Friday, January 25, 2013

Update

Well, as far as cancer, not a whole lot new is going on. John has finished his chemo rounds. Still has plenty of other meds he is taking though. He has been feeling ok, eating ok, still working most days. A few weeks ago he and Abby went to a cancer benefit concert for Abby's friend Aija's violin teacher. She was recently diagnosed with cancer. She is pretty well known in the music world in Utah and some friends put on a benefit concert for her. Here is Abby, Aija and Aija's brother with Jon Schmidt from the Piano Guys! It was an amazing concert. Worst part is that John had to leave at intermission. His neuropathy in his feet was really bothering him. He was so sad to miss the second half - cancer sucks.


The other night I thought I would take John out to 'The Chocolate". It is our favorite dessert cafe. It was a Wednesday night and I knew it would not be too busy. We could sit in the back away from other people. I had babysitting and everything and was trying to surprise John. He has not been anywhere since his diagnosis other than work, home and that benefit concert. So, another cancer sucks. John goes to work that day and then does not feel good, comes home, climbs into bed and does not feel like going out. It was so sad.

This week John has had a lot of tests in preparation for the stem cell transplant. We spent a whole day at the hospital and were on 4 different floors doing tests. Of course they save his least favorite one for the last - bone marrow biopsy. His last experience was AWFUL!! But it was not done at the hospital. So, he had more pain meds this time and it went way better. He still felt pain and pressure, but not like the first time. So glad that is over.

Then yesterday morning he woke up with a fever. It was over 102 and I made him call the hospital. We went into the hospital and they did more tests. Luckily nothing came from the tests, so they let him come home. He is feeling ok, but still has a fever and a little cough. He has missed 3 days of work this week though.

John's first stem cell transplant is in 3 1/2 weeks. It is coming so soon. I think we are all nervous and excited in a way. John will be in the hospital for 3-4 weeks. I am grateful for those that are so willing to help during that time. Three of my sisters will each be coming out for about a week to help. And some of John's friends from High School are taking a road trip from CA and coming out to visit for a weekend after he is home and John's sister Christy is coming out after he is home too. We are so blessed with so many friends and family that do so much for us.


Friday, January 4, 2013

A New Year

Happy New Year!! I can not believe it is 2013 - so crazy. But, hoping for a GREAT year and for continued success with John's cancer treatments.



Here is John with his parents while they were here. It was great to have them visit. John's head is always cold - hence the beanie. Although he really does still have hair - as you can see with facial hair :)

The pneumonia is gone, but John has a lingering cough. They started his chemo again 2 days ago. John has been having a lot of trouble sleeping. He tried several different sleeping pills and the 3rd one finally worked. But, it really knocks him out. He has trouble getting up in the mornings. It has been SO cold this week - yes, even cold for Utah. We have been waking up and it has been 7 degrees and not getting above 20 each day. So crazy.

We were blessed to have our amazing friends the Crans come visit again. We are so grateful for them in our lives. They were just here a month ago from CA and came back. We worked on a few house projects that John can't do. We LOVE it when they came and all the kids have so much fun together.

John is doing ok. His cancer cell count is still at 0. His transplant was moved back one week because of the pneumonia. He is working when he can and that is good for him. He is eating ok, but nothing tastes very good.

I still can't believe this has all happened. I keep thinking I might wake up from this nightmare. It is all so unreal. It is so hard. I am so grateful for everyone in our lives and all the support and love they give us.