I took Ron to the ER in Bowling Green on January 21 (ER to their ICU); 12 hours later he was admitted to U of M Hospitals-Mott Hospital. (Then to ICU in University Hospital and back to Mott) Seven days later he was admitted to BG Manor with hospice services. He was on hospice for 19 days, and now he is in the same facility with skilled nursing services and rehab. Today he was planning with Doctor Wojo how he could go to the Villa to watch the Daytona 500 on Sunday. Really!! I will need to find manpower to get him from the car, up two stairs, and to his chair. We have a wheelchair at home but will need oxygen tanks again. There is some planning to do if this is going to happen!! The electric oxygen machine that we had at home only went to 5 liters, and he is now on 6 liters. I can hardly believe that this is a consideration!
Ron is making progress in therapy; he needs two people to transfer him, and he has an air mattress here, so it is too early to think of him going home. (But I am very sure that he is thinking of it!) He is having therapy 5 days a week. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Ron being Ron
Why should I have expected any less? Ron is a fighter and continues to feel better. They no longer use the lift to transfer him. Two aides help him to his feet, and he baby-steps it to the chair or wheelchair. He is eating well, and we went outside for awhile yesterday. Wonderful and hard to believe it's February. In the courtyard we discovered that the daffodils have started to grow!
Ron is sleeping about 9 hours at night and takes random naps. Physical therapy will resume tomorrow. "Never give up."
Ron is sleeping about 9 hours at night and takes random naps. Physical therapy will resume tomorrow. "Never give up."
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Discharged from hospice services
Ron has had another productive day. He had his first physical therapy work in his room. He is no longer receiving hospice services, so physical and occupational therapy are available. He is receiving skilled nursing care. What that means is that he's in the same room at BG Manor, Dr. Wojo continues to be his physician, he has the same nurses and aides (but the hospice nurse does not visit twice a week), he has the same equipment and supplies available, but hospice doesn't provide it.
Ron is now able to move himself in bed, sit up in bed, and swing his legs over the side. He needs two aides to help him stand before taking tiny steps to his chair or wheelchair. He was outside his room and in a wheelchair for the first time yesterday and enjoyed looking out the windows and seeing the birds in a lounge. He has the will to receive physical therapy, so he can regain strength. Both of us have enjoyed visits from friends and family. I continue to sleep here at night but have been leaving for a couple hours during each day. we are less than 5 minutes from our villa.
The kidney specialist at U of M had an ultrasound of Ron's kidneys done to see if an answer could be found for renal failure. They considered a one time dialysis. After the ultrasound he drew a sketch to show me where the injury was that prevented his kidneys from filtering toxins, and he told me that the good news was that his kidneys might repair themselves from this injury which might have been caused from low blood pressure or the fall. Evidently that repair, at least partially, has happened. However, I must remember that his lung damage and compromised immunity cannot be fixed, and they cause a strain on his heart. Perhaps he has more surprises in store for me! The decision to request discharge from hospice services was made to honor his wishes to "never give up" by adding therapy to his healthcare. Therapy is not provided for hospice patients.
Ron is now able to move himself in bed, sit up in bed, and swing his legs over the side. He needs two aides to help him stand before taking tiny steps to his chair or wheelchair. He was outside his room and in a wheelchair for the first time yesterday and enjoyed looking out the windows and seeing the birds in a lounge. He has the will to receive physical therapy, so he can regain strength. Both of us have enjoyed visits from friends and family. I continue to sleep here at night but have been leaving for a couple hours during each day. we are less than 5 minutes from our villa.
