This is Pauline, Boone's wife. Every year on or near his birthday, he has his annual physical. His doctor told him that he had "Immature blood cells" and referred him to a hemotologist. To Boone's great surprise when he arrived for the appointment, the hemotologist was an oncologist. They drew blood and the Oncologist, Dr. K, wanted to know why I was not with him. Next visit he said, I better be there. A month later, we went to the appointment. Blood was drawn. Dr. K. said it could be a couple of things, and ordered a bone marrow biopsy. On the 3rd month, we heard the diagnosis of CMML.

Friday, May 10, 2013


May 10, 2013
ANOTHER DAY

Dr. day today but no IV’s required so it only took two hours; slow lab day.  Last night Pauline went to the grocery and on her return hit a curb that was not where it was supposed to be and flattened the front right tire.  Since it was late at night she elected to drive home on the flat.  This is my car.  It is a mid-size with front wheel so the driving was not easy.  Needless to say the tire is in shreds.  We opted to deal with after the AM clinic appointment.

When we returned from the Dr. in her car, Pauline dropped me at my car to take off the tire.  Luckily there is a really good tire store just a couple of blocks away.  Pauline was not feeling well and came on upstairs.  I just joined her after about an hour of wrestling with the jack and tire.  I knew I was out of shape but damn!  I had to get help to loosen the last lug nut.  Then I could crank the scissors jack just a few times before I had to stop and catch my breath.   Do give me a bit of credit since the tire was on the front so the weight of the engine came into play.  Anyway I’m upstairs now and Pauline is resting.  We’ll take the tire in to be fixed later.  I would do it myself but her car is a stick shift and I am certain, with my luck, that I would have to stop on a hill.  Not sure I’m ready for that yet.

But things continue to get better.  I feel stronger and better most days.  Eating seems to alternate; 2300 calories one day and 1600 the next.  I’ve been tracking it   Yesterday was a bad day for eating, felt nauseous in the afternoon and through up a bit.  That’s probably why I was down a pound today.  Getting a bit more exercise, trying to anyway.  It’s bad because I have next to no muscle tone.  But we’ll get there.  Don’t have to go back until Tuesday so lots of time to eat before then.

Thanks for stopping by.  Thanks especially for your comments.  If you have any questions please leave them in a comment and I promise to respond.  We all need all the info and comfort we can get.

 

Boone

 

5 comments:

Stella said...

Hugs to both of you! Bless your little pea pickin' hearts.
This phase is called recovery. You're getting there. No questions, it seems that you two can handle this job all by yourselves. Smile and smile.

Jeri said...

Boone and Pauline, the date has been set for my brother's bmt-- May 21st, only 11 days away! He was diagnosed around Thanksgiving. It has been quite a journey, and now the day is almost here. It's been so helpful to read your journal (even though it was scary at times, too). I have prayed for you both throughout as I know so many others have. It's really great, as somebody else said, to "see you on the other side of this thing." Thank you so much for sharing your story and I hope you'll keep it up. As you said, we all need all the info and comfort we can get. I will keep praying for you-- you're doing great!

Anonymous said...

Jeri, we shall put that date on our calendar. Please keep us posted on your brother's progress. Hopefully he will not turn into the Wolfman, or any of those other scary things that can happen. All you can do is be there for him, and trust the doctors.
You must also be his voice. If you even slightly think the nurses or doctors are not paying enough attention, you must speak up. I'm not one to say too much, but when a nurse in the ICU was hanging over Boone without a mask, I got my nerve up and carried her a mask and asked that she please put it on. She was very apologetic. So fear not. You are his voice. Speak up, read up, and do what you told me; take care of yourself.
Before this is over, you will know how to operate all those beeping machines, and what to watch for. You know your brother better than they do. Tell them of any changes...do not wait...so many normally insignificant things are signals to them.
Best wishes and good Karma to you both.
Many hugs,
Pauline.

Jeri said...

Thanks, Pauline! Great advice and encouragement. When the road gets rough, yours and Boone's experiences will continue to be a huge help. Thanks for the hugs, too. :)

Anonymous said...

I am exceedingly impressed my friend. Keep it up!

-B