Where's Waldo?
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: Third-person soliloquy
Topic: Update

Dad was discharged from the U of M hospital late Friday afternoon, after spending the week undergoing an assortment of tests. His team of doctors seemed a bit mystified about the cause of his digestive problems & weren't certain it was symptomatic of Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD)? He was de-hydrated, with weight loss (down 19 to 155# on Monday) & low blood-pressure. To help stabilize him he was given continuous IV infusions of saline solution at the BMT clinic before transferring him back to 4th floor (leukemia ward) in the hospital.

Tuesday throught Thursday he had a flex-sig "scope," ultra sound of his kidneys & an MRI of kidneys & bladder. Gastro-intestinal specialists studied the results of the tests, samples & vitals to determine what was causing the diarrhea, de-hydration, weight loss, fluctuating blood-pressure & loss of appetite. It wasn't until early afternoon Friday that his leukemia Oncologist announced their findings & suspicions. By then his weight was up to 160# (mostly fluids) & most "readings" close to normal, based on blood samples.

Whether GVHD was the culprit or not, the prognosis was 1) an inflammation of the lining of the bowel; 2) an infection, probably from within his system, in the colon. They wouldn't "label" it colitis, but prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication, two antibiotics, & continued use of imodium to help control the diarrhea. He was told to stay in the Twin Cities area through the weekend & report back to the BMT Clinic by 10:30 am Monday, July 16th.

He's been staying with me, son John (who is  typing this explanation for dad), in Chaska, & told me Saturday was the best he's felt in the last month! He needs to drink plenty of fluids but his appetite doesn't allow him more than small portions of food. The Dietician placed no (immediate) resrictions on his diet, but that may change Monday? He sleeps through the night & has avoided daytime naps, unlike frequent napping while hospitalized. He's optimistic his "pick-line" will get "pulled" out Monday & that he'll be free to return to his lake home after his clinic appointments that day.

Ed Karels, his friend & former teaching colleague, will drive him home & stay to help with garden chores during this mid-July height of blooms-n-weeds. He may have to return July 25 for an original appointment (scheduled back on June 20) but will definitely see a Gastro-Intestinal specialist at the University on July 31. Another flex-sig probe (similar to being obducted by aliens) is scheduled for August, so his time at home will be interrupted again. Some medications have been stopped while 4 new ones were added for a total of 18 per day, & some "activity" restrictions are still "in place."

To those who had hoped to connect with him via telephone and/or e-mail, his stamina the last 4 weeks has made even social conversation exhausting. His blood pressure was so low, together with dehydration, he "blacked out" once while still home last weekend. Be patient, he's told, as recovery will be slow, so he asks your patience, should it appear he's not "up to" normal socializing or regular activities? Although discouraged by this set-back, he knows your prayers-of-concern & well wishes have helped before, & expects God's Will should see him through these "bumps." Thank you, again!

Two steps forward, one step back...
Mood:  irritated
Now Playing: Back to the U of M
Topic: Update

Brought Dad back to the U of M BMT Clinic yesterday to figure out what's the matter with him: lost 19 pounds in 2-3 weeks, can't eat/drink without it running straight thru him, etc.

They admitted him to the hospital: low blood pressure, kidney problems, dehydrated, etc. Not sure if it's GVHD, systemic infection, or what, but they're going run a boatload of tests. He's "about 5 quarts low" on liquids so they're pumping him full of saline via an IV.

I'm sure they'll figure it out... 

 

 

Late Update
Mood:  chillin'
Now Playing: Copy of Email from Wes
Topic: Update

Quick Updates
Mood:  lucky
Now Playing: Clinic and Tornado
Topic: Update
First off, he's OK. The tornado that ripped through Otter Tail County yesterday afternoon did some damage, but nothing catastrophic. He lost the pontoon off the lift (had to jump into the lake to retrieve it) and the lift itself was tipped over, but it was nothing compared to neighbors' nightmares.

He's got a couple of great stories about it all - give him a call, it'll be worth your time!