The kidney specialist at U of M had an ultrasound of Ron's kidneys done to see if an answer could be found for renal failure. They considered a one time dialysis. After the ultrasound he drew a sketch to show me where the injury was that prevented his kidneys from filtering toxins, and he told me that the good news was that his kidneys might repair themselves from this injury which might have been caused from low blood pressure or the fall. Evidently that repair, at least partially, has happened. However, I must remember that his lung damage and compromised immunity cannot be fixed, and they cause a strain on his heart. Perhaps he has more surprises in store for me! The decision to request discharge from hospice services was made to honor his wishes to "never give up" by adding therapy to his healthcare. Therapy is not provided for hospice patients.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Our first Valentine's Day 1966; ages 17 & 19
More surprises. Last night about 2AM, Ron calls out to me and asks if we have anything in the room to eat because he is hungry. Again he is sitting on the side of his bed, feet dangling. So he had Oreos and Pepsi in the middle of the night! He has had 3 meals and snacks today; he is hungry. He told his friend Jim this morning that he could sit up on the side of the bed but knew that he could not stand up. So glad that he realizes that! He has made a couple transfers to his bedside chair by stand and sidestep with help from 2 aides.
Dr. Wojo made rounds today, and I was ready to beg for some PT for Ron, but he could see the improvements first hand. Hopefully, things have shifted from just comfort care (Hospice) to palliative care which will be comfort care and PT. He will need to continue to show progress. An infection could be devastating, and he would probably go back on hospice services. Things are in motion to make that change, but it hasn't formally happened yet.
When Ron was up at U of M, he was so sick from renal failure that he was very confused at times, couldn't move himself in bed, and couldn't feed himself. He also had injuries from his fall and had had a mild heart attack. Ron has improved enough that he wants to continue the fight. "I'm not ready to throw in the towel"; "Well, I'm NOT just going to quit." "I want to work towards going home." He continues to be the bravest person that I have ever known.
Dr. Wojo made rounds today, and I was ready to beg for some PT for Ron, but he could see the improvements first hand. Hopefully, things have shifted from just comfort care (Hospice) to palliative care which will be comfort care and PT. He will need to continue to show progress. An infection could be devastating, and he would probably go back on hospice services. Things are in motion to make that change, but it hasn't formally happened yet.
When Ron was up at U of M, he was so sick from renal failure that he was very confused at times, couldn't move himself in bed, and couldn't feed himself. He also had injuries from his fall and had had a mild heart attack. Ron has improved enough that he wants to continue the fight. "I'm not ready to throw in the towel"; "Well, I'm NOT just going to quit." "I want to work towards going home." He continues to be the bravest person that I have ever known.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Keeping Comfortable
I can almost forget that Ron would have pain if not taking oxycodone regularly. At 2AM on Friday, he called out to me to help him get into the bathroom. As I got out of my bed to remind him that he has a catheter, I found him sitting on the edge of the bed. I couldn't believe it; he has been in bed or transported with a lift for 3 weeks now.
He is getting great care here at BG Manor. If I would take him home with hospice services, I would have to hire help to use the lift and do a variety of other things, too. Today he is resolved about staying here. I have played this over and over in my mind--especially when he is having a good period of time. With no bloodwork or urinalysis now, I really don't know where he is medically. It seems strange as we have followed his bloodwork for almost 7 years. He typically does not run a fever, but his temp has been in the 99s a few times in the past 3 weeks. Although that doesn't sound like anything, his temp had been in the 97s for a very long time.
He is getting great care here at BG Manor. If I would take him home with hospice services, I would have to hire help to use the lift and do a variety of other things, too. Today he is resolved about staying here. I have played this over and over in my mind--especially when he is having a good period of time. With no bloodwork or urinalysis now, I really don't know where he is medically. It seems strange as we have followed his bloodwork for almost 7 years. He typically does not run a fever, but his temp has been in the 99s a few times in the past 3 weeks. Although that doesn't sound like anything, his temp had been in the 97s for a very long time.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Not Easy
I guess I had thought that these days would play out like an even-keeled decline, but that has not been the reality. At times Ron is very alert, philosophical, and talkative with a strong voice. Then he might nap for a few hours and awaken with a weak, quiet voice. He has had periods of anger about not being able to go home. The oxy keeps him mostly comfortable. Because he doesn't understand his limitations or understand the care he requires, he doesn't understand why he can't go home or go other places. Today he slept until near noon, again not eating anything until late afternoon. His mood is unpredictable and can change quickly. Last night he asked me why I got to sleep in a bed while he had to sleep in a chair, so I'm not sure what he is thinking at times.
