Friday, July 30, 2010

Day +38 (but I'm really not counting)

Just realised I've been a bit slack and not posted anything since Saturday. Day to day, I'm somewhat past the stage of having notable events each day - which is probably a good thing.

Continuing to feel good and pretty much normal (whatever that is). Working as normal with no problems. Didn't get any after-effects from my more strenuous activities last Saturday. It all helps me feel the normality referred to above.

Things are pretty busy for us in the business at this stage as we get closer to the two Shows see http://www.50pluslifestyle.co.nz . Anyone needing a show stand, give us a shout while there are still limited options available!

Better get onto the work in hand before I get reprimanded!

Cheers
Bruce

Chocolate: the OTHER major food group.
Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.
Corduroy pillows: They're making headlines!
Criminal Lawyer is a redundancy.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Day +32 (still thinking?)

Yay, I got my PICC line out yesterday (Friday) and can't say I'm going to miss it. The Medics continue to be very happy with my ongoing progress. So am I.

Have been doing more stuff on Mum's rental house (across the road) with my hard working sister (Go Sue!). Yesterday and this morning was water blasting and window cleaning. Today was more water blasting, lawns and the last couple of windows. Took a wardrobe door off which I need to trim about 10mm off the bottom edge (to clear the new carpet in 3rd bedroom) but it was the end of the day and I just felt too pooped to be bothered trying to extricate my gear from our current garage-confusion-zone. Some of my reduced energy may have been influenced by trip to Orewa this morning to collect 120 concrete paving slabs which I bought on TradeMe for outside the new office French Doors etc.

I had underestimated both the bulk and weight of the load. Ross and Jono Maskell surprised me and informed me they were coming too when I went to Whenuapai to borrow Jeanette's Dad's vehicle and trailer. All four of us went and and loaded up their big tandem trailer to a bit short of breaking point(?). Extra air was needed in the tyres.

Jeanette had soup and home made bread on when we got back to Mt Albert. (No sick jokes about wearing such food items please). We stacked them all under a tree in the back yard quite close to where I'll lay them in a few weeks time. Thanks again, Jono, Ross and Dad for your great help and expertise today. Very much appreciated.

That's about it for now...

Cheers
Bruce

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
I'm writing a book. I've got the page numbers done.
If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Day +29 (I think)

All continuing to go well with the healing process and progress. Tomorrow I have an appointment back at the Haemotology daystay unit for more blood tests and general check over. There's a good chance they'll remove the PICC line from my arm tomorrow too. That will be another step in the right direction.

Mum is much happier back home, rather than in the hospital (I know that feeling) and she is doing quite well. It sounds like it will be a long slow healing process for her leg. A district nurse (a very good one) comes everyday to dress the wound and monitor progress. Mum seems pretty bright and chirpy and happy in herself.

Today my sister Sue arrived in from the Gold Coast for a few days. She wants to help me with some of the painting and maintenance jobs on Mum's investment property (directly across the road from our place). The original tenants have just left, and we have more moving in in a few days time. It also gives her a good chance to see Mum and spend time with her gorgeous wee Grandson Noah.

That's about it for now,

Cheers
Bruce

Never ask a barber if he thinks you need a haircut.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Never mess up an apology with an excuse.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Disappointment today...

Today I went in the the Haemotology daystay again for my appointment. As with a lot of procedures these days, you often have to give your full name and date of birth. I always add in my NHL number for good measure as I happen to remember it.

Sadly, today they only took blood and didn't have to ask for my date of birth. If they had, I'd simply have declared loudly "TODAY". Never mind. Hopefully there won't be any other future years when they're trying to administer stuff on my birthday.

Just got the call from the hospital to go and collect Mum from hospital. Sorry, no funnies in today's post.

Cheers
Bruce

Friday, July 16, 2010

Day +23

Went to the Haemotology Daystay unit for two back to back appointments. Although the actual appointments and taking of blood samples; meeting with the transplant nurse and having the PICC line dressing replaced were all pretty short, you still loose 2 or 3 hrs in the process. Never mind, all for a good cause.

