Living with MCL

It’s been 9 days since Edie had her transplant (12 days since she went to the hospital), and while Edie appears to be progressing well, I am only getting worse.

It seems it may not have been all the stress that has gotten to me, but the flu (or at least a very bad cold) instead.

While my sore throat is gone from Sunday, it has been replaced by head congestion, a runny nose that doesn’t seem to want to quit, sneezing, and a cough that is causing me to develop another sore throat.

So here it is, 4 days since I’ve been able to visit Edie, (or even get on my bike), and there doesn’t appear to be any relief in sight. I’ve even resorted to taking some over the counter medication (which is against my better judgment) to help alleviate some of the symptoms.

Unfortunately they’re not doing much good.

And to top it all off, the bluetooth mouse for my computer has stopped working for some reason, making navigating the internet very cumbersome, and it looks like the stock market is heading for some more heavy losses this morning.

My only hope is things can’t get much worse.

I think the stress of the last week has finally gotten to me. [At least I hope it's the stress, and not something more sinister.]

I felt lousy all day yesterday (never even got out of my pajamas), and don’t feel any better today. My throat is sore, I’m sneezing, my nose is runny, my spleen and liver feel larger than normal, and I’m just run down. Didn’t even go for a bike ride, or visit Edie yesterday, which is making me feel even worse.

She was a little bummed about that, but she did receive an email from her brother and sister-in-law (who she has never met) in Ohio yesterday, so I think that cheered her up some.  We haven’t kept in touch with much of the family still living in Ohio, since we left in 1982, so it was good hearing from them, and learning how well all the family is doing.

It was also good to learn Edie’s brother Earl, a real plumber in Ohio (most of Edie’s family in Ohio were plumbers), is an Obama supporter, and is even helping on the campaign. I knew there was a reason I always liked that man!

Anywaze, Edie needs some clean clothes, a new pillow and some other stuff, so I will be making a trip to the City of Hope today, but I don’t plan on staying. With her counts as low as they are, I don’t think that would be a good idea. I’ll just drop them off in the lobby, and see her from afar.

It’s been a week now since Edie went into the hospital, and it sure isn’t getting any easier. And even worse, I’ve got at least two more weeks of the same to look forward to.

Having to go to work, grocery shopping, the laundry, making sure Sylvia eats, keeping up with my exercise routine, and visiting Edie in the hospital is starting to take its toll. I’ve never had to do so much for such a long time with no help, and I’m just not sure I’m up for this.

One thing for sure, I’ve certainly developed a new found appreciation for single parents (especially those with small children), and what they have to endure.

Fortunately Edie’s doing pretty good so far, and she is keenly aware of my limitations, so that removes some of the stress of the situation. It’s just not enough.

So if you’d like to help, and have some time, stop in and visit Edie. Despite the fact I had previously indicated visiting wasn’t a good idea, I think Edie would appreciate seeing some other familiar faces, and not have to listen to my whining all the time.

Last night as I was surfing the internet, I was startled when I heard Sylvia holler MOLLY.

Molly was my my mothers name, and she died some 10 years ago.

Sylvia then came running (ok, that is an exaggeration) into the office, and asked what was that bell? Did I hear a bell ringing?

Well there wasn’t any bell. Obviously, Sylvia had awoken from a dream, a nightmare, or whatever during one of the numerous naps she takes throughout the day. She soon realized there was nothing wrong, but I’m not so sure she knew she even hollered my mothers name, and I didn’t feel it necessary to ask.

Still it sent chills up my spine.

Oh, and BTW, in case you haven’t received an email from Edie, she is doing fine.

Edie received her stem cells around 11 AM today, with little, if any fanfare. She was somewhat drowsy afterward, but only because of the Benadryl they gave her to prevent any allergic reactions. It was also good that City of Hope offers room service to all their transplant patients, so it was easy getting lunch when she awoke.

It’s almost like being in a hotel. Emphasis on “almost”.