The timeline is very unpredictable, so we just do the best we can.
The timeline is very unpredictable, so we just do the best we can.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
No More
The rain has changed to snowfall to a cold, windy, blue skies day. This seems more like Ohio February. Ron has his fuzzy blankets, and I am wrapped in a yellow prayer shawl that my niece Kara has passed on to me. The emphasis for Ron's care is comfort, and I have found comfort in Kara's shawl.
Ron continues to have chest pain periodically through the day. It is sharp pain in his lungs, and the oxycodone brings him relief. He can now have half doses between his scheduled doses if needed. Today was scheduled to be an "Ann Arbor Day"; it was time for his February immunity infusion. The renal failure and fall at home were the tipping point which has led to Hospice care. The stress on his heart from renal and respiratory distress led to some heart damage. There were just too many things going on this time. Even Ron said, it's different this time." Yesterday he told me that he felt like his whole body was disintegrating, and he ached all over. He also had a dream that he was walking device-free down a long alley. On the right was a bright yellow house that he had helped to paint. On the left was a huge medical complex. As he walked down the alley, doors opened from the hospital, and carousels came out that had medical care staff revolving on them. As each new carousel came out a door, he would say, "no more" and keep walking.
Ron continues to have chest pain periodically through the day. It is sharp pain in his lungs, and the oxycodone brings him relief. He can now have half doses between his scheduled doses if needed. Today was scheduled to be an "Ann Arbor Day"; it was time for his February immunity infusion. The renal failure and fall at home were the tipping point which has led to Hospice care. The stress on his heart from renal and respiratory distress led to some heart damage. There were just too many things going on this time. Even Ron said, it's different this time." Yesterday he told me that he felt like his whole body was disintegrating, and he ached all over. He also had a dream that he was walking device-free down a long alley. On the right was a bright yellow house that he had helped to paint. On the left was a huge medical complex. As he walked down the alley, doors opened from the hospital, and carousels came out that had medical care staff revolving on them. As each new carousel came out a door, he would say, "no more" and keep walking.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
A visit by Blue
Ron has not felt as good today. He didn't eat any breakfast or lunch, and he had pain in his chest but consistently scores it 3 on a scale of 10. Dr. Wojo visited him twice. He had nitro to see if it might be related to his heart, but hot compresses on his chest helped the most. (And oxy) He has a slight fever. He didn't want to get out of the bed today, just feeling that the whole lift routine was too much. He cannot bear any weight on his feet, and his core is weak, so there is no other way to transfer him bed to chair. He did eat some dinner and is now watching basketball.
Some big news of the day is that I brought Blue, our cat, in to BG Manor see Ron. Ron has asked repeatedly to go home to see Blue or bring him in. Blue was a good boy, lying down by Ron and purring. He also liked looking out the window.
With hospice services, no bloodwork, monitors, or other tests are done. No IVs, no pokes for blood draws, but I suspect the chest pain has to do with his lungs. It seemed fitting to have rain all day.
Some big news of the day is that I brought Blue, our cat, in to BG Manor see Ron. Ron has asked repeatedly to go home to see Blue or bring him in. Blue was a good boy, lying down by Ron and purring. He also liked looking out the window.
With hospice services, no bloodwork, monitors, or other tests are done. No IVs, no pokes for blood draws, but I suspect the chest pain has to do with his lungs. It seemed fitting to have rain all day.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Status Quo
We had a Super Bowl party in Ron's room at BG Manor. Anne, George, Ron, and I had planned to watch the game together for several weeks. With all of our big screen TVs, we ended up watching it on an old JVC, but you know what? It didn't matter.
Everything is about the same today, so I wanted to let you know that. I may blog again later.
Thanks for checking in.
Jan
Everything is about the same today, so I wanted to let you know that. I may blog again later.
Thanks for checking in.