The BMT clinic visit in the Cities on Wednesday went great: he was "cleared" to swim in the lake (but not swallow lake water) and a few other minor niceties. They did warn him to WATCH THE SUN and use plenty of sunscreen, as it could trigger a Graft-Versus-Host-Disease onset. Otherwise, things are good - less energy than he'd like, but beats the alternative! Final clinic visit (of the BMT procedure) is on the 23rd: lots of lab work, biopsy, etc.

Um, er, aaahhh...
Mood:  lyrical
Now Playing: Weekend Update
Topic: Update
I took the girls to see Grandpa over the Memorial Day weekend. We had fun!

Copy of email from Wes
Mood:  special
Now Playing: No more blogs until June 7th
Topic: Update
It's after 9:00 p.m., Thursday, May 24, & I've spent most of the past 4-5 hours unpacking stuff here at my lake home! Yesterday's BMT appointment went so well I was told to return in two weeks (June 6), at which time my Hickman "port" will be removed following one last "draw" of blood from me for lab. tests, etc. When I asked the doctor & nurse whether it would be okay to vacate my U of M campus apartment, each agreed it was logical to do so. Ed Karels had accompanied me to BMT clinic for reviewal of my medications, plus weekly changing of the dressing on my "port", so we began packing things at the apartment after we returned before noon. I took Ed home at 2pm & had called both sons to ask if
they could pick up things they'd loaned me when I moved in March 30? Joel also took possessions of my niece Kelly, to deliver to her en route to his home in Faribault, in spite of the very threatening weather that afternoon throughout the metro area. Son John came later, as had attended his daughter's softball game earlier in Chaska. All 3 helped me get
my van loaded so all that remained this morning was refrigerator-freezer items, & my personal belongings, which I loaded in time to depart by 11:00 amidst more heavy rainfall. I stopped at my sister Verna's to have her "flush" my "port", a daily task, & arrived home about 4:00, to find brother Al & friend Pastor Jim stopped to help me unload the van. Yes, it was near filled, but some pantry items will remain until tomorrow, with neighbor Bonnie's help, she said. Yes..it's wonderful to be home... on a more permanent basis..finally! :-)

My future appointments include the June 6 lab. work, removal of my "port" in radiology, & another consult with my primary physician, Dr. Arnie Slungaard beginning at 10:30 a.m. Two weeks later, on Wednesday, June 20, I am scheduled for a 9:00 a.m. chest X-Ray at the Imaging Center, followed by another biopsy at 10:00 a.m. At 10:45 I will meet with Dr. Missov in the Cardiovascular Center to see how effective the medications have been in regard to my heart? Finally, on Wednesday, June 27, I'm scheduled to meet again with Dr. Slungaard to review all results, & determine if I am "free" to continue my life-in-recovery without any clinic visits for six months..which appears to be the timeline, if all goes well? As my son John stated in today's "blog", my trips down & back will probably involve driving to the twin cities each Tuesday & returning either Wednesday afternoon, if I'm not too tired, or Thursday morning? All mail to my apartment will be forwarded to my lake address, & my lake telephone number (218/863-8119) is my main phone source now!
Yes...I'll be searching for a new provider that allows more flexibility with my cell-phone use, so will inform you when, okay? Looking back to when this all started for me last October, it's hard to believe these seven months that have passed went by more quickly than I imagined, but it's because of the support of family & friends, plus God's purpose for me!! I'm truly blessed to have overcome this leukemia, & will do all I need in order to continue feeling more normal, & stronger each day. THANK YOU for your part in helping me recover!

Bye-Bye apartment
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: Wes moves back home for good!
Topic: Update
Dad got the word yesterday that his next clinic appointment won't be until June 6th, so Joel and I both showed up at different times to help him empty the apartment and load the minivan with cargo for the trip north.

His final clinic visit (and biopsy) will be June 23rd (100 days since transplant) and he has multiple offers to stay with people in the Cities for the remaining two appointments.

Blogs will continue to be posted less often as things continue along without problems.

Look for a "mass-email" from him sometime soon after he's settled back in at Lake Lida?

