TIME magazine's feature article this week is on stem cell research. Granted, the topic discussed is not the same as the process Evan underwent, but the ongoing research holds promise for so many diseases. While waiting for Evan one day, I met a woman whose husband had received umbilical cord stem cells. "Isn't it amazing? We never even considered what happened to cord blood and now it has saved my husband's life." Amazing, indeed.
Evan is back and forth between Minneapolis and Milladore quite often. He had an appointment this morning and has another on Tuesday. So far, so good. He's getting anxious to return to work. We don't know when that will happen yet, but whenever it does, he'll certainly be ready. In the meantime, he uses his time for lots of reading and is doing a fair bit of cooking and planning on how he will use those crazy hounds of his. All of this is good; Evan is hungry for something besides peanut butter and grilled cheese again. As for his crazy hounds, their recent recreation of chasing calves and making cattle break through fences which means Paul has to chase cattle back in again and fix fences in subzero temperatures brings about frequent mention of lead diets for them. Picture the Bumpus hounds and you've met Josie and Amos. They're still pups -- very cute and very naughty -- and Evan's pride and joy. They are, according to him, the start of his Leopard Hound breeding line. Paul and I both wish him a long and successful run at the dog breeding business -- somewhere else!
Paul and Ned are working on getting wood cut today to keep Evan's firewood customers supplied. A pretty cold winter for them to have to keep up with that job. And, of course, they also have to supply our firewood and grandma's. We're not getting rich around here, but we're certainly never out of work. My job took a lot of hours this week, but today is one for baking and making soup. A batch of cookies and one of nephew Joel's monster chickens in the pot just seemed like a good way for me to do my part in keeping the home front warm. My key will work in the office door again tomorrow.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Just a little project
It was back to work Monday. Sigh. Ten hours could have easily been sixteen, but tomorrow's another day.
Even though Evan and I returned earlier than expected last week, I stayed home to help out with a few things here. We're working in the bathroom to fix a problem around the shower walls that worried us over the possibility of Evan being exposed to mold. So, we took off the panels we put up as a temporary fix before Evan was born. The problem was not as bad as we expected, but there was indeed some mold, so it's good we're fixing that. Of course fixing that means deciding how to bring the tile up to meet the adjoining plaster walls neatly. That, naturally, is best solved by ripping out that plaster. It's looking pretty good. Down to the studs all the way up to the old, unused chimney. That chimney space would be the perfect size for a linen closet. Just the right size to hold extra sheets. So, two days later and the chimney is down and the house has a lovely fine grit of red brick EVERYWHERE. And isn't all worth it to know that this new vacuum cleaner is up to the challenge of brick dust? So, now that the chimney is out, the adjoining wall into the other part of the bathroom might as well go, too. And, as long as we're at it, the old soffits can go. Now, Ned can build part of the new cabinets right to the ceiling without having to work around those pesky obstacles. But wait, as long as we're ripping out walls, let's re-think the adjoining wall into the kitchen. Maybe this is the time for Ned to build in a pantry and broom closet... we still haven't decided that one, but the bathroom is looking very good in that rustic, exposed stud kind of way.
Evan said today that he and friend Pat took a sausage shop run for some Braunschweiger; he also volunteered to bring some sausage home for us. Hmmm. Well, Evan, about that coming home thing. If we had stayed the course on the original tile-around-the-tub plan, we may have let you in within a few days. Now that we have plaster and brick flying, you'll have to camp at Grandma's during your next visit, just to be safe. But really, this whole bathroom adventure began as a way to make living here better for you. Really.
