Grey Cup Weekend

I realize that 2 weeks have passed since my last update and guess not that much has happened to write about. I am still in hospital on therapy for the Graft vs Host disease, a common complication of bone marrow transplants, especially slightly mismatched ones like mine. Once it sunk in that there is no quick fix, I have settled into a routine here in my second home and buckled down for the long haul.

One of those routines is the daily jigsaw puzzle with Caroline. Who would have thought? Yet here we are puzzling away, often for a couple of hours in a day. They are habit forming and fun.

Gratefully, my steroid dose has been reduced without adverse consequences, and I have been able to move my muscles more purposefully. Regular resistance exercises mean I am more mobile and have gained almost a kilo of mass.

I am still dependent on TPN (IV nutritition) for most of my calories, but as my gut settles down and I process food better, I will be able to taper off the TPN and come home again.

It is Grey Cup Weekend, and even though I am holding a soccer ball, I plan to watch the game and eat chips. After that exciting Western final, there is a palpable excitement in the city over the game and it should be great entertainment. Go Lions, Go!

Grateful for all the warm wishes you are sending, and they continue to pull me through the darker moments that are inevitable.

Remembrance Day Weekend

It is my daughter Zoe's 18th birthday this weekend, and she is visiting from UBCO in Kelowna for the occasion. It is so nice to see and hug her. Her warmth gives me a huge boost. Of course, I had not planned to be in hospital at this time, but circumstances dictated otherwise. The good news is that the new medicine is working and I am eating more, which is the first step to getting home again.

Current entertainment includes the Jeeves and Wooster series, a hilarious and light British comedy. Just finished reading the Witch of Babylon, a historical thriller, and returning to the lighthearted Alexander McCall Smith series "Ladies Detective Agency" set in Botswana.

Other good news is that my energy has been getting better and I have been able to ride the stationary bike daily for  a light spin, and do some resistance exercises, inspired by one of Werner's affirmations "I am getting stronger every day". These kinds of affirmations and the support of many continue to sustain me.

Update

I am sitting here enjoying the wonderful fall colours through my large picture window knowing it is cooling off a lot out there. I still need some more time in hospital, but the new medications seem to be doing their job, and I am hopeful to soon start taking them by mouth so I can go home again.  After a while, one becomes more philosophic about these things and I know we can just go one day at a time.

I had a nice visit with Martin and Yvonne the other day and it was nice to catch up on what is going on in the community. It seems distant, but is so much a part of me.

I am reading books and going through the Black Adder series. It is such a twisted British humour show that    I can only take one show at a time.

Dr John Shepherd

Yvonne and Martin

The prayers and support continue to help sustain me and I am always grateful.