Copy of email from Wes
Mood:  d'oh
Now Playing: Verizon cell phone stocks up to record high!
Topic: Update
Some GOOD news & some BAD? It's Monday morning & I'm here at my lake home, having arrived Friday afternoon, accompanied by Ed Karels, my "master gardener" friend & former teaching colleague. We spent Saturday buying "bedding plants" & Ed's been busy ever since planting, transplanting & enriching the soil with assorted things. He's outside trying to finish before the afternoon rain that's forecast. Gwen Baldry & Kim Kollar, friends from my church & Lake Country Garden Club, have been here 3 times cleaning up many garden areas of weeds, etc., which has been appreciated so much. Today the garden club is scheduled to visit a nursery near Otter Tail Lake, but we decided not to attend since I shouldn't be around all that vegetation & fertilizer. Ed & I will return to the twin cities sometime tomorrow, Tuesday, since my BMT clinic appointment is at 8:00 am Wednesday.

Kathy Hodgins, my nurse coordinator from the U of M BMT Center, had called here & left a message that the preliminary results of last week's bone-marrow biopsy showed good "readings" & more will be shared by my doctor this Wednesday, following lab work.

That's the GOOD news!

Since I was discharged from the U of M hospital March 30, my primary phone source has been my cell-phone. Many of you know that number (612/240-3934) & have used it to call me at my apartment on the U of M campus. I have also used it to make calls, but my Verizon "bill" was over $400 for the month I've relied on it for communication to my family members, neighbors & friends. I guess I didn't realize I pay for calls received, as well as for calls made, so I will NOT be using it very much these next weeks/months.

Since I have BMT clinic Wednesday mornings, my "plan" is to drive to the twin cities each Tuesday & return to my Lake Lida home each Thursday. Son John & his 3 daughters plan to spend part of Memorial Day weekend here with me, so perhaps the dock will get raised & the pontoon lift moved closer to the shore? In spite of the help I've received with gardening, I'm not capable of tasks requiring much strength, as I do tire easily. I've been told that my recovery will be close to a year... before I feel normal again.

So... the BAD news is I will NOT be using my cell-phone very often, which means calls to me should be made to my lake home telephone (218/863-8119), which I'll retrieve when back here each week. THANKS for understanding this request...& for the continued support, prayers, & help given these past months. I'm fortunate & blessed, for which I am very grateful!

Love & hugs from Wes

Quick note
Mood:  amorous
Topic: Update
Biopsy appointment on Wednesday went well - results known next Wednesday. Clinic visits scheduled for May 23rd and 30th. Spending most of the rest of the time back at Lake Lida. Hoping to be able to give up the apartment soon...

Got Ed McDunn (John's godfather) back to the airport for his Thursday flight without too much trouble. Ed Karels arrives this morning and will head to the lake with Dad. He's been packing a few things from the apartment already to bring back north.

Copy of email from Wes
Mood:  special
Topic: Update
It's afternoon Monday, May 14, & after a pleasant weekend here at my lake home, it's beginning to "cloud up" so perhaps rain will follow? The winds are now NW after two/three days of south winds. My friend, & former neighbor while growing up in Pelican Rapids, Ed McDunn, flew into Mpls. Friday afternoon from Eugene, OR, so we drove my van up here Saturday morning. Besides helping me with "flushing" my Hickman "port" each day, he & I finished getting the ramp sections to my dock in place, & also the dock inserts "placed".

My pontoon was delivered Saturday, & is on the lift, ready for another season of fun-on-the-lake. Ed also tied each dock section with the plastic ties, so it's secure from big waves, I hope? Today he took the van to visit some of his dad's relatives, & if time permits, some former neighbors as well. Tonight we're planning on dinner at Spanky's, my favorite area supper club, hoping it won't be very crowded on a Monday evening?