Jan
Saturday, February 4, 2017
An Eventful Day
Friday was a fully scheduled day through late afternoon. My day started early!! I am thankful for a smallish bladder because then I check Ron as he sleeps. Friday morning at 4:30 AM, I looked at him when I was up and noticed that his face looked mottled. I keep the blinds slightly open at night, so the street lighting can filter in. His hands were warm under his fuzzy blanket, but when I checked his oxygen level, it was only 62%. (oxygen flow is adjusted to keep it in the 90%s) My first thought was that I was looking at the finger monitor upside down; my second thought was that the finger monitor wasn't working right. I had a second finger monitor with me, so I got it out. Same thing. I checked the oxygen machine, and it was on 4 liters, not 6 which he requires now. The nurse was very close by, and quickly noticed that his oxygen tubing had kinked. The machine bumped back up to 6, and Ron was coherent and responding to questions. His oxygen level rose to near 90 over a couple minutes. I had had such a shot of adrenaline, that I was wide awake for the day. I had gone home to sleep the previous night, but at 10:00 that night, I curled up on my bed in Ron's room and fell asleep. I think that I was just meant to be there.
So on Friday we had several great visits: my sister, her husband George and nieces Kara and Jody. My brother's daughter, Casey, also drove over; all of them are from Indiana. Ron's brother Rick and wife Tammy also visited; Rick had Ron laughing as they reminisced. So good to hear that belly laugh. Two longtime friends from BG visited us early Friday.
Ron's medical visits were from the BG Manor nurses and aides who have been beyond wonderful, same to be said for his hospice nurse who came, and a physical therapist evaluated Ron for the possibility of, with help, stand and pivot directly into a chair by the bed, but his core and legs are just too weak. A lift is used to transfer him from bed to chair.
This morning I have written a basketball "viewing schedule" for Ron, and he as slept all morning. A very sleepy day usually follows an active day, but not to worry, there are basketball games until midnight. I am starting with Purdue and Maryland, and Anne and George will soon be arriving for the weekend. We have had Super Bowl plans for weeks.
Love to all,
Ron & Jan
So on Friday we had several great visits: my sister, her husband George and nieces Kara and Jody. My brother's daughter, Casey, also drove over; all of them are from Indiana. Ron's brother Rick and wife Tammy also visited; Rick had Ron laughing as they reminisced. So good to hear that belly laugh. Two longtime friends from BG visited us early Friday.
Ron's medical visits were from the BG Manor nurses and aides who have been beyond wonderful, same to be said for his hospice nurse who came, and a physical therapist evaluated Ron for the possibility of, with help, stand and pivot directly into a chair by the bed, but his core and legs are just too weak. A lift is used to transfer him from bed to chair.
This morning I have written a basketball "viewing schedule" for Ron, and he as slept all morning. A very sleepy day usually follows an active day, but not to worry, there are basketball games until midnight. I am starting with Purdue and Maryland, and Anne and George will soon be arriving for the weekend. We have had Super Bowl plans for weeks.
Love to all,
Ron & Jan
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Nearing the 7th year anniversary of Ron's journey
Ron continues to keeps me guessing. Each day seems to have its own bumps in the road, but there are many good moments, too. Ron was conversational between his naps and clear-headed compared to our days in the hospital. I think taking him off most of his many medications has been beneficial, and the flushing of his body with IV fluids ridded him at least temporarily of toxins. The IV antibiotics at U of M partially knocked back his infection. However, the underlying chronic problems are still there. He does have some confusion and does not understand his physical limitations. He asks to do things that he can't do and becomes irritated with my explanations. It's pretty mild irritation, mostly tone of voice. His discomfort is controlled with pain medication. Most of his discomfort occurs turning on his right side where the injuries were from his fall at home two weeks ago. Also, the "shingles-like" area across the small of his back is painful. It is healing though, and dressings were changed today.
I went to the villa to sleep last night. I don't think that we had been apart 7 hours since I had to have my knee scoped about 2 1/2 years ago. I am planning on doing the same tonight; Blue is happy to see me and curls up on my lap or next to me. Tomorrow we will have several visitors as well as the Hospice RN.
