His legs are felling much better today and he is more active than ever (a good idea?) He likes to be busy, busy, busy - getting his old self back. His customers and friends are glad to see him back.
Deb
A place where we can find out how Jim is doing, leave a message of encouragement, and support him during this stressful time.
His legs are felling much better today and he is more active than ever (a good idea?) He likes to be busy, busy, busy - getting his old self back. His customers and friends are glad to see him back.
Deb
About 7:00 Jim hobbles in, extremely worn out. He has been working on the lawn mower since 4:00, without a break, and has overdone it a little. Norm stays for dinner and we have a good conversation. Jim is very relaxed and animated. It is nice to see he is feeling very good.
Deb
Dr. Bronstein questions Jim's return to work. He gets agitated when I "nag" him about washing his hands, using sunscreen, wearing gloves, etc. but he is very forgetful right now.
We go out to dinner at La Ramada across the street. It is very awkward. Jim requests his food cooked very well, fresh made guacamole, questions how long the salsa has been made (doesn't eat any). We tell the waitress about his illness and hope everything is hot enough when it gets to the table.
After dinner, we decide it is not worth the risk of going out again. We don't want to subject Jim to any unnecessary food problems.
Deb
Jim is working already! He promises to be careful, but I am apprehensive. He just can't say no.
Casey's birthday today and we have been invited to Gloria's for shortcake. I don't think we should go, but Jim really wants to.
Jim just can't keep away from others. He shakes everyone's hand, and gives a few hugs. This is what I am afraid of, his inability to follow the plan. The shortcake is very good. Strawberries and Blackberries over homemade shortcakes. Casey is 16 this year.
Deb
On the road at 10:15am. Jim and I are in separate vehicles and will drive at our own pace. We will keep in contact with the cell phone. Jim is very excited to be going home!
Uneventful trip, good to be home!
Deb
The doctor says Jim's numbers look good. He will need to continue to have follow-ups for the next year. He will have weekly follow-ups for the next month, then they should taper off to once a month. They will re-stage his myeloma at 60 days to determine how well he responded to his treatment. There is no cure for myeloma, but Jim should be able to maintain for many years.
We start packing. It is hard to believe the amount of paper, piles of it, we have received from the SCCA; bloodwork, instructions, pamphlets, books on myeloma, books on cancer in general, what to eat, what not to eat, etc. We also had to purchase pots, pans, dishes and silverware. I can't believe we have amassed so much stuff in the last 6 weeks! Thank goodness we have two vehicles to move it all in.
Jim says goodbye to the night manager, Jay. He has been a big help to us while we have been here. Always has a smile, is very jovial, and quick to lend a hand when needed. Jay says he will miss our dog.
Exhausted, time for bed.
Jim has a dental appointment this morning. All is well, they are very happy with this teeth. He is proud that they are pleased. He has been trying hard to get those teeth brushed and flossed every morning. They give him a prescription for flouride.
Follow up at the clinic today also. No bloodwork this morning. We discuss the pain in Jim's legs. Neuropathy - not much they can do for it except try to make him comfortable. They are not sure if the nerve damage is permanent, but they do advise it will last for several weeks to several months. They prescribe Gabapentin (Neurontin) 300mg in the evenings. After 3 days the dose will increase to 300mg morning and evening. We also ask for several refills on his meds so we have them on hand at home. His Potassium remains low so he will need to continue supplementation. We want nausea meds "just in case", as his nausea comes and goes.
Laundry day. We need to catch-up. Doing laundry once every two weeks (when I run out of clothing) is getting old! It takes 2 hours. We put in the laundry and go over to IHOP for breakfast. Jim is NOT impressed. We ask for eggs cooked hard, they come out runny. The hashbrowns are greasy and the texture is re-fried. My omelet is good, but I get indigestion again. We dry the laundry and return to the motel.
We drive up to St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. I am looking for small bowls and/or cups to make a bead spinner. The one I found at Goodwill is too big. I find two small bowls and a ring stand that I can adapt. Less than $3.00 compared to buying one for $24.99!!
We eat a good dinner of toast and spaghetti with tomato sauce. Jim climbs into bed; he is fatigued, but not really ready to sleep. We watch a couple hours of NCIS on the computer. Jim is having difficulty falling asleep tonight and opts for his Ativan.
Deb
Jim's blood counts are looking very good. He will remain in contact isolation until he is discharged next week. He is not feeling well today, it is believed it is because of the new medication.
We have nothing planned for today. Jim spends most of the day in bed.
Deb