Hi Again from Home!
My blood counts are holding steady after last weeks chemo so it looks like its "wheels up" on Thursday for the air show in Oshkosh! I'll be driving our "Air Force One" executive bus with fellow aviation enthusiasts, including my dear friend Paul Esser. Paul will serve as co-pilot on this mission; translation, Nola enlisted him to do the heavy lifting to make the trip a bit safer. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I went along with the "I could use the help" routine.
Paul flew Huey's in Vietnam and I've been hounding him for years to go to the show, if for no other reason, to see the War Birds show. He never talks about his experience, but you know it had to be a harrowing one for sure.
I cannot express in words, my appreciation for the efforts of Nate Heinert, Chris and crew from the Rock Garden Nursery in Sioux Falls, and Impact Landscaping also of Sioux Falls. They have literally transformed my front yard into a beautiful park in two days! I'll fill you in on all the details, all the names and businesses, but their generosity of spirit and resources to make our life a little easier is truly the work of the Holy Spirit once again in my life. It's all being taped continuously with "time lapse" for television, so we'll have a real before and after that will really tell the story. They'll have the job completed by Thursday with nearly 15 people on the site pulling double duty in 90 degree temps!
In closing, I continue to feel the benefits of all of your thoughts and prayers and am filled with an overwhelming sense of humility as I write tonight. A month ago, I could only imagine regaining an appetite and putting on over 30 lbs, being physically well enough to drive and travel, see friends and strangers come together on my behalf with such generosity, see our business flourish, and know that its all outside my control and in the hands of the Almighty!
In closing, Bill Gaither summed it up best when he wrote: "Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow."
Still a climbin' and looking forward to tomorrow,
Bill
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Chemo Week Over
Hi Bloggers!
I'll try to keep this brief. This has been a long week, as you can imagine. Adjusting to the reality of more chemo, a cold, declining blood counts and the uncertainty of what is to follow is sometimes a little overwhelming.
The goods news, and there's lots of good news, is that I've gained 26 lbs, with 11 more to go. My week-long cold is beginning to break, chemo is over today (at least for now), and I'm planning to go to the EAA AirShow in Oshgosh, WI next week. Cross your fingers that my blood counts allow me to go.
We continue to be amazed by the random acts of kindness that come our way. If you recall, my nurse Inia at M.D. Anderson, our private jet ride home, the fact that I survived the 42 days of captivity, or should I say "isolation", in Houston. My wonderful care and follow-up here at Avera, and the fact that I'm home, to name just a few. But incredibly, we recently learned that our newly remodeled home will be completely landscaped, pond, streams and all by the generosity of area businesses and individuals led by Nate and Kristy Heinert of Dell Rapids. We'll keep you posted on this new "non-profit" effort, but the materials are arriving daily and the plans for our yard are really divine! We'll provide you a detailed listing of those involved, donors, etc., so you can help us in recognizing them for their generosity.
Please join me and Nola as we hold these people and businesses in prayer. If you would like to help in anyway, please contact us at Prairie Coach and we'll put you in touch with Nate and Kristy. All donations are tax deductible and will go towards this project and to the benefit of other "extreme landscape make-over" recipients in the future.
I have to admit that it is very hard to accept this kind of generosity. The "human side" of me fears what others are obviously feeling and fearing. But the outpouring of love and support is very uplifting and a powerful witness of God at work. My prayer is to focus on the blessing and to contain the emotions. This is no small task, especially this week.
Thanks again for your faithful support, love and prayers.
Sincerely,
Bill
I'll try to keep this brief. This has been a long week, as you can imagine. Adjusting to the reality of more chemo, a cold, declining blood counts and the uncertainty of what is to follow is sometimes a little overwhelming.
The goods news, and there's lots of good news, is that I've gained 26 lbs, with 11 more to go. My week-long cold is beginning to break, chemo is over today (at least for now), and I'm planning to go to the EAA AirShow in Oshgosh, WI next week. Cross your fingers that my blood counts allow me to go.
We continue to be amazed by the random acts of kindness that come our way. If you recall, my nurse Inia at M.D. Anderson, our private jet ride home, the fact that I survived the 42 days of captivity, or should I say "isolation", in Houston. My wonderful care and follow-up here at Avera, and the fact that I'm home, to name just a few. But incredibly, we recently learned that our newly remodeled home will be completely landscaped, pond, streams and all by the generosity of area businesses and individuals led by Nate and Kristy Heinert of Dell Rapids. We'll keep you posted on this new "non-profit" effort, but the materials are arriving daily and the plans for our yard are really divine! We'll provide you a detailed listing of those involved, donors, etc., so you can help us in recognizing them for their generosity.