Even though Evan and I returned earlier than expected last week, I stayed home to help out with a few things here. We're working in the bathroom to fix a problem around the shower walls that worried us over the possibility of Evan being exposed to mold. So, we took off the panels we put up as a temporary fix before Evan was born. The problem was not as bad as we expected, but there was indeed some mold, so it's good we're fixing that. Of course fixing that means deciding how to bring the tile up to meet the adjoining plaster walls neatly. That, naturally, is best solved by ripping out that plaster. It's looking pretty good. Down to the studs all the way up to the old, unused chimney. That chimney space would be the perfect size for a linen closet. Just the right size to hold extra sheets. So, two days later and the chimney is down and the house has a lovely fine grit of red brick EVERYWHERE. And isn't all worth it to know that this new vacuum cleaner is up to the challenge of brick dust? So, now that the chimney is out, the adjoining wall into the other part of the bathroom might as well go, too. And, as long as we're at it, the old soffits can go. Now, Ned can build part of the new cabinets right to the ceiling without having to work around those pesky obstacles. But wait, as long as we're ripping out walls, let's re-think the adjoining wall into the kitchen. Maybe this is the time for Ned to build in a pantry and broom closet... we still haven't decided that one, but the bathroom is looking very good in that rustic, exposed stud kind of way.
Evan said today that he and friend Pat took a sausage shop run for some Braunschweiger; he also volunteered to bring some sausage home for us. Hmmm. Well, Evan, about that coming home thing. If we had stayed the course on the original tile-around-the-tub plan, we may have let you in within a few days. Now that we have plaster and brick flying, you'll have to camp at Grandma's during your next visit, just to be safe. But really, this whole bathroom adventure began as a way to make living here better for you. Really.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Here today; there tomorrow
Evan had a 1:00 p.m. clinic appointment on Wednesday. I prepared by gathering some "purse knitting" for the waiting room. No, purse knitting is not knitting a purse -- although I do have my eye on a great pattern -- purse knitting is a project that fits neatly into my purse (Alyssa's vest has progressed too far to fit into the purse knitting category). Naturally, I bought a purse with this purpose in mind, but that's beside the point. I took out my needles and sock yarn and started knitting even though I didn't expect to get two socks finished this week. About an inch of ribbing and Evan appeared saying he had to wait a few minutes for an appointment schedule. Not long after, his doctor appeared and told him an appointment schedule would be ready for him on Friday and to enjoy his time away. Time away? That's right, Evan's been cut loose ... or at least he's been given a much longer leash.
We left the clinic, went back to Alyssa's, packed up the car and headed back to Milladore. Since Evan had another appointment on Friday, I thought maybe we'd leave right after that one. "NO. We're going and heading back on Friday." At this point, we no longer make decisions based on what is the most reasonable; rather, we decide things based on what Evan can do. And since Evan is now cleared to drive and is allowed to be 3 1/2 hours away, we drove home. OK, he drove. I continued working on the sock. We arrived home about 6:30 to a great meal of Ned's celebratory burgers and a beer. As long as things keep progressing well, Evan will have a greatly reduced clinic schedule and be able to commute, rather than stay in Minneapolis full-time. That's good news for all of us. In fact, when I called Alyssa on Wednesday to tell her we'd be gone when she got home from work, she tried to hide her overwhelming disappointment by saying, "I'm calling friends!"
We're now hoping Evan keeps up the good healing work and stays clear of infection and fever; that will bring him closer to being home full time. He has plans to return to work ASAP and will talk to his doctors about that today. Whatever those return to work plans turn out to be, he's certainly headed in the right direction on the road back to normal.
We left the clinic, went back to Alyssa's, packed up the car and headed back to Milladore. Since Evan had another appointment on Friday, I thought maybe we'd leave right after that one. "NO. We're going and heading back on Friday." At this point, we no longer make decisions based on what is the most reasonable; rather, we decide things based on what Evan can do. And since Evan is now cleared to drive and is allowed to be 3 1/2 hours away, we drove home. OK, he drove. I continued working on the sock. We arrived home about 6:30 to a great meal of Ned's celebratory burgers and a beer. As long as things keep progressing well, Evan will have a greatly reduced clinic schedule and be able to commute, rather than stay in Minneapolis full-time. That's good news for all of us. In fact, when I called Alyssa on Wednesday to tell her we'd be gone when she got home from work, she tried to hide her overwhelming disappointment by saying, "I'm calling friends!"
We're now hoping Evan keeps up the good healing work and stays clear of infection and fever; that will bring him closer to being home full time. He has plans to return to work ASAP and will talk to his doctors about that today. Whatever those return to work plans turn out to be, he's certainly headed in the right direction on the road back to normal.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Happy Inauguration Day!