Thanks for keeping us in your prayers and positive thoughts. Include a prayer for a 15 year old young man who is a nephew of a "distant" Hover relative. He was diagnosed with AML leukemia, like Ron's, about 2 months ago. He has become very ill with infections and pneumonia after his 2nd round of chemo and is on a respirator in an ICU. His name is Paul.
Love, Jan
I went to the villa to sleep last night. I don't think that we had been apart 7 hours since I had to have my knee scoped about 2 1/2 years ago. I am planning on doing the same tonight; Blue is happy to see me and curls up on my lap or next to me. Tomorrow we will have several visitors as well as the Hospice RN.
Thanks for keeping us in your prayers and positive thoughts. Include a prayer for a 15 year old young man who is a nephew of a "distant" Hover relative. He was diagnosed with AML leukemia, like Ron's, about 2 months ago. He has become very ill with infections and pneumonia after his 2nd round of chemo and is on a respirator in an ICU. His name is Paul.
Love, Jan
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Chest and back discomfort
I woke this morning to Ron's juicy coughing; this is painful for him. Although we do not know the timeline, Ron's chronic lung infection and renal failure are on the threshold. He is not receiving antibiotics any more. Having passed through the futile medical and painful medical procedures to fight one more time, I am at peace with our decision of "no more". He is requiring more oxygen this morning. He had blisters form across the middle of his back last week which broke, leaving raw, painful skin. That bothers him more than his shoulder and rib injuries from his fall 2 weeks ago.
With all of that being said, he continues to enjoy reminiscing and visits he has had with friends and family. Cale, Ron, and I watched Wheel of Fortune last evening, and as Cale and I were looking at the bonus puzzle trying to figure out the final answer, Ron solved the puzzle!! He continues to keep me guessing! Ron talks about his plans to go up North and visit our favorite places in the Traverse City area and also a trip to Hawaii.
Love to all of you from both of us,
Jan
With all of that being said, he continues to enjoy reminiscing and visits he has had with friends and family. Cale, Ron, and I watched Wheel of Fortune last evening, and as Cale and I were looking at the bonus puzzle trying to figure out the final answer, Ron solved the puzzle!! He continues to keep me guessing! Ron talks about his plans to go up North and visit our favorite places in the Traverse City area and also a trip to Hawaii.
Love to all of you from both of us,
Jan
Monday, January 30, 2017
Friends are welcome to visit.
We will be at BG Manor indefinitely. There is no timeline in place. If you come to visit and the timing is not optimal, we can visit in the lounge directly across from Ron's room. I have a bed in Ron's room, and can sleep here overnight. At this time, that is what I choose to do. Also, I prefer to be here at mealtime to help him eat. He is resting much better with no monitoring done most of the night. No blood tests or IV meds being given. He is not taking antibiotics or antifungal meds any more.
As kind as everyone has been some things are humiliating and hard to explain to him, so he told me that he was miserable.
I visited my doctor today, and my blood pressure is well under control. My bloodwork and urinalysis in the U of M ER was normal. The stress had affected my BP. More tomorrow. i need to catch a good night's sleep. Thanks for following my blog and sending email messages. I hope to eventually respond to everyone.
Love, Jan
As kind as everyone has been some things are humiliating and hard to explain to him, so he told me that he was miserable.
I visited my doctor today, and my blood pressure is well under control. My bloodwork and urinalysis in the U of M ER was normal. The stress had affected my BP. More tomorrow. i need to catch a good night's sleep. Thanks for following my blog and sending email messages. I hope to eventually respond to everyone.
Love, Jan
Sunday, January 29, 2017
"It's different this time."
Ron had told his medical team at U of M that "it's different this time." Dr. Mag told him that he should be so proud of his amazing fight, but that there were so many things affected this time. Even after Ron's hospitalization in June, I had told the kids that I felt like there would just be one more time...that he wouldn't be able to come home next time. Now it is the next time. I feel at peace that we did everything we could. I so appreciated the time that Dr. Mag spent with us this past week. The discharge nurse, social worker, PA Brittany, the nurses, everyone was comforting to us. Emily, the night nurse, talked to Ron as he rested and had a calming presence.