Please join me and Nola as we hold these people and businesses in prayer. If you would like to help in anyway, please contact us at Prairie Coach and we'll put you in touch with Nate and Kristy. All donations are tax deductible and will go towards this project and to the benefit of other "extreme landscape make-over" recipients in the future.
I have to admit that it is very hard to accept this kind of generosity. The "human side" of me fears what others are obviously feeling and fearing. But the outpouring of love and support is very uplifting and a powerful witness of God at work. My prayer is to focus on the blessing and to contain the emotions. This is no small task, especially this week.
Thanks again for your faithful support, love and prayers.
Sincerely,
Bill
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
How Quickly Things Can Change
Dear Friends,
This is a difficult update to write, since I was so glad to learn the results of my biopsy on Friday. If you recall, one of my nurses relayed the information to me and everything she reported was acurate. My Dr., who has been out for two weeks, returned Monday to review the pathology report. Nola and I met with him on Tuesday to learn that although the leukemia was not detectable,as relayed by the nurse, but cancer blasts (3%) are present, which is what we did't want to see.
It's so disappointing to know that 42 days of isolation, high dose chemo, and the incredible challenges and side effects didn't hold back this disease for even 60 days! We also learned that the top choice of the three bone marrow matches (from over 10 million) is "not available" to donate at this time, but could be available in September. I am told that this is not uncommon, but for privacy reasons, the National Bone Marrow Bank is not able to disclose any personal information about the donor or the recipient.
We don't know anything more than the donor is a male, age 31, who meets 13 of the 14 match criteria. For example, he could be a soldier in Iraq, could be injured, could be a foreign national taking a new job in Germany, we just don't know. The challenge is do we risk trying to contain this cancer from growing over the next 60 days to await this donor; or, go to donor #2, female age 40? A young male is most preferred; women who have had children have "anti-body" changes and seem not to have the success that males do. Younger is better than older, but "available" is better than "not available", so pray that we make the right decisions.
I started chemo again today, 3 shots a day for 7 days. The goal is to contain, perhaps even reduce, the presence of blasts in my marrow. My blood counts are monitored everyday and are safely responding, but certainly not as fast as my Dr. would like to see. This could be due to a slow response but it could be because the cancer is present and affecting my immune system from doing anymore than it is at this time.
I know I am babbling here, but I hope that you're getting a sense of the incredible complexity of the situation and the difficulty in deciding what to do next. Time is not an ally right now, and things can change quickly. As an example, in May, my 2nd relapse started at 5% blasts, in a week they increased to 12%, and the next week they were at 34%! Should this aggressive pattern return and go unchecked, I would not be elgible for a transplant. And, I don't have to go into any more detail about the consequences that would lay ahead.
Our hope is that we continue with the chemo, contain things until September, and Pray that our #1 "Main Man On Campus", where ever that may be, steps up to answer our collective Prayers. If this interim plan don't work, we'll change drugs, and/or go to #2, who remains a very good match (12 of 14 criteria), but female. You might say, I'm a little picky, but the stakes are high and I'm sure you understand.
My counts today showed an overall increase and I tipped the scale at 193 lbs., up 19 lbs in 3 weeks. Just 20 more to go to return to normal. I'm eating like a pig, (Dr's. orders, seriously)hoping to bulk up for the next big hurdle. But I'm an "Iron Ranger" at heart, (northern Minnesota "Fargo" term), and we're tough! As our coach used to say, "Don't sweat the petty, pet the sweaty."
Keep up the Prayer Vigil, don't sweat the petty, and know that
He Made A Change,
Bill
This is a difficult update to write, since I was so glad to learn the results of my biopsy on Friday. If you recall, one of my nurses relayed the information to me and everything she reported was acurate. My Dr., who has been out for two weeks, returned Monday to review the pathology report. Nola and I met with him on Tuesday to learn that although the leukemia was not detectable,as relayed by the nurse, but cancer blasts (3%) are present, which is what we did't want to see.
It's so disappointing to know that 42 days of isolation, high dose chemo, and the incredible challenges and side effects didn't hold back this disease for even 60 days! We also learned that the top choice of the three bone marrow matches (from over 10 million) is "not available" to donate at this time, but could be available in September. I am told that this is not uncommon, but for privacy reasons, the National Bone Marrow Bank is not able to disclose any personal information about the donor or the recipient.
