Monday - July 28

Just a quick update as I have many requests to keep the updates coming. Chris continues to feel stronger and do more. She has been going to the track daily, has her physical therapy two times per week, and even speaks with a stronger voice and a bit more confidence. The medical team called today to check in on her and they went through a number of issues, including her weight (actually down a few pounds due to reduced swelling), her continued insomnia, and her mental state. The doctors response was one of guidance to be more patient. They reminded Chris that she went through an incredibly difficult and risky procedure and that she needs to acknowledge this reality. Her life will be different for another few months, and she needs to accept this. To me the big question will be how she is doing in September. Will she bored at home, unable to go into big crowds, will she get back into a regular routine, will she focus on nothing but building her strength back. I think the fear of not knowing what the future is going to bring is probably the most difficult thing to acknowledge for her and all of us right now.

We did hear some very sobering news this week. One of the patients going through the Amyloid program passed away as a direct result of the stem cell transplant and the high dose chemo. I have written about her earlier (she had been taken from her apartment in an ambulance) and had been in intensive care for the last few weeks. Her husband and her brother were her caregivers and I got to know them as we ate lunch together. Chris knew her and I broke the news to her on Saturday. We knew going into this that there was a clear chance of death that could result. The impossible job of the doctors is to make the tough call as to who goes through the treatment and who doesn't. The chance of a complete response is 50%, but the chance of death is also very real. But the impact of doing nothing is the one nobody wants to face. We were reminded of this harsh reality this week. So far we have been very blessed.

Chris' siblings have all been here the last few days. It has been great to have them all helping, keeping Chris busy, reminding her of how important it is to stay positive. She has also been getting many calls and cards. She is starting to realize the incredible support she has from an incredible network of friends. An amazing number of folks at my work ask about her regularly, have put her on their prayer list, and have sent an incredible amount of positive energy. Friends from my high school and her high school have reached out, some she has not spoken to in years. Neighbors who moved away years ago, friends of her parents, it just goes on and on. I cannot state how much this has meant to her and me. The unbelievable love fore this woman is almost impossible to comprehend.

I will get her up to the lake after a Doctors appointment on Thursday. I will provide an update then. Again, I have no idea how to thank everyone, but I have learned alot about being a good friend, a good sibling, a good colleague, and hopefully the best possible husband.

A special thanks to Amy who reads the blog to Tim regularly. It means a great deal to him!