Ron is resting comfortably. He is quieter today but visits with us and watches basketball. He has said that it hurts deep within his lungs when he coughs. He doesn't really understand his physical limitations, so it is difficult to explain why I can't just help him get into the bathroom with his walker. They use a lift to move him from bed to chair.
Yes, it's different this time. I know that I can no longer care for him at home.
Ron is resting comfortably. He is quieter today but visits with us and watches basketball. He has said that it hurts deep within his lungs when he coughs. He doesn't really understand his physical limitations, so it is difficult to explain why I can't just help him get into the bathroom with his walker. They use a lift to move him from bed to chair.
Yes, it's different this time. I know that I can no longer care for him at home.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Back in BG
So very hard to say our good-byes to our Bone Marrow Transplant Family today. We had a lot of hugs and of course, some tears along the way. We have been welcomed at Bowling Green Manor, and hospice has also admitted Ron. I feel like things have gone well. Dr. Wojo, a family friend and Andrew's father in law, is Ron's doctor. He knows our story.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Bowling Green Manor and Comfort Care
Ron is sleeping peacefully this morning. EKGs, heparin drip, frequent pokes to monitor heart enzyme levels, blood sugar pokes have been stopped, so he can sleep for a period of time. Tomorrow, Friday, January 27, he will be moved to a skilled nursing facility with hospice services in Bowling Green. Bowling Green Manor. His IV antibiotics will be done, and he will receive comfort care. Ron has told me that he feels better about yesterday's difficult conversations with Dr.Mag and will enjoy the time he has left. He does have some confusion but can carry on conversations and wants to watch college basketball.
If you would like to send him a note, our Gilead Shores Drive address in Michigan will be delayed, but currently:
1509 Cogans Lane
Bowling Green, OH 43402
I see many people have read the previous blog, and I feel protected by your positive thoughts and prayers for both of us and our family.
Love, Ron & Jan
If you would like to send him a note, our Gilead Shores Drive address in Michigan will be delayed, but currently:
1509 Cogans Lane
Bowling Green, OH 43402
I see many people have read the previous blog, and I feel protected by your positive thoughts and prayers for both of us and our family.
Love, Ron & Jan
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
A Brief Update
Ron has been hospitalized since Saturday morning. He is very sick and has spent part of his time in ICU. His kidneys are failing, and he has had a "small" heart attack. He had been slowly declining for a few weeks, and he also had a fall last Thursday. He did not hit his head, but the impact with the floor injured his clavicle, shoulder joint, and a rib. That has been painful. Because his kidneys could not metabolize narcotic pain medication, he had serious consequences that required Narcan to reverse. Niccole and Cale have been with me to help understand how to move forward. My sister and brotherinlaw are here in Ann Arbor and other family members are coming tomorrow. I am surrounded by family and our friends in the Bone Marrow Transplant Team. Ron's transplant doctor, Dr. Mag, is the doctor on service for the BMT inpatient hospital wing, so that is comforting to have him as Ron's hospital doctor.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Happy New Year!
Overall, we were able to enjoy our usual holiday celebrations, and now we're settled in to the quiet weeks following what felt like a busy December for us. January holds a strange combination of letdown and relief.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Medical Update
Today Ron had appointments at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. The 7th floor of Mott Hospital in their huge connected medical center is the Bone Marrow Transplant and Leukemia Clinic. Half of the floor is for adult patients and half pediatric. Ron had bloodwork done at 8:30. Then we had breakfast in their cafe. His immunity infusion was scheduled at 9:30, and Dr. Magenau and Tim Higgins, PA came to his infusion room for Ron's appt with them. Ron's white blood cell count remains high indicating an infection. Because he already takes 3 antibiotics, an antifungal, and an antiviral, the next treatment will be immunity infusions once a month for four months. There is not another antibiotic pill to add to what he already takes. If he becomes acutely ill, he will have to go into the hospital for IV antibiotics. The infection is likely in his lungs, but he has no fever, and his coughing issues are chronic so no big change there. He has had more random cognitive glitches, but overall, that is okay. Because I am with him nearly all of the time, sometimes I feel like I lose perspective. He fell two days ago on his bottom but was lucky to only have a couple bruises. So hopefully today's immunity infusion will start to help lesson this infection wherever it is. Also, getting an IV in was difficult today. When they have to go to the second arm and find a different person to try, it is not going well. His veins are not good due to long term steroid medication and probably other reasons too. When this happens, we miss the central line that he had for years.