We'll leave here tomorrow morning for our return to my apartment on the U of M campus, since I have my BMT clinic (lab, biopsy & consult) at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. The following Wednesday, May 23, I meet with my doctor (again) to review the bone-marrow biopsy results. It's my hope that my weekly appointments will continue to be Wednesdays so I can travel to the lake Thursdays & return to the twin cities each Tuesday. Ed Karels, former colleague in my teaching days, will accompany me for next weekend (May 18-22) so we can purchase some "annuals" for planting here. Yes..I will allow him to dig in the dirt, without my help, since that's one of my restrictions. The two Pfiefle girls, Katie & Lizzy, will be mowing my lawn for the next several weeks. The most difficult thing for me while home is to "refrain" from doing anything in the yard or gardens, but it's still very nice to be "home" again.

I'm hoping I can continue weekends here, so I can give up my apartment the end of May, but May 16 is "day 60" following transplant, & "day 100" is still a significant date in recovery, I'm told.

Thanks for calls, notes & prayers, all of which have helped me!

Hugs from Wes

Yada yada yada
Mood:  suave
Now Playing: News from the front...
Topic: Update
Met with Cardiologist Wednesday: switched a few prescription drugs to get Infraction Ratio back up to at least 55% (currently at 51%, was at 70% prior to Fargo stint).

Walked to Ben & Jerry's with Joel, John and Cortnie for ice cream treats last night: $19 for ice cream?!? What do they think it's made of, gasoline?

Ed McDunn arrives today from Portland, Oregon. They plan on leaving for Lake Lida Saturday morning and coming back Tuesday.

Another bone biopsy (60 days) is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Straight from the horse's mouth...
Mood:  sharp
Now Playing: Copy of email from Wes
Topic: Update
It's late morning on Saturday, March 28, & I'm (back) home for the weekend, enjoying familiar surroundings & a nice sunny day here at my lake home. My doctor gave permission to spend the time here, so my sister, Verna, drove me up to Pelican Rapids yesterday, arriving here about 2:30 p.m., with a couple of stops enroute (groceries, gas, cash, etc.). Yes, I spent the overnight alone, & managed quite well, sleeping until nearly 9:00 a.m. this morning. Brother Al, sister-in-law Becky & lake neighbor Bonnie joined me here for a PAPA MURPHY'S PIZZA Friday night, after which we played a card game called "Golf"; I was the BIG winner! Son John still has the two cats in Chaska, but may return them here when he, son Joel & friend Shawn arrive next weekend? They plan to hunt wild turkeys in the area, & also put my dock & lifts in the lake, so I'll stay away for that weekend. I'll spend it back at the U of M apartment with Gail, who is arriving May 2 from Austin, Texas, until she departs May 7. Hopefully, someone will get my van to us, before she arrives, so we'll have means of transportation beyond the U of M campus area? With permission, I will return alternating weekends to the lake home, given a "driver"..until my discharge from the BMT Clinic?

Son John has continued his website "blog" with his unique sense of humor, poetic "talent", etc. to provide updates on my life "in recovery", but suspect some of you haven't been able to access that website, so this will let you know what has happened through this e-mail? Yes...I do check e-mails from my laptop in the apt., but rarely send messages, because it means typing in each address, & a laptop is more difficult for me to write or type messages, without mistakes! I've had several visitors recently, which has helped the days pass more quickly..thank you! Verna & I drove to Faribault Thursday afternoon to see son Joel, daughter-in-law Dori, Amy & to meet Jeff, Amy's boyfriend, which was about an hour's drive south on I-35. The highlight was seeing their new home, which they'd purchased recently, & moved into April 19. The location is still about the same from their employment at Malt-O-Meal in Northfield, but a 3-year old home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, triple car garage, etc. I'm happy for them! Son John lives in Chaska, a suburb SW from Mpls., about 30-45 minutes from me, depending on traffic, & niece Kelly lives in Richfield, a nearby suburb, with her husband, Rick, son Jake & daughter Jessie. They have recently completed a great addition to their home, with much of the construction work done by Rick these past 3 years. All three "check in" on me regularly, with my care-givers taking walks with me, & accompanying me to BMT Clinic mornings..down to twice a week from 3-4 times a week earlier-in-the-game. Friend Ed Karels, a former teaching colleague, lives in south Mpls., & has helped "fill in" the gap between family care-givers, & allowing us to "catch up" on life since retirement, too. All 3 granddaughters accompany their dad, my son John, on alternating weekends, to see me at my apt., & have found the complex (even) offers "stuff" for young people to do there.