Evan is doing very well. A couple of days off from clinic appointments leaves him very hopeful for the possibility of a weekend visit to Milladore. He and Alyssa went to a matinee yesterday to see Gran Torino. They both reported it to be a very good movie, even if it does star Clint Eastwood. Unlike most of my family members, I am simply not a fan of Clint's "whisper growl." Guess I'll watch for it on DVD. More importantly, Evan's counts are good enough that he doesn't have to fear going out in public, within reason of course. He does have to wear his highly attractive blue mask and avoid high traffic areas and the biggest danger of all -- children! -- but he can get out and that's a good thing.
Speaking of the blue mask ... last week when Kit was here, Evan was telling of our Gander Mountain expedition and complained about wearing the mask everywhere. Kit suggested that he could tie a bandanna over it to look a little less conspicuous. Just imagine the tall man in the stocking cap with a bandanna tied over his face and his mother sitting in the parking lot in the get-away Buick. Ma Barker sighted in Woodbury! There may be a masked man wherever we go, but no bandannas.
I arrived late yesterday after taking the wrong exit and finding my way in spite of it. Yes, I am very proud of that little feat. Alyssa and I took a trip to Treadle Yard Goods in St Paul last night to find fabric for a blouse to wear with the red vest I am knitting for her. Nice shop. It's so refreshing to find a fabric shop that is not a big box store and still has a great variety. My big day today will include washing the fabric and maybe even cutting out the blouse. Although she usually does her own sewing -- I haven't done any garment sewing other than aprons in a long, long time -- I offered to make the blouse while I'm here since classes are back in session today.
First, I'm going to see if I can convince Evan to go on a little field trip somewhere. He doesn't have an appointment today, so we can do whatever we please. The sun is shining and it looks to be a beautiful day in Minneapolis. If it weren't for the crowds, I'd be tempted to find an inaugural celebration to join today. Instead, we'll watch the inaugural events on TV and celebrate our country's victory; at the same time Evan will be one day closer to his victory!
Speaking of the blue mask ... last week when Kit was here, Evan was telling of our Gander Mountain expedition and complained about wearing the mask everywhere. Kit suggested that he could tie a bandanna over it to look a little less conspicuous. Just imagine the tall man in the stocking cap with a bandanna tied over his face and his mother sitting in the parking lot in the get-away Buick. Ma Barker sighted in Woodbury! There may be a masked man wherever we go, but no bandannas.
I arrived late yesterday after taking the wrong exit and finding my way in spite of it. Yes, I am very proud of that little feat. Alyssa and I took a trip to Treadle Yard Goods in St Paul last night to find fabric for a blouse to wear with the red vest I am knitting for her. Nice shop. It's so refreshing to find a fabric shop that is not a big box store and still has a great variety. My big day today will include washing the fabric and maybe even cutting out the blouse. Although she usually does her own sewing -- I haven't done any garment sewing other than aprons in a long, long time -- I offered to make the blouse while I'm here since classes are back in session today.
First, I'm going to see if I can convince Evan to go on a little field trip somewhere. He doesn't have an appointment today, so we can do whatever we please. The sun is shining and it looks to be a beautiful day in Minneapolis. If it weren't for the crowds, I'd be tempted to find an inaugural celebration to join today. Instead, we'll watch the inaugural events on TV and celebrate our country's victory; at the same time Evan will be one day closer to his victory!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
A turn for the best
Evan called this morning. His white cell count almost doubled since yesterday. What great news! Kit is visiting Minneapolis this weekend and so are Karl and Alissa, which means no boring hours for Evan and Alyssa. In fact, it should be downright cozy in the Wisconsinite sanctuary for a couple of days.
I'll miss all the fun and go up on Monday equipped with cookies, sharp cheddar, a knitting project and of course, a work project. If Evan keeps up the good healing work, we won't be spending much time in the BMT Clinic and lots of projects will get done. Hmmm, if I could convince him to take up knitting we could have a regular little cottage industry right in the city. Even better: He'll do my job and I'll concentrate on being a knitting machine!
