TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010 9:03 PM, CDT
This is a quick update to let you all know wehre we are now in Jack's recovery. The stem cell oncologist is pleased with the stem cell transplant results. Jack's pneumonia seems to be behind him, for the most part - he stopped using an oxygen supplement last weekend, and we even turned in all of the tanks and hoses, believing he won't need them in the future.
Jack remains very weak -- the weakness stems from the total de-conditioning that occurred following the transplant and while in the hospital with pneumonia, but also from his inability to eat much. MD Anderson is going to set him up for physical therapy starting next week, though it's hard for me to imagine how Jack can do much, given his weakness. In addition to the weakness, Jack is still plagued with nausea that prevents him from eating more than 200-300 calories in a day. As a result, he has now lost around 85 pounds. Each day seems to bring a tiny, tiny (emphasis: very tiny!) improvement in his ability to eat - and we remain hopeful that within a few weeks, the nausea will be history. If not, we'll address it with the team of oncologists that are overseeing Jack. He has a wonderful team of doctors in whom we have total confidence.
Last weekend we took the plunge and invited the kids and grandkids over for an afternoon in the back yard, playing on the water slide/pool they had all given Jack. Jack still has to watch out when being around other people and especially children, given his compromised immunity. But seeing the kids and grandkids has to be the best medicine in the world. Honestly, despite the heat, it was the best day I've seen since Jack's back pain first appeared way back in September 2009 -- Jack smiled nonstop while everyone was here, enjoying having the family, and especially the grandkids and their antics. After they all left, we both collapsed in exhaustion. It was the best exhaustion I think I've ever felt - and seeing Jack so happy was wonderful. I've included some pictures of the day in the Photos tab.
That's all for now. Again, we owe so many thanks to so many people -- praise goes to Marilyn for her thoughtful gifts, to friends who continue sending prayers to heaven, to everyone who has loved Jack back to life. We are so, so appreciative!
Love,
Sue and Jack
05/2010: This is what I did while Jack was in the hospital:
http://www.caringbridge.org/tres/images ... nwjhIM.jpg
06/2010: We invited kids/grandkids over to play in the yard - it was a blast!
http://www.caringbridge.org/tres/images ... sMzHwy.jpg
06/2010: And Jack just could not stop smiling! It was the best day ever!
http://www.caringbridge.org/tres/images ... WhLHIy.jpg
Take care and God Bless!!!!
Pam
