December 1 - Road to recovery begins

Love that man of mine; his mastery of the element of surprise is only one of the many reasons why. Even though he's going through hell, Dennis remembered (and was prepared for) December 1. This has been packed away in his luggage for a week.

Dennis continues to feel "OK" although, as expected, he is more tired each day. Eating is becoming less a priority. 'Ensure' has been ordered for every tray the food service brings, and the nurse's station is well stocked -with the chocolate flavor of course. The exercise (walking) goal today is 10 laps of the hallway (a little over 1/2-mile). Dennis completed 5 laps this morning and is napping now. We'll finish up later today.

Some of you have inquired about visiting Dennis.  Visitors are not restricted, other than for reasons listed here under the "What's going on" tab. Here is a general timeline / guide for what to expect in regard to how Dennis might be feeling:

• Because the chemotherapy effect is gradual, Dennis will feel pretty good this weekend (December 1 & 2), and then will begin to feel weak and “crappy” in general as his white blood cell count drops. Red blood cells can be replenished with a transfusion if necessary, but the white blood cells must rebuild themselves; hence, the low immunity level. We are told that by the time Friday & Saturday December 7 & 8 arrives, the white blood cell count will be at it’s lowest and Dennis will feel at his worst (and will lose his hair). After that, however, the white blood cell count begins to climb, and as it does, Dennis will begin to feel better. 

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