Update from Rose

Hello everyone! Thought I would post a little note to let you know how Rick is doing. He is doing fairly well so far. It is still early in the process he will be going through but he is having minimal side effects from the chemo and since his transplant of stem cells Monday. He still smiles and makes me smile and is happy to be on this side of transplant. He is feeling nauseous, throwing up a little and other things but the wonderful doctors and nurses are managing these with a variety of drugs that seem to work for the most part. He is receiving awesome care here as always.

Rick is able to get plenty of rest and has what I believe to be the best room in the facility. He is at the end of the hall where it is very quiet. We put in a request for a nice room ahead so maybe that helped. Before Rick there was a shiek of Arabia in this room. He had two flat screen T.V.'s in the room but unfortunately they took them away after he was discharged. That is okay since Rick doesn't feel like watching T.V. anyway. There was also a prisoner in this room at one time which made things interesting around here. Rick has a nice view of Portage Bay and of course I love looking out over the bay as I spend my time here with him.

Rick doesn't like the hospital food very much so I go back to the apartment to cook things that may be appealing to him. It is hit and miss though since we never know what he will be able to swallow once I bring it to him. Protein shakes are still a sure thing and he does fine with those.

Rick is feeling good enough to walk the floor a little so far, which is good. We see that a little exercise makes a difference in how he feels.

Thanks for all the cards, e-mails and prayers. We send our love!

Rose