As landmarks go, being home from the hospital for a full week may not sound like much, but it's cause for celebration here in the Jarlsberg household. Because that's how long it's been since Kathy was discharged and put into the care of a very, very nervous guy.
Happily, things have been running pretty smoothly. As of today, Kathy has completely given up use of her walker for getting around, though still has to pace herself as she continues to rebuild muscle, energy, and blood cells. Her hair is thinning, but she's not worried about it - perhaps because I've made being bald look so good over the years. Or not.
The elephant in the room, of course, is figuring out just where we are in all of this and what comes next? Theoretically, we'll find out a bit more on Tuesday when there will be a fresh blood draw and analysis, followed by what will hopefully be an enlightening discussion with the experts.
In the meanwhile, I've recently taken receipt of every relevant publication from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (available free, for which I'm greatly appreciative) and so have plenty of anxiety-producing and hope-inspiring reading material to work through. I'll note, though, that all of the many booklets are a bit on the dry side and could really benefit from a little humor...
If anyone from the LLS happens to be reading this, I'm ready to provide services free of charge! Or to write you a personal letter of apology!
Seriously, we're grateful for each normal-ish day and hope to enjoy many, many more. And we're also grateful for the support, insight, positive thoughts, and prayers we've been getting from family, friends, and YOU. They make a real difference, so please keep them up!
40 comments:
Glad you both got to spend some time at home. Hang in there. It sounds like there's reason to hope for a brighter tomorrow. We'll be praying for you both.
In this case, normal is very, very good indeed!
You keep up the good work, we'll keep the positive waves coming! ;-D
Wonderful news! Prayers for all are continuing.
Happy full week home from the hospital! I’m sending prayers for continued healing and a good week ahead for you all.
Running pretty smoothly, considering what's been going on is good.
Prayers continue for all of you.
Keeping a positive outlook is critical in any form of cancer treatment, and being home and having you taking care of her is one of the best kinds of therapy she could have.
All the best to you both!
Prayers for you both, nightly. God be with you.
Woo-hoo, way to go! Hopefully, on Thursday Kathy will get the go-ahead to lead TVAG's conga line!
Prayers and positive thoughts continuing to flow!
Good news! Glad to hear Kathy is progressing.
Fingers crossed for the good news to continue!
Am so happy to hear your wife is improving... many of us praying for complete recovery
Prayers continue!
The Johnny Optimism cartoon - BOOM! Laughed right out loud.
Her hair is thinning, but she's not worried about it - perhaps because I've made being bald look so good over the years. Or not.. Well, they do say the longer a couple is married the more they begin to look alike.
My prayers for you and Kathy in this time, Stilt. My mom had AML and passed in 2019. I know just what you're going through. Cherish the moments you have NOW and make the most of these.
👍👍
EXCELLENT News! Prayers and Good Wishes continue. After chemo my wife's hair came back thicker and fuller than before. In the meantime she can try a wig (or a few) in a different color and style. My wife went from very pale blonde to a redhead that way!
This is good news. And about that hair loss, my wife had Covid back in July, 2020 which was followed by hair loss, not as bad as with chemo, but enough for her to start freaking out. I told her to look on the bright side, she could have a bunch of wigs, all different in color and style, and could wear a different one each day. Or wear several during each day, just to keep the neighbors confused and give them something to talk about. She was not impressed. And the hair loss, which was never really that bad, stopped. And Kathy's hair will come back. Prayers and good wishes continue. (Deplorable Mikey in Fl)
Great news, and we are glad to hear it. One day at a time. Try and enjoy each day, and don't be afraid to try new things.
A great milestone indeed. Our prayers and well wishes continue. One day at a time Stilton and Kathy. You'll get there.
Good news is great news. We are praying for more great news this week. Love, Glen and Sioux.
Glad things are doing better. Keep up the good caregiving! But don't forget to take care of yourself too. Very important!
Happy to read some encouraging progress. Continued prayers
Wonderful news, we'll keep praying for continued healing.
Glad to hear Mrs. Stilt is getting around better. Hang in there, the both of you.
Bless you and Kathie, great to hear Mrs. is improving and able to walk unadid. Pray for healing and normal life for you both. Love your post and wise cracks. Keep pressing the line. Dave
Thanks for the update. Great news so far. I have donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the past and think I will again on behalf of Kathy.
Surely the worst is behind the both of you. May the Lord Bless and keep you.
A miracle in Stilton's Place, who'da thunk? Best wishes and prayers comin' yer way !!
Whether measured in seconds or inches, progress is progress. Continued prayers for the Missus and her home health aide.
Bald women are sexy, IMHO.
PRAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY.
[To The Beat of Desi Arnaz on The Conga]
"Kathy's-hair-is-thinning,
Sure-sign-that-she's-winning!
Soon-it-will-be-growing,
Full-of-health-and-glowing!
The-walker-she's-not-needing--
This-Conga-Line-she's-LEADING!
GO-G0-KATHY-GO-GO!
GO-GO-KATHY-GO-GO!
BYE-BYE-CANCER-BYE-BYE!
BYE-BYE-CANCER-BYE-BYE!
We-Sing-This-Chorus-SKY-HIGH!!"
[The Beat And Line Goes On Around The House, Around The Block... Around The World--Full Of Jarlsberg Fans, Friends, And Family]
TVAG
Your Kathy and all like here are the reason why I donate blood. I just got my ten gallon pin last donation. Okay maybe I donate a little bit of it to balance my Karma. I did tell one of my Soldiers once who was getting on my last nerve and jumping up and down on it that "I just donated blood and they say when you do that you save three lives so if I kill you I'm still up by two." He laughed a moment till he realized that I might just be serious.
All joking aside I am truly glad things are getting better and will continue to pray for her and your entire family to continue to have the strength to fight this.
As a former caregiver of a family member don't neglect yourself. You aren't any good to her if you get sick or just too run down to help her when she really needs it.
Prayers for you and those out there who don't have caring family to have strength and peace.
Thank you for the positive post. Prayers for you and Kathy are being heard and answered. Keep up the good work.
I'm with @John25mm above. I got my 10-gallon pin last summer. It's good knowing that something my body produces readily helps save someone who's body can't. It's also cool now that the Red Cross shoots you an email telling you where your blood ended up a few weeks after you donate. Brilliant, reminding people that they did something that affected someone else's life.
I'm eligible to give again in a week or two. Maybe mine will be going to Texas this time. I always have a couple of pieces of Costco pepperoni pizza before going. I hope Kathy is okay with that.
Best wishes and prayers headed your way. As a retired (2 weeks ago) hospice nurse, I gotta remind you to take care of yourself as well as your lovely bride.
keeping Kathy in my prayers..
*****I'll note, though, that all of the many booklets are a bit on the dry side and could really benefit from a little humor...*****
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We'll leave the humor to you. I'm sure you could punch up the booklets.
In the meantime, keep on keeping on and prayers are offered.
.
NSF
I don't always respond to prayer requests, but you have my word that I always will pray. Godspeed.
(Of course, I meant TUESDAY -- but you knew that, right?)
Prayers and tips. There's a website I love that has hair wraps that are just gorgeous! Wrapunzel.com I'm a total klutz with scarves, but even I can do many of those wraps. Your wife will feel like a star! Warning: they're addictive!
So glad she can move safely without the walker! She and your whole family are in our prayers!
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