A New Year...moving forward.

Got the decorations up....well, almost.

The last couple of weeks have been spent with good friends and family.
I want to especially thank the "Monday Night" gang for making me feel so welcome and loved. I look forward to many more Monday nights with you all.

This time of year is especially hard...and it is comforting to realize I am not alone.

Well, I am going to try to get the house decorated for Christmas....it is a lot of work but, I want to try to keep myself as normal as possible. I so love this time of year...always have.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!
My love goes out to you all!

Everything is fine here in Las Vegas. I am adjusting. I will spend Thanksgiving with my Red Rock Station family, slot machines and maybe eat a little good luck turkey!

Again, my love to all--and don't eat too much!

Kathy

Thanks for all the Love...

I would like to thank you all for all your kind comments, letters and e-mails. You will never know how much your kindness and love has helped. Please know that Jerry loved you all as much as he was loved by you.

Trying to adjust to a life without Jerry...is difficult, as I struggle to find myself--but Jerry will always be with me and I intend to go on living as though my best friend is still here. The love of my life will always give me the strength to move ahead.

Times are very difficult right now in this world and I want to give myself to helping people that are not only deserving, but in great need. To that end, I will try to use all I have learned (good and bad) over the past 60 years and see if I can make some kind of difference.

Always love one another, be kind and never waste time on unimportant matters--life is too short. Live to have no regrets.
Kathy

Our promise to each other...

Jerry and I discussed in great length our wishes when the time came for either one of us. Even though we made a plan, it is still so surreal to have the time come upon us. I know many of Jerry's friends and family need to grieve and would prefer a service of some kind. But, that isn't what we had planned. We wanted simply to have our ashes put in the sea in Maui. And so, I will keep that promise to my husband...and when the time comes for me to leave this earth, we will go there together.
I don't think Thank You is even enough for all the love and kindness and support everyone has given to our family. It is really quite humbling....but, we Thank You.

Jerry was an unbelievably giving soul...to his family, his friends, and his work.

Kathy

Go in Peace Dear Jerry...

Jerry passed away shortly after midnight last night. He was more than just a very brave person. He fought this disease with as much joy, passion, and honorableness as humanly possible. Jerry will forever be remembered as a "True and Unquestionable Optimist" ....an inspiration to everyone he met. Mom and I are grateful for this blog, Jerry's words, and all the love and support that has come into our lives because of it. We will never be the same without him...never.

To all loved ones and dear friends.

Jerry and I would like to thank you for all for your thoughts and prayers that you have sent. Jerry is unable to talk on the phone or email, but we read all your comments daily! Jerry and I are taking this time together to enjoy everything life has to offer right now. We will worry about tomorrow----tomorrow.
Just know how much you all mean to us.
Love,
Jerry & Kathy

Home is where the love is...

It has been a calm week at home. Except for some house maintenance that needed to be taken care of. There has been much rest, and quiet times together. Jerry has requested some of his favorite meals and mom has been glad to oblige. Mornings are spent with Jerry writing letters, calling his folks, and drinking some coffee. Afternoons are spent eating lunch, and conversation. Evenings are spent with a great meal, the news, and maybe a movie.

Hospice visited with the three of us on Monday...it went very well. A nurse will be here with Jerry every other day or so and is available for any sort of help 24-7 day or night.

We are grateful for all the positive help and comfort coming our way.

Thanks and Love to all,

Jerry, Kathy and Laura

First weekend home from SLC

It's Saturday morning and I can hardly believe I'm setting at my desk here at our home in Las Vegas. I had to have 4-units of platelets yesterday at Southern Hills. But for now... I'm feeling pretty good. Kathy has made all the accommodations for me to be comfortable here at home and to get to the clinic every other day or so. I have not beat this disease, but have learned to manage it's effects day-by-day and to enjoy every moment and friend along the way.

Love to all - JW KW

HOME...

