Sunday, January 25, 2009

Home again

Today is Sunday January 25, 2009. I was released from the Hospital on Friday afternoon after it was determined that my spike in temperature was not due to an infection but probably due to the engraftment process or possibly a reaction to the Neulasta shot I received on Monday. In any case it was all good news and Lynn and I were allowed to return home on Friday night. Just coming home made me feel like I was half way to recovery.

On Saturday morning we were back at the Huntsman for lab work and a follow up visit. When the PA showed up with my lab results the first words out of her mouth were “You are the rock-star of transplants”. I am almost positive that this is the first time in my life that my name and the word rock-star have ever appeared in the same sentence. She then went through all the test results which showed that I was fully engrafted and no longer neutropenic. We were extremely happy with the results, but the truth is, all I really heard was that someone had called me a rock-star.

The rock-star comment, along with being called a gangster, are two of the nicest compliments I have received during this process. The gangster comment came from the church Christmas party (which I was unable to attend due to being restricted to the house at the time). The Ward made a large card for me and it was signed by the members with various greetings and words of encouragement. Of particular note was one young man who wrote “You are a gangster for going through this. Hope you get well. Prayers and thoughts are with you”. Who would have thought that being called a rock-star and a gangster would lift the spirits of an old man going through cancer treatment, but they have.

Anyway, the bottom line is that all is going well. They said I could expect another week of lingering side-effects from the transplant and then I should feel pretty good for a few weeks while my body heals and gets ready for transplant #2.

12 comments:

Nat said...

yeah for home! "be it ever so humble there's no place like home." there is something very healing about being surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of home i'm sure. way to go rock star! :-)

tHe HiLL FaMiLy fiVe said...

Steve, you ARE a total RoCksTaR!! So glad you're home and doing well. Rest up and feel better soon. Rock on!!

Stac

Cindy said...

Rockstar...Oh my gosh you and Tyler can start a band. It is never to late and with your gangster abilities you can go far. I am so excited to hear that the family has a Rockstar and a ganster and I am sure Kelly and Tyler would love to start up a band with you. Keep up the good work and we will see what you turn out to be when it is all over. It will be a great mystery...maybe you will be a glowing rockstar!!

Phat Bri said...

So glad to hear that all is going well; and that you'll have a new career opportunity in the future! Way to go; you rock!

Q

debandrob said...

Dear Steve and Lynn, I've been following your blog and please know that our thoughts and prayers are continuously with you both.....love deb and rob

Ann said...

Thanks for the good news! And the sense of humor. Laughter and a positive attitude can be amazing medicine.
Love you,
Ann and Paul

Jenna McDonald said...

What, nobody called you a pimp yet? Maybe that one is going obsolete... But you are one.

Sandra Winchester said...

You guys have always rocked my world so it's comes as no suprise. Rock on!

biggestlewiser said...

The star that rocks
Is the star that walks
Out from the hospital bed.

With his cute little wife
Whose the love of his life
Aren't you glad I've no more to be said!

Love you both, Nancy

Ian S said...

Way to go Steve, you just can't keep a good man down... Our thoughts and prayers have been and will continuously be with you, Lynn and the Family - Ian, Mary, Jennifer and Nicholas

Scott Critchlow said...

Steve,
You, my friend, are incredible! Maybe not a total rock star but darn close! You know I get teary eyed if you look at me wrong, so right now it's me and the kleenex. I am so excited for you and Lynn to be so far along in this process and doing so well. You hang in there buddy and keep doing great. I told you that one day we would sit back and talk about this, maybe even laugh a bit, so let's get to that day soon! I hope each day just gets better and healthier for you and look forward to visiting with you. Take care and God bless.
Scott

Jana said...

Hi, It was great to read up on all your activities. We do think of you often and pray for you. Since Steve is the Rock Star I guess that makes us the fan club. We are cheering you on. Rock On! The Wahlen's