Halloween

Happy Halloween... I have already eaten most of the Halloween candy. I just decided that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to have lots of germs come into our house tonight. That said, I will now finish the candy :)

We will be having another MRI on Monday evening. Yesterday the doctor increased the steroid a bit and lo and behold, Mike woke up this morning with an appetite! Andy will stay with Mike for a while today. I have some things to do... I need to buy a clock with BIG numbers so Mike can see it from his bed.

It is so hard to believe that tomorrow is November. I will have to remember to set the clocks back tonight. I wonder if any of us will get another hour of sleep tonight?

Quiet day

Today we didn't have any therapists or nurses. Mike was able to eat a bit more today. The nausea is subsiding somewhat. Eventhough he is still sleeping most of the day, he did get up and do some exercising this afternoon. So far he isn't losing any of the strength that he has gained.

We had another plumbing issue today...the third in three weeks! When I called the plumber, I reminded him that we are some of their favorite customers. Surely when this issue gets fixed there won't be anymore. We don't have anymore faucets or drains!

Andy celebrated his birthday yesterday. What a joy Andy is in our lives. We are so thankful for his tenderness as he helps care for Mike.

We are experiencing the aftermath of chemo. Mike sleeps about 20 out of every 24 hours. We are able to have some good conversations at this point.

We finally let Hannah go home yesterday. Her visit was so wonderful for us. We just got word that Allen's grandma died so she and Allen will be heading to California soon.

We have faith in our Heavenly Father's great plan for our lives. We know there are lessons we still need to learn in this process.

the week end is finally here.

Mike has completed this round of chemo. The last 5 days have been brutal. Mike is very, very tired. We are hoping he rebounds well in the next few days. His pattern has been to sleep almost all day and night. Thanks to all who have stayed and helped during these past 5 days. We now have three weeks until we start again.

We made it through day 2 of chemo with flying colors! We spent a lot of the day working on relaxation and deep breathing. Mike was very exhausted from the previous day. Already this morning he has had physical therapy, getting into and out of the car 3 times and walking with the walker.

The sunshine and warmth are such a welcomed blessing today. We plan on taking a walk down the street today. A Concannon's roll tasted very good to Mike this morning:) It didn't taste bad to me either!

Ups and Downs...

We had a good day followed by a difficult one. Mike started another round of chemo last night and didn't fare so well. We have spent the day today trying to be calm and relaxed and have a new plan for tonight. Hopefully a new cocktail of anti nausea drugs and a new time of administering the chemo will make all the difference. What a difference a day can make!

What a glorious day...

Today has been momentous. Mike walked again!!! He has been standing very well and today after making 3 transfers to the car, the therapist put a walker in front of him and he took several steps. It was so wonderful to see.

The kids were here over the week end and it was great having everyone together. Will and Mags are as cute as ever and Mike really enjoyed seeing them. Mike still tires very easily, but he has improved about 1,000 percent since he came home a few weeks ago.

We have been so blessed to see daily improvement. Eventhough we started anew, the progress is happening. Thanks again for all of the care and attention from friends and family.

Fall/Winter has arrived!

A few days have passed since I last posted... I noticed yesterday how chilly and fall like it is outside. This is not my favorite season of the year, but it seems this year it may pass by without my noticing:) This morning it actually felt like winter was here.

We are finally getting somewhat adjusted to life at home rather than at the hospital. Mike's therapy is going well. He is getting physically stronger each day. He has been sleeping much better at night and therefore I have too. I think we are about ready to "fly solo" at night. We have truly been appreciative of the night time caregivers. Mike has really begun to rely on them in order for me to get a good night's rest.

We have enjoyed having Hannah home for a few days. She always brings great peace with her. All of our children will be visiting today. It will be great to have them all here.

We continue to have great faith and confidence in the Lord's plan for our lives. We feel very loved.

Big day out...

Yesterday after an hour of physical therapy (where Mike was able to transfer to the car,) Mike was transported to the doctor's office. His blood count was high enough to start another 5 days of chemo, beginning Monday. He was so extremely tired after all of the exercise and the excersion. He slept quite well last night.

We are so excited to have Hannah coming today. Tyler will get her from the airport and then he and one of the grandbabies will bring her home. I have Mike back in bed now so he will feel rested for the visit this afternoon.

