So Where are we?

how are you? what's next? how are you feeling? what do the doctors say? when are you going to be totally better? WILL YOU EVER BE TOTALLY BETTER? are you up for a visit/phone call?

These are the typical questions I get asked by very well meaning people on a daily basis.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Chemo

HHV6

Meningitis (twice)

parainfluenza

Hydrocephalus (head surgery required)

Stroke (I think twice, but definitely once)

Kidney stones

Epstein Barr Virus

countless spinal taps, CTs and MRIs.

To give you an idea, the above is what my family and I have gone through the past 8-9 months or so. IN ADDITION, my entire family got covid at the same time, but luckily are OK now.

I've been in the hospital well over half that span and feel like the luckiest person on earth whenever I get to go home to see my wife and children, so I apologize to those who I have been less than timely with getting back to.

I've had to learn how to walk again twice during this span and miss my pre-sickness physical strength terribly .I'm being told by doctors that thankfully they are astounded with my progress, and during certain flashes I too am able to see it, but for the most part I'm still just working hard to get well. Both mentally and physically. And am my own harshest critic.

To see and know what I've put everyone through these past months is extremely infuriating. Everyone in my family and Rachel's family have dropped everything to give us the support we need and we are grateful. Our community has been more than generous with their help as well. 7

 

By far, the hardest part about being sick is being away from my family for such extended periods of time. When in the hospital, visitors are limited and visiting times are strictly enforced and not very accommodating. So it gets very lonely and that sticks with you. Coming home to smiling faces and the love of my family and friends, truly helps the healing process. I've noticed that I am only now fully appreciating my children and their unbelieveble strength and desire to help and awareness, and the strength of Rachel as well, who I'd be lost without. It's sad to think thst it took all this for me to fullly appreciate what I have, but it is what it is. Rachel has made calls that have saved my life more than even I know and continues to take care of the house and everything that goes with that while i focus on my rehab and comeback.

For the first time in a  long time, I am seeing some heaven at the end of this once never ending hell, and pray it continues. No human knows what lies ahead tomorrow, but I can hope and pray it's just smooth sailing from here out.

Thank you all near and far for your care and concern. I am hanging in there, taking it 1 hour at a time.