Taking it easy, appreciating boredom

Jonathon is doing pretty well considering that the last three days he had 2 radiation treatments a day and then last night a super-high dose of chemo.  A little tired, and a little less hungry than he's been lately, but overall - still a little fiesty.  Which is good.

We've had a few visitors, including a Notre Dame alum - Damon Sinars and his family.

From Bone Marrow Transplant

But overall, the hospital is stay is kind of boring at this point - which is just what we want.  No drama please!  Jonathon is building a Knight Rider Kitt car model, I've been reading books and playing a few computer games (along with doing some smaller things for work).

Peggy's been taking lots of pictures, which we've posted on my Picasa site for those of you who want to see what's happening.  (So I'll have to start putting in my contacts and wearing makeup every day... ;) )

We'll keep adding to the album as our stay continues.

I'm Radioactive Baby

You know, as odd as it may seem, a hospital is the worst place to get good sleep. Granted, it's a louder place than home, but when they come in checking vitals every 4 hours, it gets really tough to get a good night's sleep.

So far, the radiation hasn't affected me too terribly. I don't feel nauseous or anything. My monstrous appetite has slowed a little, but that's about it. I'm still eating pretty well though. Katie and my Mom have been wonderful at finding different foods close to the hospital for me.

The doctors also did an ultra sound on all my vital organs this afternoon. It was the longest ultra sound in the history of the world: nearly two hours long! I don't know what they were searching for, but it took forever. Afterwards, my chest looked like I got hit by the green slimer ghost from Ghostbusters.

I started work on my car models today. As I complete them, I'll post pictures. It helps pass the time in between exams and Dr. visits.

More later...

And So It Begins...

My search continues for hot chick nurses scattered about in this hospital. I still have yet to convince Katie to dress up like one and play doctor on me though. But, don't fret, 'cause I still have 29 days of effort left on that front. What does my wrist band read? 'Relentless.' Yup.

Today, I started radiation treatment, or TBI as the folks here call it. I forgot my acronym translator back on my starship, so bear with me. TBI stands for total body irradiation. Yep. Not one body part, toe nail, or hair folllicle are missed under the spectrum. And...wait for it...I have pictures!

This picture is what the machine looks like that gives the radiation.

This is a shot of the actual table they lay me on for the procedure. They have to make custom size enclosures for my head and feet. And oddly enough, they use rice bags to take up the space in between.

This is a shot of me actually in position and ready to take on the radiation.

One of the nurses took this from above me. My face looks strangely creepy. The whole building boxes and rice bags to me seemed very Michigan backyard to me. I was waiting for someone to start arguing about Nascar and beer.

My first day of radiation is done and I don't feel much different. My feet are still swollen, but not as bad as yesterday. They gave me a diuretic to help, so I'm peeing like Sea Buiscut, but I think it's helping.

More later...

Back to the Grill Again

After months of waiting, we're finally here at the University of Chicago Hospital, where I'll be staying for the next 30 days. I'm scheduled for radiation twice a day for the rest of the week, followed by a stint of Saturday and Sunday-filled chemo days. This will most likely wipe out any remaining cancer cells, as well as my immune system. As a result, the same rules apply with hospital interaction with visitors and gifts. (No sick visitors, flowers, or fresh fruit.)

Katie and I are asking those that wish to send cards or gifts to NOT send them direct to the hospital. The postal service around here and inter-hospital mail is too slow and undependable. (We discovered this the first time around.) So, if you want to send anything, send it to my home address, or give them to my Mike Rowland in the ITC and he'll make sure I receive them. Our home address is:

Jonathon & Katie Rose
25558 Serenity Drive
South Bend, IN 46228

Aside from a little fatigue and swollen feet, I feel pretty good. We're not sure why my feet are swollen but the doctors plan on checking that out tomorrow. Over the weekend, I had to take a drug that's supposed to help with mouth sores that will probably happen from radiation. The drugs made my eyes, lips and cheeks puffier than normal. My feet were swollen before I started the drug over the weekend though. Kinda strange. I look down at them and they look like someone else's feet.

Time for Fringe. Out.

Pre-Transplant Party

Saturday, we held a big party to celebrate the next phase of Jonathon's treatment.  We've got pictures posted for those that want to see.  Just click the picture below to view the whole album.

Thank you to the whole family and all the friends that showed up.  We are so lucky to have each of you in our lives.

2009-05-09 Pre-Transplant Party