It has been almost a week since I last posted an entry - and Jack is still in the hospital with pneumonia. The GOOD news is that the doctors are planning on discharging him tomorrow, after eighteen days of isolation. Living cloistered in a contact-isolation room has been much less challenging than one might imagine: Jack and I actually enjoy each other's company. The big challenge has been that Jack lost his hearing 2-1/2 weeks ago. That is part of why I have stayed with Jack at the hospital day and night; he cannot hear what the doctors or nurses ask him, nor answer any of their questions. If I am 4 inches from his ear and shout, he can hear me and answer; it's been very depressing for Jack. And so now for the REALLY good news: today the miracle workers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center performed surgery on Jack's ears. Immediately afterwards, he could hear me -- WOW is all I can say! Talk about blessings; today they abound!
Earlier this week, Jack needed another blood transfusion - although it took us by surprise, it is apparently not uncommon for transplant patients to need periodic transfusions while they continue to regenerate what the chemo destroyed.
This post is short -- it's not for lack of more to say, but simply that I continue to run short of energy. Sleep comes at a premium in the hospital. Going home tomorrow will give us a chance to recharge our batteries. I believe that Jack will heal much faster once he is out of isolation -- even if he just walks around the house, it will provide some much needed visual and physical stimulation. He is looking great and feeling good considering what he has been through, but he still has some work ahead of him. He still has pneumonia and has difficulty breathing. The doctors will decide tomorrow if he needs to have oxygen at home. The pneumonia is at a stage where it can be treated with pills instead of intravenous antibiotics. Jack remains very weak and runs out of energy pretty quickly -- that will take several months to overcome.
Yesterday, Jack had a 24-hour test that will "re-stage" his cancer. He started his journey at MD Anderson in December at what he calls "stage four and a half..." This test will determine where he is now that he has had the transplant. It's a little scary for us, so I have to repeat a couple of my mantras: one day at a time.... don't borrow trouble... They get me through the worst moments.
Praise goes, once again, to the wonderful folks at MD Anderson Cancer Center -- it is no wonder to me that MD Anderson has been named the #1 cancer center in the Nation. Thanks also goes to: Jennifer K, who supported Jack in the Race for the Cure in DC; Mary G who came and spent a welcome time with her Dad; friends who entertain Jack with emails and guestbook entries; and all of the unbelievable prayer warriors who continue to buoy us with their support. Your love is so incredibly supportive.
Thank you, thank you!
Sue and Jack