We don't know anything more than the donor is a male, age 31, who meets 13 of the 14 match criteria. For example, he could be a soldier in Iraq, could be injured, could be a foreign national taking a new job in Germany, we just don't know. The challenge is do we risk trying to contain this cancer from growing over the next 60 days to await this donor; or, go to donor #2, female age 40? A young male is most preferred; women who have had children have "anti-body" changes and seem not to have the success that males do. Younger is better than older, but "available" is better than "not available", so pray that we make the right decisions.
I started chemo again today, 3 shots a day for 7 days. The goal is to contain, perhaps even reduce, the presence of blasts in my marrow. My blood counts are monitored everyday and are safely responding, but certainly not as fast as my Dr. would like to see. This could be due to a slow response but it could be because the cancer is present and affecting my immune system from doing anymore than it is at this time.
I know I am babbling here, but I hope that you're getting a sense of the incredible complexity of the situation and the difficulty in deciding what to do next. Time is not an ally right now, and things can change quickly. As an example, in May, my 2nd relapse started at 5% blasts, in a week they increased to 12%, and the next week they were at 34%! Should this aggressive pattern return and go unchecked, I would not be elgible for a transplant. And, I don't have to go into any more detail about the consequences that would lay ahead.
Our hope is that we continue with the chemo, contain things until September, and Pray that our #1 "Main Man On Campus", where ever that may be, steps up to answer our collective Prayers. If this interim plan don't work, we'll change drugs, and/or go to #2, who remains a very good match (12 of 14 criteria), but female. You might say, I'm a little picky, but the stakes are high and I'm sure you understand.
My counts today showed an overall increase and I tipped the scale at 193 lbs., up 19 lbs in 3 weeks. Just 20 more to go to return to normal. I'm eating like a pig, (Dr's. orders, seriously)hoping to bulk up for the next big hurdle. But I'm an "Iron Ranger" at heart, (northern Minnesota "Fargo" term), and we're tough! As our coach used to say, "Don't sweat the petty, pet the sweaty."
Keep up the Prayer Vigil, don't sweat the petty, and know that
He Made A Change,
Bill
Monday, July 14, 2008
Oops!
Thanks to some feedback from my daughter Anika, I need to clarify a point in my previous blog. After reading my blog, she asked me an obvious question, "why did the hospital call you at 3 am in the morning?" Well, after re-reading my blog, I can see why she would ask this. Allow me to clarify, they did not call me at 3 am. My reference to the "middle of the night phone call" was not written very well. I apologize for the boo boo, and will do a better job editing.
Wish me well this week, and do what you can to smell the roses!
Sincerely,
Bill
Wish me well this week, and do what you can to smell the roses!
Sincerely,
Bill
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Results Are In
My dear, and patient friends,
I apologize for leaving you hanging out there all week, but I did not learn the results of Tuesday's bone marrow biopsy until this afternoon. And the results, all though unofficial because my Dr. (Kelly) is out until Monday, sound very encouraging. I received a call from Krista, my nurse, to first relay the results of my daily blood tests. This is important, because if they're good, I don't have to check in over the weekend. And, they were good! YEAH!!!! But the real anxiety is wrapped up like the knot in your stomach when the phone rings at 3:30 in the morning. You don't want to know the answer to the question that first jumps to your mind when the phone rings, but you also know that you have to answer the phone.
With all the courage I could muster at that moment, I ackwardly blurted out, "have the biopsy results come in yet?" I wanted to close my eyes to prepare myself for what she might say, but I couldn't because I was driving at the time. I quickly decided, "Why should I alarm everyone?", so I kept a stiff upper lip, took a deep breath and firmly grabbed the wheel, and heard her say "everything looks good." Call me paranoid, but I had to ask "What specifically does it say?" She promptly added "no presence of AML at this time."
No matter how paranoid one can become on this journey, even I recognized that this was, despite the momentary disbelief, that this sounded very encouraging. No matter how many ways I could parse her words, and believe me when I say I replayed her comments a thousand times in under 3 seconds, this information soon evolved into undeniably good news!
The rest of the trip to Watertown was filled with relief and even greater appreciation of what a wonderful day, this day, Nola's Birthday, really was! I am still a little hesitant to proclaim the full benefit of this reprieve, besides my Dr. (Kelly) will have to review the report upon his return next week. But until then, the pardon from the darkness of the alternative was a relief that is hard to explain.
Please accept my thanks for the role that you have prayerfully invested in this wonderful news. I can't help but think that God hears every prayer and judiciously allows His plan to proceed, with the benefit of His Grace, and for all to witness His timing, and to proceed couragiously, no matter what.
