oops...

Ralph's blood was misplaced at Hillman. They will draw more on Tuesday, before he goes to the South Side for the MRI.

This past week...

After Thursday night’s dinner with Danny, Ralph saw his oncologist, at Hillman, on Friday. Dr. Raptis does not want Ralph golfing, yet. He informed Ralph that his bones are weak and that of a much older person. Hopefully, the quality will improve. Ralph can, however, eat anything that he wants!

On Monday, Ralph goes to the Southside for a CT scan and then, he will have an MRI. The neurologist ordered these before any attempt is made to improve the discomfort in his back.

Next Friday, we may know the results of the transplant.

Sunnier Days

The rest of Sunday was quiet and low key....refueling, perhaps.

The past few days have been okay! Ralph went, with A.J, Lynnie, Paul, and Michael, to a Pirate game and has been running errands and such.

We are all looking forward to A.J.'s wedding on Saturday. It will be a mini-vacation with the kids and old friends!

UPS and DOWNS

The neurologist wants ANOTHER MRI to be clear as to where he is going to cast Ralph's back. This is a 2 hour MRI, and Ralph is not happy. HE HATES THEM!!! His shoulder still bothers him, and when he coughs, his ribs have discomfort. I cannot believe that these discomforts are anything but the effects of the myeloma....fractures in his bones.

We had a nice time at the wedding! Ralph enjoyed talking to old friends and acquaintances. He became emotional when Maggie danced with John to "I Loved Her First". Pain pills kept his back from annoying him, and his anxiety was kept to a minimum.

On Saturday, Mallory, Ralph, and I went to breakfast, then he joined Lynnie, AJ, and Jim at a little league baseball tournament.

This morning, Ralph had a difficult time getting out of bed. He is feeling sorry for himself and, at the same time, guilty because he knows his blessings. We have not ridden the emotional roller-coaster for a long time, it seems. Hopefully, we will ride it out today, and tomorrow we will feel renewed with more strength.

Update...

Although Ralph's counts are not normal, they are good, and he is no longer in a neupogenic state. He has been driving short distances, running errands, seeing a few baseball games, etc. He still cannot work as his back and shoulder still give him some discomfort and his ability to focus for long periods of time is not where he feels it needs to be.

On Friday, he is going to the neurologist to discuss options for his back. We are also going to a wedding!

Blood Results

Ralph's white blood count and platelets were down a little, but he did not require a transfusion. They are expected to still be at these levels and will increase, according to the nurse. He wants to be able to go to a wedding on the 17th. Next Wednesday, he will be told if he can.

Fourth of July

Ralph had his first outing since the transplant. We went to Cataldo's for a small gathering/picnic. Expected to stay only an hour or two, Ralph stayed 7 hours! On Sunday, he went to the Palamino baseball game. Afterwards, we had a family picnic at our house.