Jerry is home now. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Jerry

Weekend Update

The mornings start with a couple of newspapers and a walk around the the patio.  This time of year is just right after the sun warms up the deck and stays that way most of the day.

I've had a CT-can, a chest x-ray and a BMA last week and another tomorrow.  These results should lead us to donor - keep your fingers crossed!

Our Uncle Leon in Louisville fell down the stares this weekend... didn't break any bones but looks like he's been in a dog fight.

The BM numbers should be reported by the end of the week and a could be found at about the same time.  More on all that later.

Keep It Boring

I've been learning new equipment including MacBook and iPhone.  I just wished I had more time and energy to learn all this new technology.  My focus has been staying alive - 'suppose the rest won't matter much if we don't recover our health... right?

My daily routine has been to have blood drawn and checked and then order a blood transfer for the day.  Seldom do I go through a  day without extra blood products of some kind.

Huntsman has identified a couple of infections over the past month and have eliminated. Kathy and I are pretty impressed with this location.

Huntsman Medical buildings are located high upon the northern hills of Salt lake City.  The view from here into the valley is green and warm.  Kathy and I start our day walking the large patio that surrounds the back side of the whole complex... morning sun out by hospital door and evening sun out the front of the hospital covering the main entrance.

I had another BMA yesterday and should know the numbers from that tomorrow, Friday.  

Kathy pulled out this early morning and returned to Las Vegas sometime this afternoon. Thursday.  She traveled well the I-15 and plans another trip next month.

Meanwhile my 24-hours of things to do here remain the same will often change given a 2-hour notice.  JW/KW

Another TGIF to Everyone!

Hello To All. We have had quite an eventful week here in Salt Lake City. Lots of tests, treatments and then rest! We hope the chemo is doing its job and taking us into remission for the transplant. Jerry is bald totally again and the skin keeps peeling off--but the shaver comes in handy and lots and lots of body lotion!
Early next week is bone marrow aspiration and they are searching for donors now for a match for the transplant. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!
Thanks for all your phone calls, emails and thoughts to the blog; they mean so very much!
Jerry and Kathy

Taking it slow...

Hello... an infection has kept me busy in the room recovering, today. It is warm this afternoon on the west patio -- temps are in for a change, however.
I have overloaded my brain on the DNC from Denver following the many days of Olympics... and now several days of the RNC. I think if you could push CNN into your iPod 24-hours a day you might become an expert at just about anything... except how to change the font size on my MacBook. It is nice at the hospital over the Labor Day WeekEnd and I hope all my friends are living full!


JW KW

Over the hump and late on the draw

I'm way late in updating my blog.
My morning process generally starts with a blood draw at 4am. Labs like to get started early.
I've had platelets and/or packed red cells just about every day... sometimes late into the evening when I have an emergency noise bleed. The doctors watch my blood numbers very closely.
I find relief with drugs that allow me to sleep in the afternoons... quiet times when I skip lunch and just need to relax - when I need to shut down.
I'm developing a morning routine so I can complete all the tasks before the doctors start their rounds and issue orders. I often skip lunch as I am too busy to finish 3-meals. I have a large patio just out my back door which allows me to take several walks a day. SLC is nice this time of year but can be a little cool in the mornings. My shower is generally later in the morning around the skipped lunch hour. I have dropped some weight and eating just does not put it back on. The food here is good value and I have multi-choices.
The doctors advised me to get plenty of rest to recover from the chemo just completed last Saturday. It might take a couple of weeks to pull another BMA to see how the bone marrow is reacting to all the treatments.
I will continue to be more current as my time with my MacBook and the new iPhone will keep me learning for weeks to come.

Friday -too much happening.

I arrived late Monday night by ambulance to Huntsman...and taken away for test and questions late into the night. I have seen about a dozen specialists over these past days. Today is my 5th day of chemo. I am taking at least 1-unit of platelets, daily. I am still working on when to sleep with so many tests during various times of the day and night. This is a work in progress. They are working on putting my system into remission and then doing a bone morrow donor search. If a donor is found and I'm in remission... then the stem cell transplant will have a greater chance of success.

