I’m alive and well, thank you

Well, it’s been four months since I’ve made a blog entry and for that I sincerely apologize. I’ll try to bring you up to speed as succinctly and accurately as possible. From a clinical, medical, by-the-numbers point of view I’M DOING GREAT! All indications are that the transplant is effectively wiping out my Leukemia. We will have a better handle on this in another 4-5 months but I am extremely confident in a 100% cure (a “miracle” 3 years ago!). I go to the NMH clinic every week or two for continual tests and consultation. With all of the meds that I’m on (40-50 pills a day) they must constantly monitor me and make adjustments. “Cut down this, step up that, let’s try an IV of XYZ…” Stem cell transplants are still relatively new procedures and each patient reacts uniquely. When potential problems are diagnosed I have been immediately referred to specialists in various fields and the issues are addressed. What I hear from the doctors most often is something like: “Yes, your thingamabob is a little abnormal but considering what your body has been through, we’re not surprised. We’ll watch it closely.” All these meds and treatments do have some unpleasant and frustrating side effects (dry mouth, chronic bitter taste, loss of appetite, shakes, diarrhea, fatigue…).  Thankfully, none are painful and certainly well worth the ultimate cure. Medically I’d sum up my progress as: so far, so good. For that I am extremely grateful.

In addition to the medical aspects above, however, there are also physiological and psychological issues that have had a major effect on my well-being. Back in August I was becoming frustrated at my chronic fatigue and weakness. It dawned on me that perhaps I had taken the doctors too literally when they repeatedly told me: “Be patient. Everything is going well. Your strength will come back.” Thinking that I was following doctors’ orders, I had virtually become a couch potato for four months. I spent most of my time at home working on my computer for a few hours a day and then move my La-Z-Boy to watch some TV and usually doze off. I was doing absolutely nothing to get myself back in shape. I had let my body atrophy since my March transplant! It dawned on me that my recovery was in my hands. I had to be proactive in order to get myself back in shape. It was not going to happen with the mere passage of time. With my doctors blessing, I sought out a physical therapist. I am now getting an hour of therapy two days a week and working out at home for about 45 minutes the other five days. I’m not walking nearly as much as I should be but that’s going to change soon. While my energy level is still very low and I remain embarrassingly weak, my condition is improving very slowly. I’m a long way from being back to “normal” but things are going in the right direction. I’m being patient and not setting my goals too high. My next milestone will be able to beat Cookie at arm wrestling.  Ultimately I’m planning on resuming my old routine of swimming three miles a week but that’s a long way from where I am now. As far as my mental attitude, like many others, I let certain things that are beyond my control effect my mood — it happens. The merciful conclusion of the Cubs’ season was a big boost to my disposition. The Bears, Notre Dame and the Bulls have been a blessing!

While I have been doing work at home, I haven’t been going into “the store” (Schaefer’s) on a regular basis. Beginning immediately, I will be going in for a few hours at a time, a few days a week. My days of working 60-70 hours a week are a thing of the past, however, I still plan on being closely involved. My sister, Gene, my daughter, Anje, and our wonderful Schaefer’s team have been doing a fantastic job picking up the slack in my absence. My biggest challenge will be to be a contributing member of the team without stepping on any toes. Wish me luck.

 

I want to THANK all of those who have been so wonderful in supporting both Cookie and me through this trying of time. We are so blessed to have such caring and thoughtful family, doctors, nurses, friends, neighbors, business associates, acquaintances and even strangers. Finally, what would I do without Cookie? My trophy wife just turned sixty last week. To quote from my toast at our celebration dinner: “I could not have gotten through this year without your love, compassion, support, patience, intelligence, fortitude, hard work and your wonderful positive attitude. I can think of no other woman who could have done what you have and at the same time keep a smile on your face virtually 24/7. I love you.”

With Love & Gratitude – George

P.S. — In answer to many inquiries, most wine still tastes poor (bitter) to my palate but a Dewar’s and water hits the spot occasionally. Yes, I am allowed to drink in moderation.