I'll miss all the fun and go up on Monday equipped with cookies, sharp cheddar, a knitting project and of course, a work project. If Evan keeps up the good healing work, we won't be spending much time in the BMT Clinic and lots of projects will get done. Hmmm, if I could convince him to take up knitting we could have a regular little cottage industry right in the city. Even better: He'll do my job and I'll concentrate on being a knitting machine!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hip hip hooray!
No more grrrs and brrrs here. I got a call this morning saying that my window was fixed so I bused on over to pick up the car (okay, there were a lot of brrrrs getting there, but thems the breaks). Next stop, hospital.
I walked into Evan's room and he was hooked up to an IV. My face fell because I thought he'd be in the whole day again. But, as it turns out, they let him out. He got his growth factor and by noon we busted out of that joint. We headed out to my now operable car and came back here to enjoy some grilled cheese sandwiches.
Evan called Kit's friend Pat and they're watching A Few Dollars More right now while I attempt to get some work done. The sooner I get my work done, the sooner I'll be making some homemade pudding for the guys to sweeten Evan's deal.
I walked into Evan's room and he was hooked up to an IV. My face fell because I thought he'd be in the whole day again. But, as it turns out, they let him out. He got his growth factor and by noon we busted out of that joint. We headed out to my now operable car and came back here to enjoy some grilled cheese sandwiches.
Evan called Kit's friend Pat and they're watching A Few Dollars More right now while I attempt to get some work done. The sooner I get my work done, the sooner I'll be making some homemade pudding for the guys to sweeten Evan's deal.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Grrrrrrr........Brrrrrrrrrr
It's Wednesday and Evan is STILL in the hospital. His fever subsided two days ago and he is no longer connected to an IV drip. Why is he still in there you ask? For observation. His counts still aren't that high so his doctor today told him that they wanted to keep him in there one more day. But no one checked his vitals and since Evan doesn't eat hospital food (that stuff will kill you!) I bring in his lunch and dinner everyday - so neither one of us is really sure why he needs to be there for observation since we seem to have it under control. Maybe it's just so we can spend more money in the parking ramp. Evan is less than pleased, and I'll be honest, I don't blame him. It's super boring in his room and we both are growing weary of watching Sergio Leone Spaghetti Westerns for the third day in a row. And I'm tired of losing cribbage games. Grrrrrrrrrrr.
Moving on to Brrrrrrr..... On Saturday morning when I was bringing Evan back home from his daily appointment the blower for my car heater blew out. Evan was waiting in the car when it happened and, being a mechanic, he diagnosed the problem immediately (the smoke emmenating from the engine was a good indicator, as was the lack of heat). Unfortunately, I couldn't take it in to my mechanic until yesterday. So, without a heater or defroster I drove my car the two miles to the auto shop, scraping the inside of my window at every block so that Isee enough to make it there in one piece. Did I mention that it was -1 out yesterday? It was a chilly ride morning ride. But, as always, the guys at TA Automotive took great care of my car and had it fixed by closing time and I had a toasty ride home by nightfall.
I love heat!
Fast forward to today. After visiting a very grumpy Evan for lunch, I offered to go home and bake him some brownies and bring him a sandwich for dinner. This seemed to perk him up marginally. Score! So, I trudge back out to the parking ramp, roll down my window, and make my daily donation to the parking gods. I turn on to the street and roll up my window. Ooops, pressed the wrong button. Try again and press the right button. Roll up my window. What the .... ???? The damn window won't go up!!!
Did I mention that it was -8 today?!
So there I am, heat blowing from my newly installed blower and a wide open window, laughing. I couldn't even enjoy the relative warmth of my little Honda for 24 hours!
Anyway, I did some quick calcualtions in my head about how long it would take me to get to my normal mechanic and, eyelashes freezing and teeth chattering, quickly decided that I would take my chances at a different mechanic. I dropped it off, and though he couldn't fix it on the spot, he could house it in a warm spot overnight and he's hoping to have it done tomorrow.