The questions I'm asked most frequently are HOW DO YOU FEEL?...or HOW LONG WILL YOU HAVE TO STAY NEAR THE U of M hospital/clinic? I feel pretty normal again, but tire easily, especially after the daily walks around campus..or after a more "active" day..including the clinic checkups, which can last up to 3-4 hours, with lots of waiting, it seems? I'm quite restricted about activity, which inludes NO yard work, NO swimming or use of the hot-tub, NO large crowds of people, & wearing my face mask when "out" in public with the masses. I'm expected to wear sun-block when exposed to the sun, must eat well-done meats (ish) if/when dining "out", & washing my hands frequently, to prevent the spread of germs. I must guard against infections, be it bacterial, virial or fungal, & GRAFT vs HOST DISEASE, which can occur anytime in the first 6 to 12 months, after transplant (3/16)? Those symptoms, should it happen, would be a skin rash & diarrhea, both of which can be "fixed" with a lotion-cream, and/or steroids, I'm told. Prayers are always welcomed! :-)

My mailing address & cell-phone # while in the twin cities: ARYGLE HOUSE # 1028, 920 DELAWARE ST. SE, MPLS. MN 55414...( 612 / 240-3934) or my home address at the lake, which is 26468 COUNTY HIGHWAY #4, PELICAN RAPIDS, MN 56572 (218 / 863-8119) The cards, calls, visits & care-giving has all contributed to my successful AND (relatively) quick recuperation, in addition to the Lord's will, the miracles of medicine & medical staff, & my own determination to get through this phase of leukemia. Taking good care of my financial affairs, the house plants & forwarding correspondence from here are brother Al & sister-in-law Becky, another god-send to ease my stress levels. I'm very grateful to family members, especially.. for their concern, help & encouragment these past 6 months, & will hopefully) continue to regain a sense of independence? Perhaps the greatest "gift" has been the stem cells donated by my twin brother, Warren, for which I've been given another chance at a healthy life! May you be equally blessed!

Hugs, Wes

WEEKEND PASS
Mood:  energetic
Now Playing: Katie bar the door...
Topic: Update
Dad got news yesterday that he can head to the lake for the weekend! So, he and Verna are leaving this morning for Lake Lida. They do not have to be back until Monday's 1:30 clinic appointment.

Gail arrives on May 2nd and is staying with Dad until she leaves on the 7th. Al is coming to Minneapolis on the 2nd also, bringing Dad's minivan down and riding back north with Verna. May 7th through 11th is open for the Caregiver position...

They heard from Ed McDunn yesterday too. He's flying in on May 11th and going back on the 17th.

Next bone marrow biopsy scheduled for May 16th.

Keep on keepin' on...
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: Ode to Verna Mae
Topic: Update
Prognosis is fine - the best it can be. Life in apartment rolls on endlessly.

Visits to clinic now only twice weekly. Walks around campus means joints are less creaky.

The pills are cut back, but there's still the port flushes. No side-effect yet mean no late night ER rushes.

The caregiver's roll now less like a nurse. Not really that bad because things could be worse.

Some cooking and cleaning and many books read. The cupboards well-stocked, the guest are well-fed.

There's only so much laundry that needs to be washed. And only so much TV a person can watch.

He's not like the others they pass in the hall. Who must use a wheelchair to get 'round at all.

It's not like post-Fargo when therapy was needed. He cares for himself, the doctor's advice heeded.

We know that the Caregiver's roll is essential. There's always "in case" and still bad potential.

To put life on hold for the care of another. A mother-in-law, or in this case a brother.

If it's true what they say 'bout angels getting wings. Verna will need earplugs when the bells start to ring!

Schierman traditions...
Mood:  hungry
Now Playing: Family mores and rituals
Topic: Update
Potato Pancake Recipe:

Peal 10# of potatoes, preferably red. Um, russets work better. No, reds do. OK, just use any type of potato that's on sale.

Soak potatoes in luke-warm water until enough people arrive to witness the event.