I think we are getting into a routine that is feeling much more comfortable for Mike. He continues to be very tired a lot of the time. We are beginning to have some good conversations, however, and Mike is cracking a few jokes :)

Thanks to all who have helped with care, meals, cards, yard work, etc. Your service and sacrifice for us will be greatly rewarded with blessings in your lives.

Kind people...

Thanks to so many kind, kind people who have helped us out these past few weeks. We are starting to get into a routine and trying to make steps ahead. Mike is making strides with the physical and occupational therapists. He was able to stand yesterday for quite a while. It was wonderful seeing him vertical again. Thanks for your continued prayer and support in our behalf. We do realize we need help and there are so many who are willing.

Slave driver...

The occupational and physical therapists came yesterday. I saw what Mike can still do... It's up to me to encourage him to do the exercises on their days off. I find I am a real slave driver :/ Mike is worn out today from our 2 workouts... We still have one to go. I have learned way to much watching PTs. Mike thinks I am going to let him off easy... We ARE going to push forward and do as much as possible.

We sat on the side of his bed today and I made him hold hands with me and squeeze as hard as he could. He is gaining strength again and I didn't mind holding his hand. He is now staying up in his chair for 2 1/2 to 3 hr. stretches. If we can get him to transfer to a car we will be on the road again soon!

It helps our attitudes so much when the sun shines. Today has been such a gorgeous day. It renews our spirits when we can feel the warmth of the sun. Grandma sent a flannel quilt a few weeks ago. Mike is so warm and comfy under it. It looks so much better than those sterile white blankets at the hospital :)

We decided today that we should call at least 3 people to help brighten their day. It's hard not to look totally inward in times like this. Mike still has one phone call to make. If you got a call, I hope it helped :)

Good day...

We have had a very good day today. Mike has been up 3 times and even did a bit of physical therapy today. We are trying to wear him out a bit so he will sleep well tonight.

We are not accustomed to "baby steps" so this last week has been a bit of a struggle. We are making our way and figuring out a routine. If anyone wants to call Mike during the day, I will turn his phone on. Usually after 10 is a good time.

He needs to start communicating with folks again. He is getting bored with me...(Don't know why :) Thanks again to everyone for their extreme kindness and love. We are going to make it!

After feeling totally frazzled yesterday, the sun came out this morning. Some much needed help arrived this morning! Mike has not felt well at all today. He is in a lot of pain from the blood clots. After several calls to home health nurses, and the doctor, we got some much needed relief.

I can't begin to express my undying love for friends and family who have stepped in to help when I have reached my limit. I was not sure until last night I understood what my limit was. I now know I can't do it all.

After a long tiring day... I was helping Mike with a bath and then getting ready to put his blankets on for the night... I inadvertantly scratched the bottom of his left foot and his toes wiggled!! He was able to wiggle them several more times. I have noticed that he is feeling things in his left leg, usually pain, but feeling just the same. The edema from the blood clots is gone. Maybe things are going uphill for a change??

Thanks to whoever sent me flowers today and signed Mike's name. I know Mike would have sent them if he could :)

Sunday

We felt great comfort from the messages from our church's General Conference today. Thanks for the phone calls, meal, and visits. We are working on keeping our spirits up... Things always look brighter in the morning :)

Giant steps...

Mike had a few rough days after returning home. This morning, however, he was able to get up into his chair, tool around the house for a while and then make the transfer back to bed without much effort. He is still strong. We are grateful for the progress he made in physical therapy and pray that as a therapist comes into our home, he can regain even more strength.

We are grateful today for a quiet day. We will watch the General Conference of our church which is broadcast on the TV (for those who have the BYU channel.)

Cinnamon rolls re being made as we speak... If you want one, come on over, else Mike and I will eat all of them! Hope all of you have a wonderful day.

Home again...

Our trip home wasn't as we expected yesterday, but we are home nonetheless. Mike slept very well last night. His morning meds have been administered (including one shot) and he seems to feel comfortable with his new bed and surroundings. Tyler and Andy spent the day with me yesterday and Ty spent the night. It was nice to have him here. Andy is coming tonight. There are a few others who will take a turn. For a while I feel much more comfortable not being alone. There is a home nurse coming soon. We will have physical therapy at home for a time.

My day has been so odd... This is the first day since the last part of August that I have been home and didn't have to drive to the hospital! It is wonderful :)

Thanks for your continued concern, love and prayers in our behalf.