I love heat and operable windows! Hopefully!
So, an hour after leaving Evan, I arrived back at his bed not so much to see him, but to warm up from my 30 minute walk back from the mechanic (I missed the bus and opted to generate some heat walking rather than standing around and freezing waiting for the next one. Let's be honest though, at -8 , I didn't stand much of a chance of remaining warm for long, even with all my layers and sleeping bag coat). Unfortunately, I arrived at Evan's cell without brownies. Luckily, he's forgiving, and after a quick jaunt out to the sub shop, I left Evan still grumpy, but at least full of non-hospital food.
So, there's the latest and greatest from Minneapolis. GRRRRRR and BRRRRRR.
Moving on to Brrrrrrr..... On Saturday morning when I was bringing Evan back home from his daily appointment the blower for my car heater blew out. Evan was waiting in the car when it happened and, being a mechanic, he diagnosed the problem immediately (the smoke emmenating from the engine was a good indicator, as was the lack of heat). Unfortunately, I couldn't take it in to my mechanic until yesterday. So, without a heater or defroster I drove my car the two miles to the auto shop, scraping the inside of my window at every block so that Isee enough to make it there in one piece. Did I mention that it was -1 out yesterday? It was a chilly ride morning ride. But, as always, the guys at TA Automotive took great care of my car and had it fixed by closing time and I had a toasty ride home by nightfall.
I love heat!
Fast forward to today. After visiting a very grumpy Evan for lunch, I offered to go home and bake him some brownies and bring him a sandwich for dinner. This seemed to perk him up marginally. Score! So, I trudge back out to the parking ramp, roll down my window, and make my daily donation to the parking gods. I turn on to the street and roll up my window. Ooops, pressed the wrong button. Try again and press the right button. Roll up my window. What the .... ???? The damn window won't go up!!!
Did I mention that it was -8 today?!
So there I am, heat blowing from my newly installed blower and a wide open window, laughing. I couldn't even enjoy the relative warmth of my little Honda for 24 hours!
Anyway, I did some quick calcualtions in my head about how long it would take me to get to my normal mechanic and, eyelashes freezing and teeth chattering, quickly decided that I would take my chances at a different mechanic. I dropped it off, and though he couldn't fix it on the spot, he could house it in a warm spot overnight and he's hoping to have it done tomorrow.
I love heat and operable windows! Hopefully!
So, an hour after leaving Evan, I arrived back at his bed not so much to see him, but to warm up from my 30 minute walk back from the mechanic (I missed the bus and opted to generate some heat walking rather than standing around and freezing waiting for the next one. Let's be honest though, at -8 , I didn't stand much of a chance of remaining warm for long, even with all my layers and sleeping bag coat). Unfortunately, I arrived at Evan's cell without brownies. Luckily, he's forgiving, and after a quick jaunt out to the sub shop, I left Evan still grumpy, but at least full of non-hospital food.
So, there's the latest and greatest from Minneapolis. GRRRRRR and BRRRRRR.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Don't mess with the Evan
Yesterday afternoon Evan had a bit of a fever and was told to come into the ER. Kit was here and escorted him back to his home away from home (that's a euphemism for his cell at the hospital...he loves it so much there) where they decided to admit him overnight. As we learned this morning, they want to keep a watch on him until Tuesday.
Even though Evan is back in the hospital, he's doing ok. The doctors weren't alarmed to see him come in with his fever yesterday - this sort of thing after the stem-cell transplant is par for the course. So, instead of spending hours watching TV and movies in my apartment, we just moved the party to the hospital today. Kit and I spent some quality time watching Dirty Jobs (featuring episodes in WI and MN!) with Evan. Kit and I even ventured up to the cafeteria. Evan asked about the quality of our food upon our return and with every item - from salad, to pot roast to Sprite - we were advised to avoid it in the future because according to Evan "they screw everything up". I don't disagree with him on this point. So that he doesn't starve to death, I came back to the apartment for some soup and the latest Netflix flick - Don't mess with Zohan. Evan and I dined on some lentil soup (sans sausage, mom) and watched Adam Sandler style blue- hairs. I left Evan about an hour ago as he was getting his growth factor shot.
