Day + 70 -- semi-normal

Doug is doing well; he has even gained a couple of pounds. He still has occasional dizzy spells and tires easily but by now that is just part of our semi-normal life. We have had friends over, and Doug even shook hands (and used his hand sanitizer afterward). That sounds funny, but the warnings we got from the transplant team are enough to make one almost paranoid. He is talking about maybe going to church this Sunday despite being advised to avoid crowds. At some point common sense has to take over -- I think if we are careful it will be okay.

We went out riding today on our recumbent trikes. They are so easy and require no balance; if Doug gets a dizzy spell he can just sit there until it passes. When we got them a few years ago it was because of my poor balance -- who knew that it would be good exercise for Doug's recovery! Riding them feels like a cross between a bigwheel and a go-kart. Buena Vista's mostly level streets are a perfect place to ride, and the weather was wonderful this afternoon.

I thought I'd better get a photo of the bald and beardless Doug without a hat while he is still hairless. He now has a slight mustache and a few beard hairs that would make a seventh grade boy proud.

We consider Doug's ongoing recovery a miracle. We continue to be so thankful for God's healing and all the support and prayers from friends and family.

Love to all.

Day + 62 -- slow but sure

We have been home for three weeks today. Doug is continuing to do well and is stronger every day. His blood counts are low, but "not alarmingly so" according to the oncologist. He still has occasional dizzy spells due to some of the meds and low blood pressure, but as long as he is careful when bending over it hasn't been a big problem.

A lot of the dietary restrictions are lifted now. We had our first "restaurant meal" today -- takeout from Subway. And Doug went into a store for the first time since the transplant -- we went to the local hardware store for a few quick items. Those of you who know Doug won't be surprised it was a hardware store. We have friends coming from Omaha to see us the first weekend in June, so that will probably be our first real restaurant outing. We are just supposed to avoid crowds and make sure the food is freshly prepared.

The transplant social worker called yesterday to check how we are doing. We were happy to report that both of us are doing well and enjoying our home. We continue our daily walks, sans cane.
I have been doing a lot of yard work; thank goodness our yard is a manageable size. The tulips are finished blooming and the bleeding hearts are now in bloom. The climbing roses have buds. Mowing the lawn hasn't been bad at all. I have had to remind Doug that he can't do yard work for at least another couple of months. As he feels better he wants to be doing things but runs out of energy quickly. He putters a bit and helped me hang some decorative birdhouses on the fence today.

Life is good, praise the Lord!

Love to all.

Day + 55 -- Look ma, no cane!

We have been home two weeks as of today. I think Doug has made amazing progress, especially over the last few days. His appetite is approaching normal. A couple of days ago he said that pizza sounded good, so I made homemade pizza and he ate two pieces.

He is still anemic, gets cold and bundles up, wears a hat inside, but that will pass. We have been extending the distance we go on outside walks. He is going up to five blocks now, with a rest or two. Three days ago Doug started walking in the house without his cane, and today he went outside without it. His strength and balance are beginning to come back. The walker is in storage in the garage.

He has his sense of humor back! I love to hear him laugh and make jokes.

We went to the new cardiologist in Salida yesterday. He said that Doug's heart is sounding okay and to keep up with the heart meds. Doug's blood pressure is low, but as long as he is not dizzy we should not worry. We will go back for a repeat echocardiogram in August.

We went to Salida again today - this time to see the new oncologist. He did blood work and will monitor Doug between our visits to the transplant physician in Denver. Doug will resume his Zometa infusions every month; that is the biophosphanate which builds and strengthens bone. We are very glad to have doctors in Salida, which is only 30 minutes from Buena Vista. Beats going to Denver all the time. We also have our primary care nurse practitioner here in town; we go to her for any ordinary problems.

Doug's recovery seems nothing short of miraculous to me. I do sometimes have "flashbacks" when I remember some of the horrible things that happened, but those will get fewer and farther between.

Those of you who are praying for a complete recovery -- your prayers are working!

Many thanks and love to all.

Day + 46 -- content at home

Doug continues to make slow but steady progress. He is very content to stay home and rest. Today he went with me in the car when I ran a few errands. We are both adjusting to our "new normal". When I am outside, I change shoes before coming in the house, rinse the dishes in bleach water (since we don't have a dishwasher), keep the dogs away from Doug and of course we both wash our hands a lot. I have to avoid crowds and am not supposed to let people give me hugs. That one is hard.
I did go to church yesterday and it was great to see so many people who have constantly prayed for us.

Doug still gets tired very easily and I think that will continue for quite a while. He also has a hard time getting warm enough. He sits in his recliner with a blanket, wears a warm hat and has the heat on. Luckily at night we have an electric blanket with dual controls! The transplant team would prefer recently transplanted patients to sleep in a separate room and have their own bathroom. Not an option in our small house, so I just try to keep things as clean as possible.

Life is good.

Love to all.