One more month...

Preparing emotionally and mentally for the transplant can be very draining, at times, for each of us. We are trying to remember and practice all necessary precautions for keeping the spread of bacteria in our home. Ralph now has his own refrigerator and a lot of single serving food items. He needs to keep slippers on. He uses white towels that can be bleached after a single use; he uses only glass that can be washed in the dishwasher; he uses only paper towels in the kitchen. All counters are wiped with Clorox wipes after each use, and there are hand sanitizer pumps that are easily accessible. Ralph is trying to remember to carry individual hand-sanitizer wipes when he leaves the house. Fortunately, he can have his own bathroom and bedroom where no one can share germs or at least, minimally. The dogs have been shaved and are only allowed on the floor. Soon, we will be covering couches, with sheets, before he sits or lays.

This past Saturday, he sat outside and watched me plant some flowers. Jim took him out for lunch, and Danny took him to watch golfers for a bit. The kids came on Sunday. Megan spent the night because she is taking him to Shadyside, today, for testing.

Ralph took his last oral chemo pill yesterday. It is obvious, by his mental state and his physical appearance, that he does not feel well from all the rounds of chemo. He is weak and tired, feels cold, shaky, swollen, unable to focus, at times, and can become confused. He has emotional lows, as well. No doubt, he is tired of the fight, afraid of what is to come, and is in anticipation of getting this all behind him and having some normalcy back in his life. Hopefully, he will feel a little better over the next 10 days before the chemo and other medicines start again.

The continual flow of cards and well wishes encourage and give strength. Please keep praying in the weeks to come. Your prayers have been heard. God has truly heard and carried us through!