Evan is going to rest up tonight and I'll join him for another movie marathon and cribbage whooping tomorrow. I'm going to scrounge up some more edible treats for him so that we can bust him out of there on Tuesday.
Even though Evan is back in the hospital, he's doing ok. The doctors weren't alarmed to see him come in with his fever yesterday - this sort of thing after the stem-cell transplant is par for the course. So, instead of spending hours watching TV and movies in my apartment, we just moved the party to the hospital today. Kit and I spent some quality time watching Dirty Jobs (featuring episodes in WI and MN!) with Evan. Kit and I even ventured up to the cafeteria. Evan asked about the quality of our food upon our return and with every item - from salad, to pot roast to Sprite - we were advised to avoid it in the future because according to Evan "they screw everything up". I don't disagree with him on this point. So that he doesn't starve to death, I came back to the apartment for some soup and the latest Netflix flick - Don't mess with Zohan. Evan and I dined on some lentil soup (sans sausage, mom) and watched Adam Sandler style blue- hairs. I left Evan about an hour ago as he was getting his growth factor shot.
Evan is going to rest up tonight and I'll join him for another movie marathon and cribbage whooping tomorrow. I'm going to scrounge up some more edible treats for him so that we can bust him out of there on Tuesday.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday night in the city
It's hard to believe I've been here a week. I even ventured out on my own for a little while yesterday. The predictions of a snow storm put me in the mood to bake some cookies, so I just had to go buy some butter. I won't go into details on the cookie baking venture in Alyssa's dream kitchen, but I will note that beating cooking dough with her mixer that works as well as dueling butter knives was more than I could take. I finally gave it it up and mixed them by hand. I tried to convince Alyssa that halos have been issued for less noble works, but she wasn't buying it. The yarn shop, grocery store and drug store are all located in a pretty convenient loop from the apartment. Naturally, a butter run has to include a quick yarn stop. And really, what else could I need? I managed to finish a pair of socks (A first - I've never been able to complete a matching pair with both socks the same size before!) this week and will start a vest for Alyssa as my next project. Too bad I can't stay another week -- that vest would be finished; she'd probably also find herself with a new mixer. But alas, I must return to Wisconsin and work. Alyssa will have off next week, so mom or dad will be superfluous here.
Evan is having a bit of a low day today. A low-grade fever and some mouth sores have kept him down for the day. The morning's clinic appointment was about it for excitement. Although he did join us for supper, even Kit and Violet's arrival didn't pep Evan up much. Alyssa's off to her book club tonight; Kit and Violet and I played some Yahtzee and now a Clint movie is playing. Evan, Kit and Violet seem to enjoy it. I'm even seeing some of the first smiles of the day. Guess I'll endure this junk for the sake of some smiles, but it's not easy... Of course, I did watch the Muppets Take Manhattan earlier today, so it's not like I didn't get in any quality viewing. It was so good that it put Evan out for a well-deserved nap while I took care of the laundry.
Tomorrow will bring the beginning of the growth factor injections to get that white cell count climbing again. Until then, Evan's newborn immune system gets all the excitement it needs right here. Eau de Clorox provides the background ambiance for our little isolationist society. But all in all, it's going very well, so a little bleachy undertone to our environment isn't all that hard to take.
Evan is having a bit of a low day today. A low-grade fever and some mouth sores have kept him down for the day. The morning's clinic appointment was about it for excitement. Although he did join us for supper, even Kit and Violet's arrival didn't pep Evan up much. Alyssa's off to her book club tonight; Kit and Violet and I played some Yahtzee and now a Clint movie is playing. Evan, Kit and Violet seem to enjoy it. I'm even seeing some of the first smiles of the day. Guess I'll endure this junk for the sake of some smiles, but it's not easy... Of course, I did watch the Muppets Take Manhattan earlier today, so it's not like I didn't get in any quality viewing. It was so good that it put Evan out for a well-deserved nap while I took care of the laundry.
