Late Blog Post recapping Sunday, August 28 ~ A very good day.

Photo: Rod and Joanie taking a walk in our hilly, historic neighborhood. On the left is the Dog Park.

We lost internet access at the apt. on Saturday morning, so that is why this is another (very) late blog post. (We have internet access when at the hospital, so that’s how we will get this blog post up.)

Sunday was a very good day! Rod had a short check-up at the BMT Outpatient, just getting IV fluids as usual, and checking vitals. Rod’s blood pressure continues to run on the low side, but his temperature is steady and normal telling us that the infection is under control, and his meds are doing their job. His weight is on the upswing- 139.9 lbs. They did not take blood, so no WBC, RBC, or Platelets count for Sunday.

Dr. Shelton was pleased to see Rod smiling more. He still has fatigue, but she said it will take time to gain back his energy. Because he is relatively youthful, and because he was in good shape and had good fitness prior to the cancer starting, he is most likely going to have a speedier recovery of his energy level.

Dr. Shelton said that staying POSITIVE is extremely important to Rod’s recovery. Rod has every reason to be positive, in her professional opinion, because he did so well with the bone marrow transplant, and because he is making excellent progress. Dr. Shelton said being positive and optimistic will go a long, long way to enhancing the recovery, and to getting him back to a healthy “normal” lifestyle.

Rod has received lots and lots of encouraging and heartfelt wishes, visits, cards, and gifts from family and friends. This outpouring of support is greatly appreciated and deeply meaningful to Rod. Thank you so much to ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL CARING FAMILY & FRIENDS because your support and thoughtfulness have made a POSITIVE difference, and that is literally “just what the Doctor ordered”!

We left the BMT quite early, before noon, and came straight back to the apt. Joanie made us all a tasty lunch of spaghetti, and Rod ate a good-sized portion as his appetite is starting to kick up its heels. After that, Rod did some work on his laptop, we lounged and dozed, or in Sue’s case, crashed hard for a high quality nap.

It was a most beautiful day in Bham in ‘Bama. Warm in the low 90’s, a little less humidity than usual, and with a pleasant breeze (probably thanks to Tropical Storm Irene). We went for a walk in our historic, hilly neighborhood. Most buildings are older and made of richly colored red bricks from the abundant red clay in this area. We cruised over by the dog park, and saw some of the same doggies from yesterday’s walk. We also saw a lazy, but cute, gray cat relaxing in a fenced-in yard in front of its house. This kitty was lying in the exact same spot as yesterday. We walked a good half of a mile today, which was terrific for Rod to do, despite his fatigue. Exercise is important to his recovery, but it must be increased gradually.

Upon our return to our apt., Joanie whipped up another appealing meal. She took Amanda’s advice and made Rod a meal of Hamburger Helper w/ cheesy noodles, with a side of green beans. For dessert: a wickedly chocolaty w/ creamy center Swiss Roll.

For the night’s entertainment, we three avid Trekkies watched the recent movie “Star Trek” (the prequel). We’d all seen it at the theater, but enjoyed seeing it on DVD, as it is truly a fun and entertaining movie.

Rod was given a “pass” by Dr. Shelton and does not have to go to the BMT on Monday. We are all looking forward to a relaxing and laid-back full day at our apt. Hopefully, our Internet will be back up soon. We did talk with the manager of the apts., a nice lady named P.J. She assured us that they are working on the problem and should get us all back online before too long.

We are expecting that Monday will be a pleasant day and we plan to walk the neighborhood and take in more pretty scenery, sites and critters. Sue has been to Alabama several times, but she never realized what an interesting and beautiful state it is till this visit. She can readily see why Rod chose this state to settle down in and to raise his family. It is a delightful state chock-full of Southern charm and super-friendly folks!