All continues to improve. At the dr. this past Wed. Peter had gained 8 pounds. His numbers continue to improve and some are even normal. His appetite is great - thank goodness and he eats just about everything now. His strength is improving but he still has a ways to go. He does go up and down stairs on his own now and rarely needs assistance with any activities.
Peter continues to work full time. I drove him to the office last Monday for a 1 hour staff meeting that ended up being almost 3 hours. All went well but boy was he tired after that.
We spent last weekend at High Rock lake at Arlene and Roy's new house - wow! Our senior gang members were there and we had a great time relaxing together, playing cards, eating (of course) and even going for a boat ride on the lake.
I signed up to walk a half marathon in Nov. It will be through the Leukemia Society's Team in Training program and I will be seeking donations/sponsorships. I'll put a link in to my website later on.
Last but not least of the good news - Kim & Todd are expecting!!!! We will have a grandbaby in December. Needless to say, we are all very excited about this!
Thanks for your continued support.
Wendy
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Given some freedom!
Eveerything continues to improve! We saw Dr. Horwitz yesterday at the clinic and overall he is very pleased with Peter's progress. His counts are up and headed to where they should be. Unfortunately his blood sugar numbers are up and that may be why he continues to lose some weight. Started checking numbers more carefully today and adjusting insulin as needed. Hopefully that combined with his improved eating and the additions of weights to his exercise program will start putting some weight on him.
They pulled his Hickman out - yes, they actually grab it and pull it out of his chest - yesterday, so now we only go to Duke every other week. And, we don't need to see the dr. here in Wilmington for bloodwork, so that leave alot more time for Peter to work.
We are both a bit befuddled now. Technically we have lived here since Dec. of'06 but between hospitalizations and 10 days in Italy last June, it's really only been about 6 months. We packed and unpacked and reorganized a zillion times and as a result can find almost nothing! I think we need to start a list of what we are looking for and maybe a list of what we have found. Someday we will get it all straight - not anytime soon but someday!
Wendy
They pulled his Hickman out - yes, they actually grab it and pull it out of his chest - yesterday, so now we only go to Duke every other week. And, we don't need to see the dr. here in Wilmington for bloodwork, so that leave alot more time for Peter to work.
We are both a bit befuddled now. Technically we have lived here since Dec. of'06 but between hospitalizations and 10 days in Italy last June, it's really only been about 6 months. We packed and unpacked and reorganized a zillion times and as a result can find almost nothing! I think we need to start a list of what we are looking for and maybe a list of what we have found. Someday we will get it all straight - not anytime soon but someday!
Wendy
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Still Improving
Things are moving ahead, slowly but surely - actually a lot slower than we would like, but it is all going in the right direction.
Peter continues to work from home and that helps keep his mind occupied. He has been doing alot of reading both for work and for pleasure.
Dr. Horwitz at Duke is very pleased with his progress. Some of his meds are still being adjusted so we continue to see changes. There should be some big improvements in his strength in the next week or so because the prednisone dose should reach a level that will allow him to start rebuilding muscle rather than maintaining the status quo. Hopefully we will be able to add weights to his exercise regimen soon.
Peter did not lose any weight this past week which is good. The swelling he has had in his legs in now only in his feet, actually mostly his toes. So not losing weight actually meant he gained some weight because he lost water weight. His eating is getting better, but he continues to need "Boost" supplements daily. I think as his strength comes back his appetite and his ability to eat will improve also.
These past few weeks that we have been home have been hard on both of us. We both frustrate easily; Peter for what he is unable to do, and me because I have to watch what he is unable to do and wait for him to ask for help. He is working hard and we are both trying hard not to take out our frustrations on each other. We have both been to see a counselor individually and will meet with him together this week. I think it is helping, but will sure be glad when we look back on this as a "remember when" and not as the present!
We go to Duke again Wed. and then maybe after that it will be every other week. It sure will be nice not to spend so much time in Durham - we are definitely vacationing somewhere else next year.
Take care,
Wendy
Peter continues to work from home and that helps keep his mind occupied. He has been doing alot of reading both for work and for pleasure.
Dr. Horwitz at Duke is very pleased with his progress. Some of his meds are still being adjusted so we continue to see changes. There should be some big improvements in his strength in the next week or so because the prednisone dose should reach a level that will allow him to start rebuilding muscle rather than maintaining the status quo. Hopefully we will be able to add weights to his exercise regimen soon.
Peter did not lose any weight this past week which is good. The swelling he has had in his legs in now only in his feet, actually mostly his toes. So not losing weight actually meant he gained some weight because he lost water weight. His eating is getting better, but he continues to need "Boost" supplements daily. I think as his strength comes back his appetite and his ability to eat will improve also.
These past few weeks that we have been home have been hard on both of us. We both frustrate easily; Peter for what he is unable to do, and me because I have to watch what he is unable to do and wait for him to ask for help. He is working hard and we are both trying hard not to take out our frustrations on each other. We have both been to see a counselor individually and will meet with him together this week. I think it is helping, but will sure be glad when we look back on this as a "remember when" and not as the present!
We go to Duke again Wed. and then maybe after that it will be every other week. It sure will be nice not to spend so much time in Durham - we are definitely vacationing somewhere else next year.
Take care,
Wendy
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