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Mag and Tim. We totally trust their medical decisions and value their friendship. Both of us feel like we are among friends in a competent, professional setting. The infusion center is adjacent to the clinic, and Ron has his treatment is in a private room, much like a hospital room. Today we watched the snow fly outside! This is the 7th winter that Ron has had treatment for AML leukemia and complications from his bone marrow transplant. The "new"BMT Clinic in Mott Hospital just celebrated their 5th anniversary from opening day. Ron had the first infusion administered 5 years ago. His first years of treatment were in the main University Hospital.
Enjoy the holidays and find peaceful moments.
Love, Ron & Jan
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Mag and Tim. We totally trust their medical decisions and value their friendship. Both of us feel like we are among friends in a competent, professional setting. The infusion center is adjacent to the clinic, and Ron has his treatment is in a private room, much like a hospital room. Today we watched the snow fly outside! This is the 7th winter that Ron has had treatment for AML leukemia and complications from his bone marrow transplant. The "new"BMT Clinic in Mott Hospital just celebrated their 5th anniversary from opening day. Ron had the first infusion administered 5 years ago. His first years of treatment were in the main University Hospital.
Enjoy the holidays and find peaceful moments.
Love, Ron & Jan
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Thankful....
What a beautiful fall we had this year! It was nice to be able to get ready for winter at the lake without working in finger numbing conditions. Thankful for the villa, so we can be close to Cale's family and Bowling Green friends. I really am thankful for our attached garage here and close proximity to groceries and other shopping. Thankful for more time together.
I have learned to admit when we can no longer do things the same as in the past. It still amazes me that I mostly feel relief over disappointment. Although it seems to me that Ron stays about the same, when I think about what he could do a year ago compared to now, I realize the changes. He no longer can walk with just a cane. When we shop, he drives the cart in the store. If they don't have carts, I bring a shopping cart out to the car to hold his oxygen, and he uses it like a walker. He's lost stamina, and walking in a store behind a shopping cart tires him quickly. He has been on oxygen 6 months now. He doesn't draw breaths deep enough to medically qualify for the smaller, more convenient portable systems, so we take the large canisters when away from home. As far as meds, there haven't been changes for some time now. The clinic is having him extend the time between immunity infusions. I admit that concerns me.
Wow! I missed finishing this in the month of November! On to December! I think I will just add a couple pictures and post. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Below are pics of our peaceful Gilead Lake, Jack and Joey's November birthday, and one of Ron's barn pictures; he is getting quite a collection, and we are looking forward to finding barns in snow soon. Thankful....
I have learned to admit when we can no longer do things the same as in the past. It still amazes me that I mostly feel relief over disappointment. Although it seems to me that Ron stays about the same, when I think about what he could do a year ago compared to now, I realize the changes. He no longer can walk with just a cane. When we shop, he drives the cart in the store. If they don't have carts, I bring a shopping cart out to the car to hold his oxygen, and he uses it like a walker. He's lost stamina, and walking in a store behind a shopping cart tires him quickly. He has been on oxygen 6 months now. He doesn't draw breaths deep enough to medically qualify for the smaller, more convenient portable systems, so we take the large canisters when away from home. As far as meds, there haven't been changes for some time now. The clinic is having him extend the time between immunity infusions. I admit that concerns me.
Wow! I missed finishing this in the month of November! On to December! I think I will just add a couple pictures and post. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Below are pics of our peaceful Gilead Lake, Jack and Joey's November birthday, and one of Ron's barn pictures; he is getting quite a collection, and we are looking forward to finding barns in snow soon. Thankful....
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