WONDERFUL GRADUATIONS ON MAY 14

Sunday, May 14, was a terrific day in many respects for the Schaefer family. We began with a Mother’s Day brunch for Cookie at Bistro 110 and all kids were in attendance. From there we went to the Aire Crown Theatre at McCormick Place to witness George III graduate from Northwestern University Law School (“with honors,” I might add)! What a proud moment for all of us as evident in the photo.

I would have never thought back on May 1 that I’d ever be able to participate in Sunday’s festivities. With the blessing and encouragement of my doctor, however, we did it! Other than twice-weekly visits to the NMH clinic, this was my first venture into the public—my “graduation” of sorts. It was great! While I’ve accepted the fact that my recovery is not going to be as swift as I would like, this was a major milestone. I’m still quite weak and fatigued both physically and mentally but each day gets better. I’ve lost 20+ pounds and nap quite a bit. I’m just now beginning to do some of my “office work” at home after doing nothing for eight weeks! I can’t begin to express my gratitude to Gene, Anje and the entire crew at Schaefer’s for picking up the ball for me – you’re the best!

My other bit of great news is that my doctor said that there is no reason that I cannot go on our 10-person father-son fishing trip on June 23. This had been planned long before I even knew what “stem cell transplant” meant and I have really been looking forward to it. Look out fish, here come the Schaefer men!

Thank you again for your interest and wonderful support.

George & family

CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT AS OF MAY 1

 

Wow, where has the time gone? It’s been 38 days since my transplant and more than three weeks since my last blog posting on April 7 (below). In general things have been going well.

I should have been knocking on wood as I was previously gloating about my speedy recovery and release from the hospital. Shortly thereafter I was put back in the hospital for another week. I was experiencing one of various forms of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) that are not at all unexpected and, in moderation, are a positive sign that the transplant will be effective. In my case the GVHD has been mainly digestive and bowel related (don’t worry, no more details will follow). I’ve been visiting the hospital once or twice a week as an out-patient as the docs run various tests, monitor my condition and tweak the 15+ medications that I’ve been taking. They are very happy with my progress and I’m learning (slowly) that I just have to be a more patient patient. I’m learning that I can’t control everything and that I have to put myself in the care, love and trust of others. I’m in absolutely no pain but am very weak and fatigued. I have to say that this challenge is a very positive learning experience for me. Bottom line, things are going in the right direction with only occasional bumps in the road.

My pre-transplant plan (NOT the doctors) was for me to be back to work and semi-functional by today, May 1. Boy, was I ever wrong there! I’m no longer setting deadlines on myself or my recovery. I remain, however, 100% confident that my recovery will eventually be complete. The doctors do support this opinion of mine although they will never use the term “100%.”

Without getting too sentimental or emotional, as I have been inclined to do lately, suffice it to say that I am more gratefully than ever for the wonderful support that I have received from family, friends, co-workers, medical professionals and, of course, our Creator. THANK YOU ALL.

Love – George

P.S. — I wish to apologize for this impersonal form of communication but it’s the best that I can do for now — see, I am learning my limits. I’m sorry that I am unable to respond to your many kind notes, cards, blog comments, emails, phone calls and well-wishes. Thank you for your understanding.