My foster parents, Grant and Judy Johnson, are visiting this week. They made the trek from Pillager, MN. When you consider that they've been talking about a visit since 1994, this is a big deal. I tried to assure them that I had know plans of catching the next bus to Big Depot in the sky, we all agreed that a visit was a good idea, despite the "Pink Elephant in the living room".
We enjoyed some Gaither videos, George Younce, the Redlin Center, dinner at the new Michael's Steak House in Sioux Falls. Not a food critic by any means, but this was a real treat, or "two thumbs up" on the Siskel and Ebert meter. Of course we did the obligatory highlights of the city scape, but the visit to Avera turned out to be a real highlight too. I wanted to introduce the people that take such wonderful care of me, and almost like it was pre-planned, all the players came into the waiting area and hallway, as if in a reception line. From the left and right, through the door, and down the hall, even Dr. Vinod just happened by to say Hi. I insisted that they reassure and explain to them that I am doing fine. And like the support cast that they are, they nodded in team like support and gestured that everything is going just fine.
In His Grace,
Bill
P.S. We had dinner, Nola's Birthday dinner, at the Buffalo Trading Post. Not exactly Minerva's, but it seemed like the Tea Room at the Plaza Hotel to all of us today!
I apologize for leaving you hanging out there all week, but I did not learn the results of Tuesday's bone marrow biopsy until this afternoon. And the results, all though unofficial because my Dr. (Kelly) is out until Monday, sound very encouraging. I received a call from Krista, my nurse, to first relay the results of my daily blood tests. This is important, because if they're good, I don't have to check in over the weekend. And, they were good! YEAH!!!! But the real anxiety is wrapped up like the knot in your stomach when the phone rings at 3:30 in the morning. You don't want to know the answer to the question that first jumps to your mind when the phone rings, but you also know that you have to answer the phone.
With all the courage I could muster at that moment, I ackwardly blurted out, "have the biopsy results come in yet?" I wanted to close my eyes to prepare myself for what she might say, but I couldn't because I was driving at the time. I quickly decided, "Why should I alarm everyone?", so I kept a stiff upper lip, took a deep breath and firmly grabbed the wheel, and heard her say "everything looks good." Call me paranoid, but I had to ask "What specifically does it say?" She promptly added "no presence of AML at this time."
No matter how paranoid one can become on this journey, even I recognized that this was, despite the momentary disbelief, that this sounded very encouraging. No matter how many ways I could parse her words, and believe me when I say I replayed her comments a thousand times in under 3 seconds, this information soon evolved into undeniably good news!
The rest of the trip to Watertown was filled with relief and even greater appreciation of what a wonderful day, this day, Nola's Birthday, really was! I am still a little hesitant to proclaim the full benefit of this reprieve, besides my Dr. (Kelly) will have to review the report upon his return next week. But until then, the pardon from the darkness of the alternative was a relief that is hard to explain.
Please accept my thanks for the role that you have prayerfully invested in this wonderful news. I can't help but think that God hears every prayer and judiciously allows His plan to proceed, with the benefit of His Grace, and for all to witness His timing, and to proceed couragiously, no matter what.
My foster parents, Grant and Judy Johnson, are visiting this week. They made the trek from Pillager, MN. When you consider that they've been talking about a visit since 1994, this is a big deal. I tried to assure them that I had know plans of catching the next bus to Big Depot in the sky, we all agreed that a visit was a good idea, despite the "Pink Elephant in the living room".
We enjoyed some Gaither videos, George Younce, the Redlin Center, dinner at the new Michael's Steak House in Sioux Falls. Not a food critic by any means, but this was a real treat, or "two thumbs up" on the Siskel and Ebert meter. Of course we did the obligatory highlights of the city scape, but the visit to Avera turned out to be a real highlight too. I wanted to introduce the people that take such wonderful care of me, and almost like it was pre-planned, all the players came into the waiting area and hallway, as if in a reception line. From the left and right, through the door, and down the hall, even Dr. Vinod just happened by to say Hi. I insisted that they reassure and explain to them that I am doing fine. And like the support cast that they are, they nodded in team like support and gestured that everything is going just fine.
