Friday morning: Spirits up

From Meganne this Morning:

Today we had a cooking class instructed by Bob. Breakfast in our "test kitchen" included a smoothie, oatmeal, yogurt and banana. Chef Bob thought that they would taste good together. Perhaps accompanied by a dry riesling as the smoothie was "fruit forward".

Docs haven't been by yet today. But Bob wants to go to the garden and then perhaps a tour of... the library...??? He's a little confused. --M.

A few minutes later:

When the team came into Bob's room today, he was sitting in a chair with the IV pole next to him, the table in front of him, and my mom and I sitting in chairs in front of that. The attending (most senior doctor) said, "Bob, it looks like you are holding court." To which he responded, "Well, my three fiefdoms are different today but the king feels fine."

Thursday: Entering Warrior Mode

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time  -Tolstoy

We are in a period of wait and see.  Bob was up early today: he ate breakfast, watched the news, & was able to enjoy a few minutes in the hospital garden. Hours later, he's tired and confused, not feeling well, not fully present, difficulty talking.  Sleeping now.  He still has pnemonia and a low platelet count, both serious concerns, and the doctors are monitoring his status in several areas as we approach the end of this chemo cycle. Maggie says the amount of medication he takes each day is daunting.

We are pleased and relieved with the doctors report from yesterday, cognizant that Bob's progress is relative, and that we can't even say that he is on the road to recovery yet.  Thank you all for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.  He is fighting hard, gathering his strength for the long wait.

Wednesday Eve: Patience

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Today was a long day of waiting.  The doctors came in this afternoon to give their report: Considering his condition upon entry at Stanford, Bob has made good progress these past two weeks--actually, as good as they could have expected.   His last dose of the heavy chemo bombardment cycle will be tomorrow, and then we must wait a long couple of weeks and see what's what. 

He now has a fire truck photo from his beloved Huntington Lake Volunteer Fire Department.  Thank you, Lisa.  I don't have that photo, but I do have another of the firehouse, so I'm posting that to get you in the spirit.  Our brother Peter has been traveling extensively on business lately, currently in Paris, and he wants us to know he is wearing the HLVFD  T-shirt in solidarity.

We all let out a big sigh of relief today.  Even so, there is a difficult road ahead. Bob is weak, has had trouble swallowing, and has lost a great deal of weight, so that is being addressed.  He actually was able to eat a little real food today---a big step.

So: strength and nourishment and love: that's the plan.

Wednesday Morn: Sun Therapy

Bob was strong enough this morning to go out for a few breaths of real, fresh air and sunlight.

Note from last night, as Maggie was giving him his dose of meds:

MRL:  What's that?
MML: Your chemo, open up.
MRL:  Insufficient data!

After carefully listening to Meganne thoroughly describe ALL the meds and their purposes, he decided it was okay to comply.

Many people have inquired about visiting Bob, so here is the scoop: Although he made it through this last crisis, he is very ill.  Every new person is exhausting; every germ is life-threatening. Right now the doctors are asking that only his closest family members be allowed.  The good news: there are no restrictions on sending messages, and you can even do that below*.  Maggie reads him your comments, good wishes, and cards daily, and those have brought big smiles to his face, thank you.

Meganne is reading him the financial pages, so he's up to date on that.

*To send a message below,  click on the actual WORD-"COMMENTS",  NOT the envelope.  You can write your name under "open identity", no need to put in a URL.   That should do the trick.  This is my first blog experience, so I'm learning, too.  Please let me know if you need help.

Tuesday

Bob improved overnight--the antibiotics seem to be working.   He is awake, definitely better today, even talking a bit, but very weak, still not in the clear.  He's has a lot of junk in his lungs, and the focus is on trying to clear that out.  He's fighting hard.  It's a process, but these baby steps are in a good direction.  Meganne and Whitney spent some good time at the hospital, Tom and Marty were there as well, giving Maggie a few hours' much-needed break. 

We have been so grateful to receive the cards and messages.  Your words of support mean so much to all of us now, thank you.


**NOTE: the comment settings have been changed, so I think it will work now: try it.  Click the actual word "COMMENTS." You can write your name under "open identity", no need to put in a URL, or choose "anonymous" as your ID.

Monday

Bob developed an infection in his lungs last night that has been difficult for his body to manage.  He's on antibiotics and loving care, going hour by hour today.

Whitney arrived tonight.  Bob woke up for the first time all day and was able to recognize & have a few words with her.   He is listening to ipod music with a headset these past couple of days.  Yesterday, though asleep most the day, he managed a little air guitar with the Eagles.  Still Bob.

Sunday

Bob had a rough day today and slept most the day.  He is neutropenic, which means that his white cell count has dropped to a level where risk of infection is very high.  So his door is closed, all who enter must wash before coming in/out. Plants, flowers, and uncooked food are not allowed, and people are screened to prevent the entry of cold, flu, or any other symptoms.  If he leaves his room he must have a full mask on.  His food must be fully cooked or canned, fruits & vegetables cooked or peeled.  This was expected, but the docs say it could take a couple of weeks, or more, to return to normal white blood cell counts.                                                             

We had CT scan tonight and it indicates that previous swelling there is decreasing, no new concerns.  Also had a chest xray tonight and are waiting for results.

Several of you have asked about sending cards or messages.  There is a place where you can read comments left by others or write something yourself at the bottom of each post: Just click on the word "COMMENTS" below.  Please feel free to leave a message here for Bob, Maggie, the family, or me and I will pass them along.  If you're a pen and paper sort of person and would like to actually write, the Leach home address is as follows: 

14608 El Puente Way

Saratoga, CA 95070

Our sincere appreciation and good wishes are with you all tonight.