Using a food processor (with a #7 blade), puree potatoes from edge of the counter into large bowl resting in the bottom of the sink. Do not attempt to use a blender as you will have to add too much water and the batter will be too liquidy.

Let mushed-potatoes sit while discussing egg versus flour ratios.

Add eggs (1-4), flour (1-4 cups), salt (to taste), and baking soda. No, baking powder. No, soda. Powder is better. No, soda is.

Discuss quirks of other non-German nationality recipes who bastardize the process with additional ingredients like sour cream, minced onions, cheese, lingonberries, bacon bits, whipping cream, carrots, goulash, thyme, zucchini, leeks, applesauce... Stick with tradition and add nothing.

Mix batter until consistency resembles something between oatmeal and diarrhea. Describe your "regularity" to those within earshot.

Pour some of the batter into greased cookie sheets. Lay raw bacon over top. Cook for an hour (or two?) in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Rotate the pans and/or bacon depending on whether back or front of oven heats evenly. This oven-baked version of potato pancakes is known to our family as Kuchebacke (pronounced KUSH-a-bak-a). Our verbiage in literal German translation is "cake-bake," and I'm guessing somewhere in the past it was truly known as a Kartoffelpuffer Reibekuchenbacken (oven-baked grated-potato pancake). We obviously cleaned it up a bit over the years...

Next, pre-heat a skillet with tall edges. Melt a stick of butter and a stick of margarine into a glass measuring cup. Ladle three heaping tablespoons of the 50/50 oleo mix into heated skillet. Pour enough batter on skillet to make a pancake-like shape. Spread the batter until, as Grandma Clara would say, it's "not too tick, not too tin." Poke hole in middle of pancake. Cook until ready to flip. Flip. Cook some more. Remove pancake once done. Repeat until remaining batter is gone.

While waiting, debate pros and cons of thick versus thin Kuchebacke.

Debate purpose of the bacon on top of Kuchebacke.

Debate crispy versus rubbery bacon.

Debate the merits of cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs and why our ancestors never needed them.

Once cooked, slather potato pancakes and Kuchebacke in butter, then sprinkle enough white sugar on top so as to keep the butter from oozing off the top. Serve with ice-cold, white milk as a drink (preferably skim, since it's less fattening than 2%).

Repeat buttering, sugaring, and eating process until top button on pants must be unloosened. Another sign that you've had enough is when your elevated blood sugar level cannot compete with desire to take a nap. (Sidenote: this post-meal lazy feeling has been studied extensively by medical researchers and they have dubbed it "Anytime-Joel-Eats Syndrome.")

Kelly (and Jesse), Joel, and myself joined Warren and Dad for dinner last night. Anybody wanna guess what we had?

News from the front...
Mood:  suave
Now Playing: C'est la vie
Topic: Update

Brother Al took over as primary caregiver earlier this week, and brother Warren arrives this weekend for a few days before Verna returns early next week.

Mary's daughter Gail is coming from Austin Texas, on May 2nd for a week and former Pelican Rapids neighbor Ed McDunn is slated for sometime in May also. So far, we haven't had to rely much on many of you who kindly offered to help out with the 24/7 caregiver responsibilities. We've got the list of names posted at the apartment should the need arise though.

The BMT nurse-coordinator, Kathy Hodges, told Dad that Warren's stem cells are now 100% into Dad's marrow. Yippee! But she also warned him that he is still at risk for developing Graft-Versus-Host Disease, so we're not out of the proverbial woods yet.

I can't help but remember back to just a few weeks ago when I visited Dad on the BMT floor. I'd never seen anybody come or go from the neighboring hospital room just to the right of Dad's, but the nurses said the floor was fully occupied (and that there was a waiting list of new BMT patients). I thought it was strange that the room's vertical blinds were always closed whereas Dad preferred his open (except when he was napping). As I was washing up and putting on my rubber gloves-n-gown, their door abruptly opened. Out came what I assumed to be a motherly figure, followed closely by a slow-moving aluminum walker that the elderly use for stability. Guiding the walker was the skinniest, most wane spectacle of a young women I had ever seen. Her mask, pulled tight against her pale cheeks, barely hid the bags under her eyes. Covering her bald head was a bright do-rag that did little to offset her hollow, sunken eyes that were the deepest blue I can remember. Somewhere inside that shell of a woman I could barely guess at the stunning beauty she once was, before Leukemia. Every subtle movement she made seemed forced and labored. I could tell she didn't want to leave the safe confines of her room. Following her was her Dad. We made eye contact. I nodded, he reciprocated, and then dropped his eyes to the floor. Nothing else was said, but in that brief moment I caught a rare glimpse of the "there but for the grace of God go I" (or Dad) adage.

