa yet?"). And Daughter J is doing well and (literally) patting my hand when I most need it.
More details eventually, but for now let me send love and appreciation from the Jarlsbergs!
You are blessed with the human condition.I’ll be praying for both of you.
As most cowboys I know do not say much I am reminded of a saying, "The man who FEELS the most, says the least."
I will only say "Ditto" to what everyone else has already said.
Wishing the best for Mrs. Jarlsberg. Glad she has you to provide Prime and hugs.
My heart goes out to your wife, you and your family. What doctors can do against cancer right now is truly amazing. Just 3 months ago, oncologists used a new treatment to get rid of TWO simultaneous lymphomas in my brother, and both cancers are now in remission. Leukemia is different from lymphoma, but they are related. I pray that your wife's doctors are just as successful. You, your wife and your family - and your wife's doctors - are in my prayers.
Did three major trips (all related) in 2020, so I understand the minamilist feel of the average hospital room intimately. Be with her all you can ( Really helps) and don't forget to take care of you too. Need anything, just let us know. LOTS of us out here.
@Anonymous: Seconded on medical marvels nowadays. Had a cancerous kidney and lymph node removed in 2019, and they did such a good job, I didn't even need chemo or Xray treatment afterwards!
See: https://johnnyoptimism.blogspot.com/2019/03/green.html ;-)
Trusting in your family's courage and strength, and praying for comfort and health.
God bless you and the saintly Kathy, Stiltonian. I'll think of you and Kathy at Mass on Sunday. Had to chuckle about the cellphones. My wife hates them so much she keeps losing them. At what point do we surrender?
Keep the faith; the rest of us will take care of worrying about the country until you're back on beam.
God bless you and your wife.
Be with her, take care of her and take care of yourself. May God be with you both. Ken
May God bless both of you all the days of your life.
Upbeat, funny and entertaining audio books are by Jodi Taylor, the Chronicles of St Mary's series starting with Book 1, Just One Damned Thing After Another. I listen to a LOT of audio books and this series is charming, undemanding but completely entertaining and if Kathy's sense of humor is like yours I think the humor in this books will appeal
So sorry to hear this Stilt. Prayer has been offered up to the Great Physician in Jesus' name.
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