I am retired. I like to write. I like to read. I live in Hood River, OR. I am married (47 years!) and have two grown sons, Noah and Isaac.
Last Thursday, Marilyn and I hoofed it downtown to 1st and Union Avenue in Seattle. That corner houses SAM, the Seattle Art Museum. The first Thursday of each month is free to all visitors. We took advantage of the offer to check out the four floors of their permanent collection. We opted to not take … More Home Sweet Home
Marilyn and I went hiking yesterday at a small gem of an urban park, Carkeek Park recreational area. The trails were well kept and wandered through thick forest out to Puget Sound. There, a toddler’s heaven, complete with a sandy beach, playgrounds, and picnic areas, awaits families. We traipsed along the numerous short trails before … More Break Time
Things I like about Seattle: people riding the bus say, “Thank you,” to the driver when they exit. And, the driver always says, “You’re welcome.” Also, the sidewalk art enhances my wandering. Research into multiple myeloma is among the most dynamic of all cancers. Why? Two major non-profit foundations exist to promote the latest therapies. … More IMF & MMRF
Today, at 11 am, under an overcast sky, I left our residence for the clinic. There I met with a doctor and a physician’s assistant from the Infectious Diseases department. The SCCA’s impressive attention to detail reassures my participation in their transplant program. Monday, a second CT Scan should provide them with the information about … More What Are You Going To Do?
Day by day, my strength and stamina improve. Marilyn and I increased the length of our walks each of the last four days. Saturday, we walked the perimeter of Volunteer Park and then a portion of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Sunday, we drove to Woodinville to visit with friends Kevin and Arlene. Together we ambled … More Walking, Walking, Walking
Last Saturday at the hospital, my nurse unhooked me from the hydration fluids hanging next to my bed. I was free to take a shower. It felt so good. I turned off the water and began to dry myself. I was disappointed to discover the UW had given me a dirty towel. In fact, someone’s … More Vanity
I just want to let everyone know that John is home from the hospital and feeling better. We are doing an IV antibiotic at home to try and get rid of the pesky pneumonia. John is composing an update that will give his version of the events of the past week in detail. Thank you … More Back At The PGH
Once again I spoke too soon. Somebody stop me the next time I make a definitive prediction on this blog. John did NOT get discharged from the hospital today as the docs are running some more tests on his lungs – a CT Scan this morning and a “bronchioscopy” this afternoon or tomorrow. They are … More Messages
17 million stem cells collected today, folks. A bountiful harvest indeed, with approximately 5 million needed per transplant. Thanks to any of you who performed your particular brand of divine intervention to help up the count. John is feeling much better and will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. Hopefully he will soon … More Stem Cell Collection
Things are better tonight after an active day at the hospital. John started the day with a shower and scrubbed so hard his hair fell out (or maybe that was the chemo doing the scrubbing). We decided that one big mess was preferable to several days of small ones, and went for the shaver. Since … More Transfusions & Pneumonia
Good Blood, Bad Blood 