Hope is the thing...: November 2004

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Day 12

The chemo is working its “magic” on John. He has black eyes, rashes and red spots on his hands, which many people have, though it is sad to look at. He has “mucusitis” in his throat and is basically miserable. He didn’t find pain medication much for fun or relief. He said he dreamed that he saw “staples dancing.” Could be an advertising agent someday perhaps, I suppose. He had a little bread today and drank Powerade.

I’m researching bone marrow transplant clinics in case that is needed. There are statistics online, almost like box scores in baseball and Seattle sounds like the New York Yankees but I still have a lot to learn.

Lots of people from all over have called, emailed and visited, which is encouraging and comforting. John will have several more hard days before he starts to feel better. I told him to watch for when he gets bored or antsy, because that will be the sign. In the meantime, we will watch for any fevers or signs of infection.

11:58 AM | Permalink

Monday, November 29, 2004

Day 11

Today was sort of a day in the life day for John I believe. He finished his "induction" (sounds like a fraternity) chemo last night and slept late, but had more nausia problems in the night. He had cereal and milk this morning, but sort of slid back as the day progressed and the effects of the chemo took over - rashes all over and those other "little" things.
His accomplishment for the day was to have his hair cut into a mohawk, since it was coming out anyway and why not try it once? He told the doctor it was a weird chemo side effect. JordaÑ gave him a Navy hat, which certainly has never been seen before with that look.
About once a day he asks me something about how I'm doing with all this, knowing I experienced it once with my mom. Yesterday, he told me he was proud of how I was handling it all. Today he asked how mom and I were dealing with each other. I said it was hard to communicate, but probably not as hard as what he was having to handle and we were both trying our best. He said that was good and he was glad.
The doctor told John today that he was going to be a likely bone marrow transplant candidate and that he ought to be thinking about it. He didn't know what to ask or say, but they expect will want to start a donor search sooner rather than later. He will likely miss his Spring semester too, though we will know better next week. It helps to share, so thanks for being there.

1:00 PM | Permalink |

Saturday, November 27, 2004

Day 8

Today was a surprisingly good day for John, which he needed. I have to guess that the chemo has peaked, because he was able to get around and enjoy his company. He commented on how nice Jordan was and appreciated the fuss over Brady's decorations, though he does intend to get out by Christmas. He even ate a few handful of Cheerios today, which is the first solid food he's had in about a week. I'm sure there will be more hard days, but that's true in a lesser sense for all of us. Courtney will be there mid day tomorrow and Debbie or I will take her to the airport. The first time back from college is an adjustment and this one has been even more complex for her. We are still figuring things out day by day for now. Still, I suppose there is something to learn there.

1:01 PM | Permalink

Thursday, November 25, 2004

Day 6

As Laura knows, today started off groggy with nausia and ended with John too groggy to be nausiated. He has had a steady flow of visitors, but probably couldn't tell you who they were. Courtney spent a good part of the day here and she has grown up a lot while she was away. She is scheduled to spend her second year in Buenos Aries and is already working on her plans. She took some time here at Emory for a bone marrow match blood test, which John may very well need. He has a fever of about 101 tonight, probably from the blood transfusions he is getting. I suppose those are oil changes and the transmission fluid would be the marrow. Obviously, I could use some sleep myself. The consensus is that he doesn't need 24/7 attention right now, although it does feel hard to be away because your mind is here. Tomorrow I will be over until around 3, when the Pinkerton's will be by. Debbie and I will then have a quiet Thanksgiving break. Yes, she is enjoying a little cooking distraction!
tonight in prearation. Thanks for all the support. It is hard to know when and what help will be needed, not having done this before, but it helps to know you are here figuring it out with us too.

1:03 PM | Permalink

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

Day 4

Last Friday, John was diagnosed with leukemia. He began chemotherapy last night and will be in semi isolation for at least 5 more weeks, during which we will see how he responds. His particular diagnosis is a difficult strain with complications that make a bone marrow transplant his best hope, although that process in itself is difficult one.
I took him straight from the doctor’s office to the hospital and he won’t see anything outside of the ward for a long time. He is in good spirits, and actually feeling better now that some of his symptoms are being treated. Because Emory’s hospital is right on campus, his room has been a student center for all his friends, which he is enjoying. I suspect that tedium will set in once people go home for the holidays.
He is otherwise well and strong and in good spirits, so there is good reason for hope, and we do all need that. He started his chemo last night. I will keep you informed as we move on. Thanks for your thoughts.

1:20 PM | Permalink

Day 5

I wanted to pass on some difficult news to a few of you that I have stayed in touch with since I left for greener pastures, which they truly have been up until now.
Last Friday, my son John was diagnosed with leukemia. He began chemotherapy last night and will be in semi isolation for at least 5 more weeks, during which we will see how he responds. His particular diagnosis is a difficult strain with complications that make a bone marrow transplant his best hope, although that process in itself is difficult one.
I took him straight from the doctor’s office to the hospital and he won’t see anything outside of the ward for a long time. He is in good spirits, and actually feeling better now that some of his symptoms are being treated. Because Emory’s hospital is right on campus, his room has been a student center for all his friends, which he is enjoying. I suspect that tedium will set in once people go home for the holidays.
He is otherwise well and strong and in good spirits, so there is good reason for hope, and we do all need that. Keep John, Debbie and me in your thoughts.

1:09 PM | Permalink

Hope is the thing...

Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul... Emily Dickinson