They seem happy with the blood results and said my kidney function looks fine (despite me struggling to down as much liquids as they'd suggested). I noticed a couple of the blood readings were fractionally lower than on Monday. They said that is absolutely fine. They expect them to rise and fall, rather than just keep rocketing skyward regardless. Sounds like they might remove my PICC line next Thursday providing things keep going the way they have. It hasn't bothered me too much, but it will be nice to get it out.

I'm feeling good in myself, and gradually feeling stronger again. Not usually needing an afternoon snooze these days. I have a bit more painting to do this weekend which I'll just take quietly and behave myself (as always).

We're really busy with our Business at the stage things are up to with locking down all the exhibit stands. All coming together, but still a lot of work. Jeanette has had to carry a big load while I was out of action. It is good to be back on deck again.

My elderly Mum was admitted to Auckland hospital yesterday, requiring intra venous antibiotics for a few days in order to get on top of some infection from an injury she suffered while climbing onto a bus. I'm assured she was using the steps in the usual manner, not trying to climb up onto the roof to do some bus surfing. I popped in there last night, and again today after my daystay appointments. She seems to be doing well and is quite chirpy and is confident she's in the best place given her situation. Hopefully they can get the infection turned around quickly and effectively.

Thanks again for the prayers; messages; jokes and great support on so many levels. It really makes the difference. Todays funnies are courtesy of my mate Suresh. Thanks!

Cheers
Bruce

On a Septic Tank Truck:
Yesterday's Meals on Wheels

Sign over a Gynecologist's Office:
'Dr. Jones, at your cervix.'

In a Podiatrist's office:
'Time wounds all heels.'

On a Plumber's truck:
'We repair what your husband fixed.'

On a Church's Bill board:
'7 days without God makes one weak.'

On a Maternity Room door:
'Push. Push. Push..'

At an Optometrist's Office:
'If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place.'

On a Fence:
'Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive!'

In a Vets waiting room:
'Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!'

In a Restaurant window:
'Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up.'

And don't forget the sign at a RADIATOR SHOP:
'Best place in town to take a leak.'

Sign on the back of yet another Septic Tank Truck:
'Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises'

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Day +21

Three weeks today since they reinstalled my batch of stem cells back into my blood stream. It has gone fast, and it has gone well. Very grateful to have avoided almost all of the nasty stuff which often results from the chemo and various drugs which have to be used. I missed out on the awful mouth ulcers completely. PTL. I really only had a couple of days where I felt pretty wasted. The rest of the time has been very good.

The old bod seems to be gaining ground each day. I worked all day yesterday and we had a few folks around last night. All OK. I have another check up tomorrow to check that blood counts are still rising and everything else is on track. Still finding it a bit hard to drink loads of fluids but are trying to work on it.

Thanks again for the widespread support, prayers, encouragement and barracking from the sideline. All very much appreciated.

Cheers
Bruce

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot.

Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks

Borrow money from a pessimist, they don't expect it back.

Boycott shampoo! Demand the REAL poo!

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Day +19

Sorry for starting to get a bit slack with the frequency of the updates. I consider myself told off, rebuffed and repolished(?).

Had my first check up since leaving hospital last Wednesday in at Haemotology Daystay today. They took blood samples and re-dressed (rather than repolished) the dressing in my PICC line which was ready to be changed. The whole thing took ages as the nurses were all running pretty flat out and there were all juggling a lot of different folk each. I didn't let it get me, and hadn't made any appointiment afterwards so it wasn't really an issue. I go back in for more blood tests on Thursday.

The tests they took today indicate my counts are still rising and doing what they should. The thing I'm finding the hardest at the moment is keeping the fluid intake as high as they suggested (2.5 litres per day). Tea and coffee still taste funny to me, along with various herbal teas. Water also tastes a bit weird and is just plain hard work to keep drinking. I can only do what I can.

Over the weekend, we got a couple of coats of paint onto the new office area which has been sectioned off the back part of the garage. It is going to be a good space, about 7m x 3m looking out onto the garden. Yes, we'll still be able to fit 2 cars in the reduced-size garage - once we clear out all the clutter! Still waiting for delivery of the french doors and the sky-lighting material.

