Friends from Whitefish

We had such a nice visit with Joe and LuAnn Basirico from Whitefish! They were in Seattle and stopped by to visit. Sure was nice seeing some Whitefish friends. Dave is doing well although still doesn't feel like eating. I figured it out though; I don't ask him if he is hungry, I just fix him something without asking, then put it in front of him. It seems if he doesn't have to think about food, he does better eating when it's a surprise!!! He had Carnation Instant Breakfast this morning and a few peach slices; then I surprised him with a baked chicken breast, which he ate half of, then some homemade chicken and rice soup for dinner, and he ate a whole bowl!!! That sure made my day. No lab or clinic visit tomorrow - we won't know how to act without something scheduled! It should be a nice quiet day.

Good Report

All blood counts are rising and Dave is doing well, although very tired. He slept good last night, and I'm sure he will sleep good tonight. He's watching the Mariner's game this evening. He still doesn't have any desire to eat, but did manage a little. We did walk up to the SCCA today for his lab appointment and clinic visit. Because his lab results were so good, he doesn't need to have a clinic visit all weekend!!! He will have to have daily lab draws though, which is no big deal. It should be a nice weekend.

Out of Hospital

CELEBRATE - Dave was discharged from the hospital! It is also the 2 wk. anniversary of his stem cell transplant. He's pretty weak, but happy to be back at the hotel where he's feeling more normal. He doesn't have any appetite, but that should come around within a couple of days. He will still be on the CADD pump for hydration, but also needs to push the fluids orally. I think that is the biggest challenge right now. He will have a lab draw at the SCCA tomorrow followed with a clinic appointment and a meeting with the social worker. Every day he will be followed with lab and clinic visits. He had a great view from his hospital room of the Blue Angels practicing for their performance this weekend. We are also able to see them from our room here at the hotel!

WORN OUT FIREFIGHTERS; let's pray for their safety

as they tackle the Montana fires

He's Bored

Dave's doing so good that he might be discharged tomorrow instead of Friday. Of course, that depends on his neutrophils, but they are up to 280 and have been doubling almost daily! He's feeling good and ate a little bit more today. He had a few spoonfuls of Cream of Wheat, some juice, part of an orange, and some peas and carrots (about 5 spoonfuls)! That doesn't sound like much, but it's a pretty big deal. He isn't to eat too much as he hasn't had food in his stomach for 13 days, so it's important not to push it. He is to eat small amounts throughout the day. He says he can't wait to get back to the hotel! Let's pray that all goes well and that he remains free of infections!

What a Difference a Day Makes

It was so nice to see Dave up and walking; it looked like he was running a marathon. He's bound and determined not to let anything get in his way of being discharged on Friday. I think he misses Ripley! He did try a little pudding and some juice, but he just isn't quite there yet. Hopefully, within the next few days his appetite will improve. They have taken him off antibiotics, TPN (IV nutrition) and his heart monitor. His heart converted back to sinus rhythm yesterday!!! What a relief that was. We had company today, Kathy and Gary Kuhn from Arizona. It was great seeing them.

Another Day Behind Us

There really isn't a lot to report today, but each day is another day closer to coming home. Dave is taking pills fine and drank a couple sips of juice today. He did develop some intestinal upset, so that is being checked to be sure it's not a bacterial cause. He was pretty tired today and spent a lot of time sleeping, and sleep is good! Hi, to the Buffalo Club - Dave is getting the e-mails! Thanks, he really looks forward to hearing from everyone.

He's on the Mend

It was nice to have Dave feeling better today. His confusion is gone, or should I say back to normal! He still has sores on his tongue that keeps him from eating, but that is getting better each day. His neutrophil count today was 40 and it has to be at least 500 for him to be able to leave the hospital. If all goes as planned, he should be discharged by Friday. It was hard for us to see the kids leave today, as they really kept us on our toes. This coming week should be relatively quiet in terms of visitors, but two more brothers might be here next week. Company sure makes our time here more pleasant.