Tomorrow will bring the beginning of the growth factor injections to get that white cell count climbing again. Until then, Evan's newborn immune system gets all the excitement it needs right here. Eau de Clorox provides the background ambiance for our little isolationist society. But all in all, it's going very well, so a little bleachy undertone to our environment isn't all that hard to take.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Home Sweet Home
Evan came "home" to my apartment on Tuesday afternoon. He was feeling pretty chipper to be out of the hospital, despite his low white blood cell count (he's at .4 - normally it should be about 12!). He went in yesterday for a quick check-up and with energy to spare, he and Mom mustered a trip to Gander Mountain for some quality reading materials.
Basically, Evan seems to be doing fine despite a pretty strong case of cabin fever. Since his immunity is so low right now, he can't really go anywhere and he can only read so many books and watch so many movies before getting a little stir crazy. He doesn't need to go into the clinic today but I'm sure that he'll think of something to keep himself from going crazy.
Mom is busy knitting herself a pair of socks today. Unfortunately, the internet in my apartment is down so she isn't able to get much work in or update the blog. Once the internet provider can fix the problem, you can be sure you'll hear more news!
Monday, January 5, 2009
WooHoo!
Evan received his stem cells today. The transplant of 8 bags (picture ziploc sandwich bags) started at 2:05 and ended and 3:45 with absolutely no problems.
Thank God.
Thank God.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
What a difference a day makes
Evan called me at 7:30 this morning to ask what time I was coming up to the hospital. He also asked for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This was all good. Yesterday was difficult. If there is a superlative of stir-crazy, that describes him on Saturday. When I walked into his room this morning (after 30 minutes of warming up and de-icing the car), he was sitting up in a chair and free from the IV unit. We played Yahtzee and Cribbage and took several walks; he can go anywhere in the hospital, as long as he wears his mask.
I left a little while ago back to Alyssa's for some movies. Not good timing on my part. Minnesotans actually support the Vikings and driving through downtown past all the Metrodome parking just before game time was not my best-ever move. Now, if I can time it better when I leave the hospital today, I'll be much better off.
Kit is supposed to be stopping at the hospital on his way back to Mankato in a little while. I'm excited for him to see how much better Evan is today than when he last saw him on Friday. We'll go up to the cafeteria and grab some sandwiches to bring back to the room for our dinner. I'm hoping to send him back with a humiliating loss in Cribbage, but can't make any promises. Alyssa gets back from St. Louis tonight. When all is said and done, this will end up being a nearly perfect day!
I left a little while ago back to Alyssa's for some movies. Not good timing on my part. Minnesotans actually support the Vikings and driving through downtown past all the Metrodome parking just before game time was not my best-ever move. Now, if I can time it better when I leave the hospital today, I'll be much better off.
Kit is supposed to be stopping at the hospital on his way back to Mankato in a little while. I'm excited for him to see how much better Evan is today than when he last saw him on Friday. We'll go up to the cafeteria and grab some sandwiches to bring back to the room for our dinner. I'm hoping to send him back with a humiliating loss in Cribbage, but can't make any promises. Alyssa gets back from St. Louis tonight. When all is said and done, this will end up being a nearly perfect day!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A weekend of rest
I arrived in Mpls yesterday afternoon after a stop at Trader Joe's to restock the larder. Alyssa's directions got me directly to the hospital. Kit left Evan earlier in the day to head to Milladore for a couple of days, so I found Evan alone. He finished the last bag of chemo yesterday and now has to spend the weekend in the hospital "resting." This is not easy for Evan. He's trapped in a little cell, chained to an IV unit that has the soft mechanical sound of a can crusher and is awakened every 2 hours when he can sleep and then told he just needs to rest. It's simply not a restful environment. The Outdoor News was a welcome sight to him yesterday and the latest edition of Full Cry, (a tree hound magazine) might help when I it bring today, but still, these next two days are going to be tough. I'll be heading up there shortly with a book and my knitting and a peanut butter sandwich for Evan, just in case he'll try a bite or two. He's already asked for liver sausage when he gets out, so I know his appetite will come back soon. Just two days of rest and the transplant and we'll see just how quickly it returns.
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