Jerry

No bells and whistles here...

It is about 3pm.  Jerry is taking a little rest. Earlier, I found a cute little place super close to the hospital for Mom.  She said it will do fine.  It isn't fabulous, but it is clean and roomy and the owner is very nice and is easy to work with.

When we came back from getting the place, Jerry was sitting in the window on the couch reading quietly. His room is very peaceful and serene.  Mom and him had lunch together on the couch in the sun.  Today, Jerry tried a piece of fire cooked pizza.  The restaurant on the 6th floor has a big brick oven and they cook fresh pizza's and calzones all day long. Mom saw it when she was getting her lunch, and just had to get a piece for him.  Jerry loved it,  but ate only half cause he had to save room for his chocolate milkshake.  I think he is figuring out that he likes the menu here. Jerry just commented about how wonderful it is that there are no bells and whistles out in the hallway.  This place is quiet all of the time.  No loud talking nurses, or squeaky wheels.

And when he pushes the nurse button, she is here within about 2 seconds.

All is smooth today...not too much drama. I have read Jerry all the comments from everyone, and he says thank you and sends his love.  I think he is going for a walk later with mom...which will be nice.

A Chocolate Milkshake!!!

Jerry arrived close to eleven last night.  Our new best friends Iggy and Carla got him into his very nice room with ease.  Mom and I got up early and drove to Salt Lake and arrived at lunchtime.  Jerry had a very busy morning while we were on our way.  He met with some of his Doctors, ate a breakfast of two fried eggs, english muffin, yogurt, and Special K and especially enjoyed getting served on real dishes and using real forks for the first time in a while.  After breakfast he received another bone marrow aspiration, more platelets, and antibiotics.  Later in the afternoon, he was put on two rounds of chemo simultaneously...it will run for the next five days.  Also, he is already being matched for a donor. 

Like I said...it was a very busy day for him. This place doesn't mess around. Which is a good thing.

Mom and I are comfortable in the hotel after finding our way around. Tomorrow, I will drop her off early at the hospital and drive around a bit to look at some places to live.

The Huntsman Cancer Institute is very beautiful, and the care is abslolutely beyond words.

Jerry enjoyed a a nice meal for dinner...chicken strips, french fries, carrot cake and a chocolate shake.  He said it was the best dinner he has had in a long long time. 

 He is fast asleep now.

Laura and Kathy

Iggy and Carla: Our new best friends...

Well, it is now 3:55. Jerry has been on the road about half an hour. His driver, Iggy and Nurse Carla arrived at the hospital at 2:30. They swooped up to the third floor and immediately began battling the nurses for Jerry's comfort and medication since he will pretty much be laying on a gurney for the long ride. Needless to say, the nurses caved and Carla scored bigtime for my dad. As they wheeled him out of the hospital, he commented about being outside for the first time in over a month. And as they loaded him into the ambulance he raised his arms triumphantly and smiled. Iggy made sure to clear a space for him on a shelf to put his water bottle, phone and personal things for the trip. Mom and I said goodbye..it was so difficult to finally see him leave, but we will see him again soon in a much better surrounding with superior care. He should be arriving into his new room around 11pm.

Laura

A ride and a bed for Jerry

Yes, that was Jerry that made a blog post...but today it is me...Laura. It is 9:35am on Monday.

We have just been told that Jerry's room is ready for him at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake, and his transport is arranged. Now, we will wait for Jerry to finish receiving platelets, and the discharge paperwork to be completed. Jerry's toes are wiggling with anticipation. It was a long day for him yesterday waiting for today. Mom and I are packed and ready for our drive to Salt Lake and to find a comfortable place for her to reside during this time. When Jerry arrives later this evening, he will be immediately checked into his room and hopefully meet with his new team of Doctors. I will post again with updates as Jerry, Mom and I make our way North.

Laura