In His Grace,
Bill
P.S. We had dinner, Nola's Birthday dinner, at the Buffalo Trading Post. Not exactly Minerva's, but it seemed like the Tea Room at the Plaza Hotel to all of us today!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Big Test Today
Dear Friends,
I'm writing early this morning as I prepare to travel to Sioux Falls for my bone marrow biopsy. This is an important test that will microscopicly exam the bone marrow that produces the blood cells [and the cancer :( ],but will tell far more than the daily blood tests. The good news though, is that my blood test yesterday was showing considerable improvement which indicates the bone marrow is working, we just don't know how well or if there is a predator present.
Please join me in prayer this morning, that the Dr's are able to complete the exam and continue to see progress and prepare for my transplant as anticipated. However, I pray that whatever the outcome, that I am filled with grace to bear any burden as I witness the fulfillment of God's perfect plan in my life.
I have attended two local churches since being home now for two weeks. Nola and I attended services at Quarry Rock in Dell Rapids and East Nidaros Luthern just south east of Baltic, to personally thank them for their incredible support. Although we are not a member of either church, their members who know us personally, have really rallied their congregations to reach out to us at this important time.
Remember, two weeks ago today, for the first time in over 41 days, my blood counts had risen to a level that was safe for me to leave the hospital. It just so happened that my travel plans were to leave that very morning regardless of my blood counts, but "coincidentally" or somehow miraculously, my blood counts were inspired to climb from virtually zero, to a safe level at just that moment, prior to my departure to the airport, so I could safely leave the hospital is just incredible. Whew! If that isn't a perfect example of God's presence at just the perfect moment, I don't know any other way to explain it.
But yet there are some that might suggest that this could be simply "good luck". But, what would cause luck to not only occur at that perfect time, but to happen with just the right biological response of white blood cells, absolute neutrophile count, platelets and hemoglobin? The odds of this precise blood test improvement at this exact time, allowing me the benefical consequences of safe travel, is simply to broad an event to attribute to the random vagaries of luck.
Facts are stubborn things, and the fact that there was a simultaneous national prayer effort for just this exact result for me, at just that moment in time, quite obviously is more likely attributable to the efforts of those prayerfully seeking the intervention of the Holy Spirit in my life at just that time. To conclude otherwise is, willful blindness, which is a dangerous but all to familiar path for those who are, unable or unwilling, to rely on faith. Or worse, to witness God's presence but willfully attempt to discredit, mislead or witness to the contrary.
We thank you for your prayers, and for God's power presence at this time. I'll be asleep sometime around 9am this morning, and I trust that your prayers will be at work once again. Be safe, and know that you are never alone.
Prayerfully yours,
Bill
I'm writing early this morning as I prepare to travel to Sioux Falls for my bone marrow biopsy. This is an important test that will microscopicly exam the bone marrow that produces the blood cells [and the cancer :( ],but will tell far more than the daily blood tests. The good news though, is that my blood test yesterday was showing considerable improvement which indicates the bone marrow is working, we just don't know how well or if there is a predator present.
Please join me in prayer this morning, that the Dr's are able to complete the exam and continue to see progress and prepare for my transplant as anticipated. However, I pray that whatever the outcome, that I am filled with grace to bear any burden as I witness the fulfillment of God's perfect plan in my life.
I have attended two local churches since being home now for two weeks. Nola and I attended services at Quarry Rock in Dell Rapids and East Nidaros Luthern just south east of Baltic, to personally thank them for their incredible support. Although we are not a member of either church, their members who know us personally, have really rallied their congregations to reach out to us at this important time.
Remember, two weeks ago today, for the first time in over 41 days, my blood counts had risen to a level that was safe for me to leave the hospital. It just so happened that my travel plans were to leave that very morning regardless of my blood counts, but "coincidentally" or somehow miraculously, my blood counts were inspired to climb from virtually zero, to a safe level at just that moment, prior to my departure to the airport, so I could safely leave the hospital is just incredible. Whew! If that isn't a perfect example of God's presence at just the perfect moment, I don't know any other way to explain it.
But yet there are some that might suggest that this could be simply "good luck". But, what would cause luck to not only occur at that perfect time, but to happen with just the right biological response of white blood cells, absolute neutrophile count, platelets and hemoglobin? The odds of this precise blood test improvement at this exact time, allowing me the benefical consequences of safe travel, is simply to broad an event to attribute to the random vagaries of luck.
Facts are stubborn things, and the fact that there was a simultaneous national prayer effort for just this exact result for me, at just that moment in time, quite obviously is more likely attributable to the efforts of those prayerfully seeking the intervention of the Holy Spirit in my life at just that time. To conclude otherwise is, willful blindness, which is a dangerous but all to familiar path for those who are, unable or unwilling, to rely on faith. Or worse, to witness God's presence but willfully attempt to discredit, mislead or witness to the contrary.
