January 9

Happy Friday!

We just returned from the weekly appointment with the oncologist, and all of the numbers (blood work) there are good. Yesterday Denny had his first message therapy, which also went very well, and last Tuesday he met his physical therapist who did a very thorough evaluation and has come up with a plan. All of these professionals (plus Steve Howard, who we were fortunate enough to see for a brief visit today,) agree that Den is doing very well considering how hard his body was hit with the clots and how sensitive he seems to be to all of the meds he is taking.

The biggest existing problem is the incredible fatigue that Den just can't get past. Really, he could fall asleep at any given moment during the day and to be honest, he looks tired all of the time. None of the aforementioned people have much of an explanation for this, especially in light of the fact that Den is still taking 8mg of steroids every day. He should be "wired" and be unable to sleep. They have all advised a full night of sleep and two naps each day with pt workouts in between.

Given all of that, we are hoping that a more structured routine will be of some help. I think that getting out a couple of times each week for the physical therapy will also help. He'll be doing daily physical therapy here at home, and as he gets stronger we'll go somewhere to walk longer distances plus we're hoping to get a stationary bike.

Recovery will be slow. Denny has been an incredibly good patient and is at least somewhat encouraged when everyone tells him he is getting better even when he doesn't feel it. He had very high hopes of getting back to school for the third term, but he knows he'll have adjust that goal. I know he's sad about that.

We are looking forward to seeing our kids and grandkids this weekend and hope that you, too, will have time to spend with friends and family. Be sure to laugh and have a good time!!
Love,
Carla