May 10, 2004

Main Page • John's Journal (2000-2003) • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson


And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father

Col 1: 10-11

Endurance and patience! A couple qualities I need to put into practice in my life. Yesterday I was having a difficult time with the length of time I have to be here in Seattle. August just seems so far away to me. Leave it to my son Tanner to help me focus on the positive. He told me today, "Dad! You've made it through one week, you only have eleven more to go." Actually, I think he's got it down to the number of days-90.

My problem is I keep focusing on August 4th. I need to use the strategy I use when cycling. When I've done the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride, which is 200 miles, I always break the ride up into towns and food stops. Once I reach one town I focus on the next. It's too overwhelming to focus on Portland. When you're hurting at mile 30, mile 200 seems unattainable. I will be praying for more patience and endurance. I am confident those are a couple character qualities God wants me to improve on anyway.

Here's a picture of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center from the water. All the reddish colored buildings are part of the center. As you can see, it is located in a beautiful setting right off Lake Union.

Since the transplant the number of appointments I have has decreased significantly. I head into the clinic in the morning and have blood drawn so the lab can run various tests to monitor how I am doing. I also meet with my nutritionist periodically to be sure I am taking in enough fluids and maintaining my nutrition levels. My ability to eat is definitely a strength coming into this transplant. It take a lot to keep me from eating.



I also have regular visits with the Blue Team nurse and doctors. My Blue Team nurse and doctors have changed. Every month they rotate in new doctors. Here's a photo of my new nurse, primary care physician, and attending physician. They are all very nice people. I do miss my old team, however. They were some great people.



So far my counts are holding pretty steady, but they will gradually begin to fall. My main complaint is nausea. My stomach is often upset and I need to take medications such as Zophran and Ativan to calm it down. I haven't thrown up yet, which is a blessing. But there are times when I feel pretty miserable. Not to be gross, but I have had a few bouts of diarrhea. I think it's to be expected considering everything that's going on with my body chemistry right now. Besides the chemo, radiation, and transplant, I am taking over thirty pills a day.

 

I had a nice visit with my Principal, John McCrossin on Friday Night. It was great to see him and talk about how things are going back at Fife High School. Thanks for all the refreshments you brought John. They'll keep us going for a while.



Exercise is critical. The doctor's don't want me losing muscle mass. I need to try and walk or ride stationary bike daily to maintain some level of fitness. I'm all for following these orders. It is frustrating to be fatigued so easily, but I am motivated to try and stay as fit as possible throughout this whole ordeal. I know it makes a big difference mentally and physically. Michelle and I enjoyed a nice walk over by Seattle Pacific on Saturday. Seattle Pacific is where Michelle went to college.

Mother's Day was today! We had a great day. It was a gorgeous day here in Seattle. Every weekend there is a gentleman who takes SCCA patients and their families out on his 65-foot sailboat. He cruises all around Lake Washington. We thought this would be something fun to do with the family and it wouldn't involve large crowds, which I have to avoid. Michelle's mom joined us on the boat ride. I've never sailed before and I was in awe at how quietly this magnificent vessel moved through the water. It's a sight to behold when those large sails go up and fill with air. Absolutely awesome! We had a wonderful time and for those few hours I was completely distracted. Kyler missed the ride because he had a basketball game. Papa brought him up later in the afternoon.


Being with my family today was a huge attitude boost. It is these visits that get me through the week. One week at a time and before you know it, it'll be time for me to go home.

 

 

Having all this time in recovery does give me a lot of time to reflect on how I've done as a parent. It is frightening to see my oldest son only a few years away from graduating from high school. This time has gone so fast. There is still so much I feel I need to say to him and to teach him. I need to take advantage of the time I have to draw even closer to all three of my boys. I pray God will grant me the wisdom to effectively use the limited time we have together to raise them into the men of God the Lord desires them to be.

 

 

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