I'm certainly glad to be home rather than cooped up in the 'Grafton Hilton' even though it was certainly the place to be when I needed it. I was ready to get discharged well over a week earlier than what is typical for most patients having the same procedure. God is good.

Thanks again for all the prayers, love and support from so many. It sure makes a big difference.

Cheers
Bruce

A flashlight is a case for holding dead batteries.
All generalizations are false, including this one.
Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
Always try to be modest and be proud of it!
Anything worth taking seriously is worth making fun of.
Artificial Intelligence usually beats real stupidity.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

First full day home...

Soooo good to sleep in our own bed last night. Sooo good not to be woken up at 5:ooam for blood pressure/temp etc. Sooo good to have real food to eat again. Very happy to be home.

This morning I took Rosie for a walk up Mt Albert which she enjoyed and I lasted OK. Later in the day I went down to the supermarket for a few supplies.

I've had a bit of a lie down both afternoons so far, rather than push things for no good reason. Feeling pretty good generally. My sense of taste & smell seems to be on turbo boost at the moment. In some ways it is good, but I think I'd prefer things as they were. I guess it is a kick back from the chemo.

Mt be getting close to the time to go and check out that bed again...

Cheers
Bruce

A clean desk is a sign of a cluttered desk drawer.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.
A day without sunshine is like, night.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Flown the coop...

Day +14 and I'm now home again. What a great feeling. Progress has been very strong and steady and the result of a lot of well-directed prayers, along with good care at the hospital and heaps of support from the likes of yourselves. I am very grateful on every level.

They have warned me not to get too confident too quick in terms of what my body can handle initially. They said to listen to my body (and don't argue!). Although my immune system is improving each day, it is still effectively quite immature and not able to handle all the usual stuff our bodies bat off daily, so I'll need to be avoiding various situations and taking precautions with others. That is fine, I'm sure I'll cope just fine. I have no intention of stuffing things up having got this far.

I've copped a bit of stick from some quarters on account of having been a bit slack with the 'funnies' at the end of the blog. Others, however, have probably been feeling relieved! So, in order to both satisfy AND annoy - I've slotted in something below. Sorry!

Cheers
Bruce

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Florida, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in.

Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: “Are you the owner?”

The pharmacist answers, “Yes.”

Jacob: “We’re about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?”

Pharmacist: “Of course we do.”

Jacob: “How about medicine for circulation?”

Pharmacist: “All kinds.”

Jacob: “Medicine for rheumatism and scoliosis?”

Pharmacist: “Definitely.”

Jacob: “How about Viagra?”

Pharmacist: “Of course.”

Jacob: “Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?”

Pharmacist: “Yes, a large variety. The works.”

Jacob: “What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson’s disease?”

Pharmacist: “Absolutely.”

Jacob: “You sell wheelchairs and walkers?”

Pharmacist: “All speeds and sizes.”

Jacob: “We’d like to use this store as our Bridal Registry.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Tuesday Day +13

Nice start to the day this morning. They removed the nasty nasal/gastric feed tube from my nose. Feels so much better to be free of it. Last night was the last overnight feed.

The Drs have just done their ward rounds and are certainly working towards me getting sprung from the "Grafton Hilton" tomorrow. Bring it on I say. I'd soooo much rather be at home than stay on institutionalised here in hospital. I'm more than ready for getting back home and doing my recovery THERE. No visiting hassles! Jeanette 24/7! Real food! Nice bed! Pets! Meals at sensible times (not 8; 12 and 5)!

Anyway, I have had someone come into the room just now wanting a history of stuff - so I'd better sign off. That wouldn't have happened at home!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Day +11 - Sunday

Well, at least I CAN spell Sunday (unlike what I did to "Saturady" yesterday).

I had just booted up my laptop this morning to check emails and update the blog and was pleasantly surprised when Greg (one of the old 'gang of four' room mates from my hospital stay 2 years ago) bounded into the room with a basket of all sorts of goodies. As I had just started meeting with Leanne (Haemotologist), we had to put Greg off for a few minutes. She is now even toying with the idea of an even earlier release - maybe Wednesday.

