The More Things Change...Day 13
The more there is to update, and so it has been for a week. I caught the seemingly popular cold that is going around and spent my time at home wearing a mask and carrying around tissues and a bottle of Purel. Debbie's days were busy. Courtney spent the week waiting for confirmation that she could attend SCAD's new campus here in Atlanta this Fall (yes, she will start next Wednesday, but we still have to work on whether she will live in the dorm).
While in Seattle, John got to know a girl at Emory here in Atlanta through his friends. They got to know each other via cell phone and IM (instant messaging, the preferred form of communication for anyone his age). They are now dating, and it has given John energy and someone to direct it toward. The two had never met in person and had only seen pictures of each other. It's all very cute and you have to be happy for him - well, for them.
John has begun to shave again and has hints of hair on his head. He has become comfortable going out in public without his "Andy Worhol" wig or a hat. The hours he keeps are such that we don't see very much of him. I'm sure he is glad to have others to be around, although I do think of myself as reasonably good company.
Health-wise, John continues to progress. The clinic staff enjoy seeing him - a successful patient in a cancer clinic has to be refreshing. He does have some slight sign of a rash on his legs, and we are watching that. GVHD can erupt, and so you watch the volcano for any sign of smoke. So far, that is all we see.
He is on a clinical trial for an anti-viral drug. He takes the traditional version each day and then either the stronger one or a placebo. Once a week, we overnight blood samples back to Seattle. There is value to us in participating, because the Seattle doctors see his actual blood results each week, so they have a good record on hand if he develops any problems.
John picked up an apartment guide this week and has begun thinking about a place of his own. Someone he grew up with is looking as well, and so he may have a roommate to share the costs with. I think he would be the roommate from hell myself, but he certainly is tired of living at home. It is rewarding to see him thinking of the future, given the year that we spent worrying about each day. He is a long way from being "well", but it is good to see the horizon again.
Apart from unpacking, moving back in, cleaning and a cold, I have been busy working on ways to address the legal needs of the 1000 or so company employees displaced by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Once food, shelter and medical needs get met, they will have to rebuild their lives. Insurance claims, FEMA applications, lost records and much more will become important. I have an idea what it is like to have your life taken over by something different and am working, along with many others, to try to help.
While in Seattle, John got to know a girl at Emory here in Atlanta through his friends. They got to know each other via cell phone and IM (instant messaging, the preferred form of communication for anyone his age). They are now dating, and it has given John energy and someone to direct it toward. The two had never met in person and had only seen pictures of each other. It's all very cute and you have to be happy for him - well, for them.
John has begun to shave again and has hints of hair on his head. He has become comfortable going out in public without his "Andy Worhol" wig or a hat. The hours he keeps are such that we don't see very much of him. I'm sure he is glad to have others to be around, although I do think of myself as reasonably good company.
Health-wise, John continues to progress. The clinic staff enjoy seeing him - a successful patient in a cancer clinic has to be refreshing. He does have some slight sign of a rash on his legs, and we are watching that. GVHD can erupt, and so you watch the volcano for any sign of smoke. So far, that is all we see.
He is on a clinical trial for an anti-viral drug. He takes the traditional version each day and then either the stronger one or a placebo. Once a week, we overnight blood samples back to Seattle. There is value to us in participating, because the Seattle doctors see his actual blood results each week, so they have a good record on hand if he develops any problems.
John picked up an apartment guide this week and has begun thinking about a place of his own. Someone he grew up with is looking as well, and so he may have a roommate to share the costs with. I think he would be the roommate from hell myself, but he certainly is tired of living at home. It is rewarding to see him thinking of the future, given the year that we spent worrying about each day. He is a long way from being "well", but it is good to see the horizon again.
Apart from unpacking, moving back in, cleaning and a cold, I have been busy working on ways to address the legal needs of the 1000 or so company employees displaced by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Once food, shelter and medical needs get met, they will have to rebuild their lives. Insurance claims, FEMA applications, lost records and much more will become important. I have an idea what it is like to have your life taken over by something different and am working, along with many others, to try to help.
