Did you ever loose someone in the hospital? Jon and I were with Bill in Neuro ICU on Tuesday morning. We needed to leave for just a few minutes, and when we returned the room was empty. Empty of Bill and our belongings, (which included tonight’s dinner in a cooler). We knew the elevators were slow as molasses, so we ran 4 flights of steps to the Hematology floor, and actually beat Bill to the room on the 6th floor. He looked surprised to see us walking down the hallway towards him.
Bill is improving every hour. He is now asking questions, responding to questions asked, eating and watching less TV. He even got on the blogsite and read all your messages for the past 5 days. It won’t be long, and he will be a blogger writing his own story each night. It is amazing what happens when an unwelcome substance is removed from your brain. BILL IS BACK!!!
Bill’s first round of chemo (Methotrexate) will be given by injection into the port on the top of his head on Wednesday. We are told this is painless, and has only the typical chemo side effects. Cancer cells in the brain are very slow growing, so only a few injections will be given over the next several months. The doctors are not saying how many injections there will be.
Today Bill was given a drug called Neulasta. It will stimulate the growth of the good white cells to help restore his blood once again. His blood counts were:
White cells: 2,200 HGB: 8.4 Platelets: 58,000
These numbers are on the low side, and may get lower as the chemo drug he had last week does it’s job. He will be monitored at home (Home Health Care Nurse) to keep his blood supply at the right levels.
You will love this story.
The doctor wanted a psychological evaluation done on Bill for depression. When asked the question “Are you depressed”. Bill responded, “No, why would I be depressed. I have so much to be thankful for”. Now that is the man we know and love. Amen.
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16 comments:
So good to hear such good news. As you can tell, I don't go to bed without checking the blogsite - just a little obsessed wouldn't you say?? So glad you found Bill - in more ways than one. There are so many things we take for granted until they no longer work the way they are supposed to! Can't wait to get a message from Bill - but he has to promise to put his "signature", that is a bit of that dry humor, in it.
I'm smiling if you couldn't tell.
Love, prayers, and good health,
Gail, Marty, and Mom
The blog looks so different from this seat. Back to being a passenger instead of the driver.
Glad to hear there's more improvement. It was great seeing you this week, and the bonus time was even better.
-Boba Fett
I am so glad the surgery is over and went well. Nancy, you should probably be checking the web site for a flight to take Bill to see that grandson. That would be a good place to recuperate. It gets cold up north so early, I'm sure he would welcome a little R & R in North Carolina. The CATS beat LSU but I won't brag until they get Tennessee behind them. I don't even know if they play each other but if so, Go CATS!!
Love,
Mary Jo
Good Morning, Dad (& Mom) -
Now that you're "back" (wouldn't you like to know where you went?) you can check out some new pics of Maggie on the grandchildren blog!
Hope today is even better than the day before!
Love, Janine
What a great message to read this morning. We have been so worried and i have read the messages from Jon everyday. WE are so happy that be in Bill is back. I know that it feels good to see a little humor coming from Bill and even seeing a smile or laugh.
We are praying and know that you are on the road to recovery, even if you had to take a little side trip on the way.
Love,Joe and Suzanne
It is great to know that they actually confirmed that your brain was there. I have heard Jon, Kari, Janine, and Nancy all question that at times. Bill - no more questions you now have proof. I would love to see a picture of his deely bopper in the top of his head. Deely boopers are a 1982 Knoxville thing. Hang some ornaments on it and the Hubers can use you as the family Christmas tree. You are one of a kind my friend. Glad to see that your mental state has improved and work on the rest of those cells now.
Your Friend, David Eaker
Yea, again!! Great to have the real Bill back. We missed you.Soon you will be participating on one of these reality survival shows.Shannon is at Quantico with no e-mail, but asks about you every time he calls. Keep up keeping up. Love you all.
Becky
Hi, I am trying to get this to work,
Pat
Ok third time is a charm. I am so glad to hear Bill is doing better, and you did not lose him in the hospital maze. You must know that hospital like the back of your hand. I know Bill's positive attitude and humor will take him far.
By the way, Mark said that Pres. Bush was very impressive in a small informal setting. He answered questions for 45 mins. Mark said it was ashame he did not come across that way more on TV. I did tell you he was with him on Mon., didn't I? You both are in our thoughts and prayers, and never far from our heart.
Love Pat
Uncle Bill, Glad to hear you are coming around. Each day is a new day. So excited to hear of the progress you are making. Keep in good spirits, and let the chemo do the work.
Aunt Nancy you are doing a great job maybe you should think of nursing as a 2nd profession?!?
Love you & praying for you,
E.B. & Brian
I'm as obsessed as Gail, but us old folks need their beauty sleep!
Glad you are beginning to be your ol' self again. Can't wait for you to give us "your" version of the daily up date. Keep eating, resting, and of course being thankful. (Yes, brother dear we are all thankful too!)
Andrew is adorable and I hope you get to hold him soon.
Take care and our prayers are with
all of you.
Nancy, guard that food or you will soon be feeding the hospital staff!
Love,
Paula and Jim
Dad,
Good to talk to you today. I gave Andrew a big hug as requested.
Kari
Bill, Great to hear the operation was a success. I am, however, intrigued by the "port" in your head. Could you in fact plug in a USB? This would be a wonderful solution to some of the issues we faced at our plants. How does it work with a hard hat? Please post me when you are feeling better. Prayers are with you. Jim
Bill--Jim and I are glad to hear good news about you! Keep up the good work. We think the head ornaments look like Cheerios.
Nancy--include some info about Andrew on your blog. A Maggie story works too!
Take care of each other. We love you.
Ann and Jim Reego
Welcome back Bill,
I feel the same way every time I have to drive outside a 10 mile radius....I get lost too..as Nancy knows. I still need directions in right and left.
Exciting news to hear as a neuro nurse.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Shelley and Don
Bill, you might be lost in that hospital but you can't hide from your friends. We were just talking about you and looking forward to seeing you at the Coal Show...so get well soon. We miss you man and we're praying for a speedy recovery. The Lord's looking out for you. Count on it.
Myron Jones and Mike Chasteen
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