Greg then comes back in and we chatted briefly, before Richard (gang of four) rolls in. Then, not to be outdone, Suresh (gang of four) and his lovely wife (no gang affiliations).

We had a really great time catching up and chewing the fat together: world cup soccer; why vuvuzelas can only drone a B flat; what we've been up to since our last reunion about a year ago; how health issues affect life in general; politics; sport; overheating BMW issues etc. It was a talkfest any government department would have been proud to put on the card. Thanks so much, guys, for making the effort to do that. Enjoy your Kinloch holiday Richard. You'll be there by now! Golfing with your sons sounds like a great idea!

For those wondering about the Gang of Four: this loose but strong association was formed haphazardly two years ago in the orthopaedic ward of this very same hospital. Greg had been severely injured in a car smash and was on the slow road back to even getting to walk again. Suresh had just had his first hip replacement surgery. Richard had exploded his knee playing soccer, and I was in because of infection in the leg site of my original biopsy.

We each had very different backgrounds and stories to tell. Suresh's ones were easily the most likely to be made into a movie - he owned a major bus company in Zambia through some pretty troubled years. He only 'fessed up' after hearing Greg & I comparing notes on South Africa. Greg went over there years ago to play rugby, be a lifeguard and run Mitsubishi vehicle operation in Durban. We figured that he would have been there in 1981 when we visited there during our 6 weeks in SA with the Garratts.

When Richard arrived in the room, we asked him what he did - "I'm in the cleaning business", he replied. He is a business trouble-shooter, consultant, motivator, cleaner-uperer etc. Any way, there was (and remains) an interesting chemistry between us all. We had some great laughs and discussions about just about anything and everything. In fact, one night the nursing staff came in to evict the rowdy visitors still in the ward, only to find it was just us! A couple of days later, our quartet was forcibly dismantled in a none-too-gracious way, unfortunately. But I won't go into that here and now.

Again, a good reminder of the accuracy of the timeless truth of Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Well, that is probably plenty from me today...
Cheers
Bruce

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Day +10 - Saturady

All going well, and feeling more like myself again as the days progress. Leanne (Haemotologist) still happy with where we're up to. As I type, I'm having a blood transfusion to help bolster things in the haemoglobin area if I recall correctly. White cell count is increasing, and platelets edging upwards - but still early days.

All going well, I may be home by next weekend! Yay! My weight is gradually creeping back up, having gone down from 88kg to 78.1kg. I'm now about 82kg.

Thanks for the support from so many quarters, and far-lung corners of the globe.

Cheers
Bruce

Friday, July 2, 2010

Day 9

Just a quick update from my phone. Bruce is going ok. He had another bag of platelets today. His white cells have come up faster than expected but his hemoglobin is down so he will have a blood transfusion tomorrow. He has put on a bit of weight and is still bring fed overnight via a food line. He was a lot more chatty today which is a very big contrast from Wed night when I last saw him which is great. He has said he is happy for visitors now so if you would like to visit please give me a call and I will point you in the right direction :)

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Day +8

All still going as well as predicted/expected. Last night I finally gave them the temperature 'spike' they'd been waiting for, which in turn triggered anti-biotic drip.

I'm on a 12hr overnight nasal drip where they're trying to put back at least some of what I'm just not up to eating conventionally. I have two lines/access points now. One straight to my heart, and the other into my stomach. The nasal one has given me another point of identification with my late wee grandson Tyler Ferguson. Today would have been his 1st Birthday!

Sounds like Jeanette & Katie have had a worthwhile day in Tauranga/Mt Maunganui area. No doubt I hear a lot more detail when they return late tomorrow afternoon.

Still feeling somewhat 'munted' in terms of energy levels etc but it is absolutely normal. Had my first GCFC injection today. That stuff did me well before the stem cell harvest, and I would expect it to be no less beneficial this time around.

Anyway, I'm about ready to call it a night now. Thanks again for the many different messages of prayers and support and cheers from the side-lines. Always much appreciated.

Cheers
Bruce