According to my calendar, tomorrow is exactly six weeks since Dad checked into the U of M hospital for his Bone Marrow Transplant. By all accounts, he's ahead of schedule, doing wonderfully, and on track for a completion of yet another miracle.

What a weekend...
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: Lookin' good
Topic: Update
The girls and I joined Dad and Verna for supper (dinner?) Sunday afternoon: a crock-potted roast (thanks Joel) with potatoes (pa-taa-toes?) and carrots, capped off with pie and root beer floats. Nummy!

I don't know exactly how to explain it, but he's now got a (newly-found?) sense of humor that is both refreshing and entertaining. It's not like he didn't laugh or joke or kid around before all this started, but I've noticed something different in Dad's demeanor that I truly enjoy. Maybe we can attribute it to... perspective?

I do know this: I'm going to miss having him this close (geographically) once he heads back to the lake for good. Who knows, maybe that's one of the 'silver linings' in this whole episode...

I got nothin'...
Mood:  rushed
Now Playing: No gnus is good gnus
Topic: Update
Results from the biopsy were excellent: 0% blasts = no Leukemia cells, and 95% of the stem cells in Dad's bone marrow are Warren's!

Not much else for news: people call, people visit, people email, Verna brings Dad to clinic visits, they eat, sleep, and relax around the apartment day after day after day... They've gone out shopping too.

Easter review
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: Hallelujah!
Topic: Update
Wes and I spent a very nice Easter Sunday afternoon with the Magnusons. Kelly put a great spread: Honeybaked ham, asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, caramelized carrots, cheesey potatoes, strawberry jello with homemade whipped cream, and Dad's favorite rhubarb dessert. We pilfered Jake and Jessie's candy stash, saw Rick's progress on their addition, and polished off a couple bottles of wine.

Things are going well from a BMT standpoint. He had a biopsy last Friday to determine white cell counts in the bone marrow and check for progress of the transfusion taking hold. Results of the tests will take a while, but we'll update y'all once we hear. They have cut back on a couple of his medications due to elevated readings in the liver and kidneys, but nothing to be alarmed about according to his doctors. Clinic appointments are no longer a daily ritual but rather "as deemed necessary" so he skipped the weekend, had one Monday, skipped Tuesday, has one Wednesday and Thursday... I think.

I'm thinking, even though I have no empirical data or medical evidence to support it, that he'll be sent home sooner rather than later. They'll probably give him a "weekend pass" within the next couple of weeks, followed by even less frequent clinic appointment, and eventually a permanent move back to Lake Lida.

I've got an idea! Let's start a betting pool! there has been a annual "pool" to guess the Ice-Out date on Lake Lida. So, why not do the same with Dad's ultimate release date? How about $1 per guess, winner take all? Enter your guess under the 'Post a comment' section here.

Hmmmmmm.... I'm taking May 4th.

The more things change, the more things stay the same
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: By John
Topic: Update
Ed Karels had been taking over as Caregiver since Verna left on Thursday. I took over this morning and will be here until Ed returns Sunday night. Looks like Joel will be here Monday, Kelly Tuesday, and Verna returns Wednesday to take another seven days.

Today we ventured out of the apartment for Dad's first non-clinic-related trip. He went into Target with me (masked up), stayed in the car while I shopped at Rainbow Foods for him, and got to listen to the beggar outside the liquor store.

Not much else new. No clinic appointment until Monday. I didn't kill him when flushing his port with Heparin. It's relaxing around here, almost quietly boring for an on-campus college apartment.