We thank you for your prayers, and for God's power presence at this time. I'll be asleep sometime around 9am this morning, and I trust that your prayers will be at work once again. Be safe, and know that you are never alone.
Prayerfully yours,
Bill
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Update From The Home Front
Dear Friends,
It's good to update again from home. It was one week ago today that I arrived back home from Houston, and honestly it feels longer. Although my daily routine is pretty limited, the variety is such a departure from the 42 days of medical isolation, I try to pack as much as I can into every waking moment, extending the real time value of everyday.
I check into Avera every morning for blood work to monitor the status of my recovery, and run a few errands in Sioux Falls, and return home for a nap. So far my counts are holding steady, but the recovery seems to me to be frustratingly slow. My Dr. explains that this is not unusual but my expectations leave me feeling like I should be doing better. Perhaps my expectations are unrealistic, but patience has never been my stongest virtue. Tomorrow, I meet with the Dr. again to review things a little closer, with next week the big test, another bone marrow biopsy which will really tell the story how things are going. These results will also formalize a time frame and strategy to prepare for my, (GULP!), transplant. I am hopeful that I can remain out of the hospital the month of July, but this might be a stretch. But, like the Air Force, I "Aim High".
The upside to living with this level of anxiety is that it really diminishes ones concern about the closing cost of a barrel of oil, corn, the closing Dow Industrial average, car sales, mortgage foreclosures, or the myriad of other things the media seems to be screaming about every minute of every day. Living with cancer is really quite liberating; scary, but liberating.
Today, I enjoyed a personal tour of the mock up the new infusion center that is to be included in the new Avera Cancer Institute. I guess the conventional thinking is that since I have spent so much time in the infustion center, I have become somewhat of a, albeit hostile, expert on the subject. To think that I have had even a little input into this new cancer treatment center is really quite rewarding. I just wish it wasn't from a patients perspective. This afternoon, I rode the mower around the yard a bit too. Whew, my bottom wasn't quite up to that just yet. Our buses are equipped with air ride seats, maybe I can have one installed on the mower?
Seriously, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you who have emailed, commented on the blog site, sent cards, or simply held us, even for just a moment, in your prayers. I am strengthened daily by the encouragement I feel from each and every gesture you send my way.
I pray that my writing somehow blesses you and your approach to your day. Remember always;
"It's a Wonderful Life",
Bill
It's good to update again from home. It was one week ago today that I arrived back home from Houston, and honestly it feels longer. Although my daily routine is pretty limited, the variety is such a departure from the 42 days of medical isolation, I try to pack as much as I can into every waking moment, extending the real time value of everyday.
I check into Avera every morning for blood work to monitor the status of my recovery, and run a few errands in Sioux Falls, and return home for a nap. So far my counts are holding steady, but the recovery seems to me to be frustratingly slow. My Dr. explains that this is not unusual but my expectations leave me feeling like I should be doing better. Perhaps my expectations are unrealistic, but patience has never been my stongest virtue. Tomorrow, I meet with the Dr. again to review things a little closer, with next week the big test, another bone marrow biopsy which will really tell the story how things are going. These results will also formalize a time frame and strategy to prepare for my, (GULP!), transplant. I am hopeful that I can remain out of the hospital the month of July, but this might be a stretch. But, like the Air Force, I "Aim High".
The upside to living with this level of anxiety is that it really diminishes ones concern about the closing cost of a barrel of oil, corn, the closing Dow Industrial average, car sales, mortgage foreclosures, or the myriad of other things the media seems to be screaming about every minute of every day. Living with cancer is really quite liberating; scary, but liberating.
Today, I enjoyed a personal tour of the mock up the new infusion center that is to be included in the new Avera Cancer Institute. I guess the conventional thinking is that since I have spent so much time in the infustion center, I have become somewhat of a, albeit hostile, expert on the subject. To think that I have had even a little input into this new cancer treatment center is really quite rewarding. I just wish it wasn't from a patients perspective. This afternoon, I rode the mower around the yard a bit too. Whew, my bottom wasn't quite up to that just yet. Our buses are equipped with air ride seats, maybe I can have one installed on the mower?
Seriously, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you who have emailed, commented on the blog site, sent cards, or simply held us, even for just a moment, in your prayers. I am strengthened daily by the encouragement I feel from each and every gesture you send my way.
I pray that my writing somehow blesses you and your approach to your day. Remember always;
"It's a Wonderful Life",
Bill
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