Friday May 30, 2008

First things first.  I want to thank all of you who read yesterday’s blog and are now reaching out to help Lisa.  I will also reach out and let you know how she is doing as soon as I find out.  As for me, I guess I’m pretty lucky.  I do feel good.  My only problem now is my muscles and bones in my legs.  It really hurts just to bend down.  When I first came home from Chicago, I was able to do deep knee squats without a problem.  All of my blood tests yesterday seem to be normal.  I guess I will just have to wait until Chicago gets these results.  Enjoy the weather and have a nice weekend.        Mike

Thursday May 29, 2008

Wait until all of you hear this.  While I was in Chicago, one of my doctors kept telling me about how serious this stem cell transplant could be and how I should really think it over about having it done.  He must have told me this 3-4 different times before I finally told him thank you but no thank you…just do it.  Well 6 days after I was released, a person who I met out there, Victoria, had her transplant done. She was then released and while at the hotel ran high fevers and had to be readmitted.  She was then cured and will be going home this weekend.  She also befriended a woman, Lisa who was also 6 days behind her for the transplant.  Well after she received her transplant, she also ran high fevers and was unable to breath.  They had to rush her to ICU and intubate her and put her in a forced coma.  She is still intubated and in that coma.  This is what the doctors said could happen to me.  I was so lucky because I had all of you , your support, and your prayers that I did not have to experience this nightmare.  So I really want to thank all of you and ask you to say a little prayer for Lisa so that she will be OK.       Mike

Wednesday May 28, 2008

WOW is it cold today.  This drastic change in temperature does affect me.  I get sore all over and my joints get very stiff.  Today I am fatigued and very tired.  Tomorrow I will be going to the hospital to have my blood drawn and sent to Chicago.  Other than that, I’m just going to take it easy today and rest.     Mike

Tuesday May 27, 2008

Well we sure had a nice weekend.  The weather cooperated and I had my neighbors over for Memorial Day.  I have great neighbors and just being around them made me feel good.  I am feeling much better.  The only thing now that really bothers me is bending down and standing for a long time.  Then if I try to get into a car, I have to really take it slow and it is very painful.  Otherwise, I can’t complain.  My stamina is good and I am alert and breathing fine so what else can I ask for.        Mike

Friday May 23, 2008

Well the warm weather is finally coming.  Oh, I forgot to tell you but my daughter said that I should not talk about the weather.  She said that I sound like a news weatherman.  So forget the first sentence.  I’m feeling really good.  I seem to be more mobile but a little wobbly at times.  I have to do more walking to strengthen my legs.  My breathing is improving and so is my stamina.  Maybe it’s the weather.  Oops, there I go again, talking about the weather.  Because of the long weekend, I want to give Kay a break.  So my next entry will be on Tuesday.  Have a very Happy Memorial Day  and enjoy the nice weather.        Mike

Thursday May 22, 2008

I seem to be doing just fine.  This weather has my joints a little stiff but I seem to be OK.  This weekend is promising warmer weather and I am really looking forward to it.  It has been a long, cold, wet, and windy winter and I think we need some nice weather for a change.  My brother called me from Phoenix the other day and said it was 105 degrees.  Now that is nice and warm.      Mike

Wednesday May 21, 2008

Well my GI Specialist told me yesterday that all of my tests came back negative and that I should be fine now.  I am feeling better and while it is sunny out, I will take advantage of the weather and get some exercise.  I really feel good.  My skin is very dry and I know that is from the Chemo and the medications that I am on.  It makes my skin sensitive to the sun and I love the sun.  But I have to be real careful and just stay covered and use lotions.  But it is a good day, so I’m off.      Mike

Tuesday May 20, 2008

Yuck, what horrible weather!  It is a good day for ducks and sleeping, but I am off to the doctor at Beth Israel.  I’m hoping to solve one of my two problems today.  This weather makes my joints a little stiff. I’m feeling OK otherwise.  Mike

Monday May 19, 2008

What a beautiful day.  It is a bit windy but at least the sun is out.  I want to get out early and enjoy it before the rain comes in.  I am feeling good but my joints are a bit stiff especially if I stand or sit for a long time.  Otherwise, I feel pretty good.  I have a doctor’s appointment with the GI Specialist tomorrow at Beth Israel to try to cure one of the two problems that I was having.  Enjoy the day.    Mike

Updated Thermometer