Barring infections, I’ve probably seen the last of the transplant team and am turned over to the regular hematologist (who just happens to be big on the transplant team, but he also has a place in the regular clinic rotation) next week. Looking to be cleared for a lot more freedom.

Still need Zofran. Less, though.

Yesterday was the first real shower, today I used the one in the master bath with 100% soft water. Yes, it makes quite a lovely difference though I can’t say I feel it in my hair.

Got the Caldwell up on the chassis stand today so I can begin doing a little prep work for Labor Day. It’s amazing how exhausting just the least bit of exertion can be; no doubt as I grow more erythrocytes that will improve.

I just added “Moneyball” to our Netflix list. According to this blog I watched it a few weeks ago and I’m told I cried profusely over one scene. I can’t remember one bit of the movie.

Nancy’s doing much better, too, and sends her thanks for all the good wishes.

The catheter (affectionately known as my accessory nipples) came out yesterday so this morning was my first real shower in over 5 weeks. Quite a treat.

No Compazine for several days, and only one nightly dose of lorazepam, so I’m going to try and wean the Zofran. My weight has been falling despite pushing down about as many calories as my old normal; no doubt my requirements are up but I suspect not everything is absorbed, either. Fortunately, I intentionally entered this process about fifteen pounds heavy so I remain well within my IBW limits. Still, I’d like to add back a bit against the possibility of infection in the next few months. This is not a weight loss program I would recommend.

I thank everyone again for all the good thoughts and prayers.

Each day brings a small improvement but I still need an occasional Compazine on top of the Zofran and lorazepam. Reading is a bit of a challenge, but I can watch mindless TV and even some good TV.

Mostly just waiting for bowel function to recover. Since my primary antiemetic is lorazepam, I haven’t much else to say..

Despite all the wonderful things I could say about the Mayo people there is no question that home is a better place to be. I’m drinking, eating and sleeping better right from the start and we haven’t even developed good routines yet.

As I work my way through the impressive piles of paper and eMail scut please do not feel slighted by my neglect of your many warm messages. My energy for any of the stuff lasts only minutes at a time.

Love,
Tim

I’m not out the door yet but we’re getting all the gates lined up for it to be a fairly simple push this afternoon. Life will be easier when I can make a formed stool in the next few weeks but staying hydrated and cleanly looks to be at least as easy at home. Anybody want further details?

Oh, and I now have about the same immune system as a 2-week infant, maybe slightly more competent but not much. My emotional development is considerably advanced from that but speculations on degree are not welcome.

The hospital and I have very different definitions of a chocolate milkshake. Their concept is to take a small quantity of chocolate milk and then add all sorts of wonderfully nutritious supplements to the point that the tiny carton fizzes and throbs as it’s opened. The result is a product that makes me imagine hundreds of retired NASA nutritionists in a factory dedicated to help Carmello Anthony reach .03″ farther as he inadvertently removes some piece of an opponents’ anatomy on his way to the hoop.. Tastes like a product. Professionalism dictates performance trumps flavor.

I was thinking DQ. Milk. Chocolate syrup. Ice cream. Mix thoroughly.. You can get the same basic thing in thousands of Warren Buffett franchises across the world and each of us has one or two tweaks that we’re sure makes the best milkshake EVER (well, except for that time we overshot with the garlic escargots at my brother’s Christmas party, but you get the IDEA).

Anyway we finally got all Mayo Departments involved to agree that a
generic DQ chocolate shake with nothing fancy (OOOPS, ignore that
marachino cherry, it has already learned to chant “I am not a food; I am a DRUG!” before consumption) is an allowable dietary component and
even for a short time a sufficient one.

If the agreement works, I go home tomorrow. Only a little healthier,
so far. But a lot happier

Love to you all,
Tim

I’m going to try some macaroni and cheese for dinner tonight. If I can manage even a few bites it will qualify as a victory every bit as major as the afternoon Nancy and I were able to relax over “Money Ball” together. Serious bonding time.

Definite scary sights of the event horizon but so far trajectory and momentum seem adequate to escape on schedule in 4-6 days. Prayers appreciated even more than before. Love to all.

Well, the counts dropped again so I’m getting platelets and RBCs today. That’s happening pretty much on the originally planned schedule so I’m not going to take it as bad news.

Pears for breakfast, going to try a milkshake for lunch. This could be very big deal.