Sleepy Sunday

It's raining pollen here on Chapin Avenue, as the wind stirs in the trees. John is asleep and Ellen is working on a sewing project. She has been able to get back to some of the things she enjoys, including evening chorus practice the last two Tuesdays. It's been nice for her to get out a little as John seems stable and I'm able to keep him company after work. Chronic fatigue still persists, but John is strong enough to read which, luckily, is one of his favorite pass times. Thanks to Ellen Cheek for bringing dinner last night, it was delicious!

Postive Report

John's trip to Moffitt today for the MRI on his brain yielded positive news! Ellen writes:

His MRI, taken this morning, shows a marked diminishing of the tumors and their surrounding swellings, anywhere from 25% to 50% smaller. Of course, we all surmised something was going on the right direction, since he is markedly improved, brain-wise. It was wonderful to get concrete proof of this! His next big moment will be in mid-June when he has a CAT scan done to see how the meds are working against his kidney cancer. We feel so positive about all this!

So the extreme fatigue seems to be worth tolerating for these good results. He was strengthened for today's challenges by a beautiful smoked turkey dinner last night courtesy of Margo Harrod. Lovely seasoned mushroom rice, soft rolls, and sugar snap peas followed by key lime pie were all included in the feast. Thank you Margo!

This Week

Saturday night Norman Stallings and his lovely daughter delivered a Nags Head seafood feast complete with salad, baguette, dessert, and a lovely white wine. It was delicious and such a treat to have a gourmet dinner delivered.

This week we are looking forward to Thursday, another visit to Moffitt, and hopefully more light shed on John's circumstances. Life remains quiet at home.

Quiet Days

John managed a business conference call yesterday, and has spent much of the rest of his time since Wednesday resting, napping, and reading. He looks forward to getting more strength and energy back. It appears recuperating from radiation is a long, slow, process.

On the mend

John is a little more like himself the last 2 days, taking longer walks, even using his Blackberry which had been set aside, formerly his constant companion. Seems some strength is returning by inches and we are glad for it! Not ready for a marathon, but getting stong enough for a trip to Hawaii in July is the short term goal. Another week to wait for a scan to see how the radiation worked. Enjoyed a long computer-video visit with Soren and Anna tonight, Soren showing off his new walking skills and kissing the camera so all felt cyber hugged and kissed. Dinner from Alexandra Ellison was so much appreciated.

Update

Blessed with good weather John enjoys time on the porch and some reading and BBC programs between naps and short walks. He is enjoying the lovely meals friends have provided and notes and cards arriving in the mail. We didn't quite make the lunch out we hoped for as energy level didn't allow, maybe later. My spring break ends tomorrow so back to work for me. This Thursday will mark 14 days on Sutent and side effects should be apparent by then if there will be any, aside from fatigue which is ever present. Today is Soren's first birthday, so we all talked with Anna and wished him happy birthday. She had a small party with four friends and babies complete with cupcakes and balloons. John is a devoted granddad, so he loved hearing all about the birthday fun.

Mother of the Groom

Yesterday Ellen and I shopped for a dress for her to wear to Will and Lauren's wedding in July. We found it within ten minutes of walking in the first store, maybe five! It's perfect and now that's off her mind. John was impressed with our speed and decisiveness, but still glad he wasn't personally involved in our mission :)

Today John has been on a walk around the block with Ellen, spoken with people at his office, worked on some math puzzles and is now listening to a lecture on his ipod, all exhibiting more energy than yesterday. Hopefully he is regaining some strength.

Wedding Planning

Yesterday John took it easy and Ellen and I worked on plans and centerpieces for Will and Lauren's rehearsal dinner all day. We were so grateful when Jane and Patsy brought dinner we decided to add a food calendar to this blog for anyone who wants to help in this way. To use the calendar, you click the link (http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=23ecb60f-2ca2-4e98-b918-8aef2319272e ) and follow their directions to open an account and claim a day. The account set up is very simple, it takes less than a minute. Thank you to everyone for all your support!

Easter Sunday

Friday and Saturday were very good days, John seemed much more himself and we enjoyed visiting and relaxing. Ellen and I even went on some errands and John managed well on his own. This morning he was somewhat fatigued again and blood pressure was low, but this afternoon things are looking up again and we are planning lunch out one day this week if all goes well. John began taking Sutent (an inhibitor) on Friday evening. No side effects from this yet, and these are cumulative so it should be a couple of weeks before we see those, and if lucky, maybe there won't be any.

Spring Training

John and I attended a New York Yankees spring training game on Wednesday afternoon. All arrangements were handled with great care by our dear friend, Norman, and we couldn't have asked for more. From a close-in parking spot to seats on the end of a row in the shade, our baseball day was perfection. Hot dogs, peanuts, spectacular weather and the NY Yankees. Perfection!

Neurology Exam

John's neurological work up today went very well, the doctor found him sound. Second trip was to see Dr. Fishman and he wrote the script for Sutent, to be started tomorrow. Hopefully, little or no side effects will present. A nice afternoon here, walk around the block, visit with Anna on the phone, chat with the office also. A good day!