My cousin, and third brother, Rich Boulger, came through town today and we (my brother Mike and I) had the chance to spend a few hours with him. We, of course, went through some of our favorite childhood memories and caught up on our what our kids are doing. Rich delivered notes for me from each of his 3 kids, introducing themselves and wishing me well. They were very sweet. We promised we would have that wiffle ball game in Chicago as soon as I am feeling better. It was so nice to see Rich as I haven't seen him in at least 5 years, if not longer.
Mike took me to the clinic today; my 4th consecutive day at the clinic. It was a good visit. My doctor thinks I am doing really well, despite my feeling so tired. The 2 days of neupogen shots kicked my white cells way up as hoped. He said I am doing so much better than most people do 30 days after transplant. He also said that it will take at least a couple of months (maybe by Christmas) for me to notice a significant upturn in my energy and probably 6 months to feel like I have recovered most of my energy. I also had many questions for him about my myeloma numbers. (I don't think very quickly these days, so it takes me a few days to come up with questions) His response: don't pay attention to the numbers, it is way too early and you'll just drive yourself crazy trying to make something of them now. He also said that everyone agrees you can't know anything for 60 to 90 days following transplant. So we are readjusting our sights for mid January and plan to spend the next few months just enjoying my slow recovery.
My brother Tom is in Berlin on business and called me to let me know that the latest issue of Newsweek features advances in health care with focus on a man who has multiple myeloma and is now in remission. We can't find the issue so if any of you find it, please let me know the date of the issue, or buy an extra one for us. Thanks.
Mike leaves tomorrow. As with past family visits we put him to work, although less than the last visit. It has been nice to spend time with him, other than in a hospital room as with his last visit. We removed the hospital bed from our bedroom today, after 4 months. Mike helped with the purging and it is so nice to be out of that bed as it feels things are starting to return to normal. As with the other family visits, it seems that Susan just laughs and laughs when they are here. It's good to hear that laugh as things can get (and have gotten) awfully serious around here at times.
This blog continues to amaze me. We now have communications from Paris from our very good friends Sigun and Joe Coyle, as well as the Dakota Kid (is that you Bob T.? Thank you for the nice comments) and Stacey, your note in response to Susan was so nice and reminded us not to lose hope. And I continue to learn of friends who follow the blog closely but don't post comments. We received the nicest gift from a high school friend the other day, who had read of the visit of the statue of the Virgin Mary. She sent us 2 rosaries from Medjagorie, (sp?) which had been blessed there. She or her husband had purchased them in Medj. on their last visit there. Thank you Edna. Susan and I are overwhelmed by the gift. Next visit to the clinic is Wednesday. My doctor is talking about possibly removing my Hickman catheter this week. wouldn't that be nice. Love, Dan
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