Update - Thursday, August 7th

First my apologies for the delayed update. I realize how much support, and therefore genuine interest for Chris exists, and I have been negligent in providing updates. It was much easier back in the apartment when my focus was 100% on Chris, but back at home the normal family demands pile on quickly - Again my apologies.

Chris continues moving forward, with generally daily good days. We are back from NH after 6 days and while up there, she walked daily, ate well, slept generally well and kept busy. She took a few boat rides when we took the kids wakeboarding, went for a few drives around town, and visited my parents a few times. Everyone who sees her after not seeing her for a period of time says,"wow, you look much better than last time I saw you". She of course does not see this, and in fact remains very frustrated that she is not seeing the increased energy and alertness that she hoped she would have. She has been diligent about doing her exercises, but she still feels exhausted by the afternoon. Yesterday was a very good day for her. She did many chores around the house, got the kids organized, paid some bills, etc. She doesn't see her own improvement and as such her morale suffers sometimes. Her sister has been good about not letting her feel down and giving her a kick when she has a "personal pit party" as she calls it.

Unfortunately her weight has not really increased much. She remains at about 102 pounds, which is very surprising to me as she seems to have a good appetite. Compared to early July where she was unable to hold down a half slice of toast, she eats full, albeit not large, meals. Her edema has really been good, with very little swelling in her ankles and her abdomen, so she has lost this water weight which may balance out the increased gain from eating.

One thing that Chris is depressed about is her belief that she is failing as a mother. Our kids are the single most important thing to her, and she is unable to help them significantly. Three examples: I took Melissa to the emergency room late Tuesday night due to severe abdominal pain. To keep it simple, it looks like a gallstone which will be confirmed tomorrow. Chris really wanted to go with Melissa, but as it was 11 pm and we did not get home until just before 3am, this would not have made any sense. Yet Chris feels an obligation to be with her kids when they are ill, like all mothers. Abby is having some oral surgery today (yes, we are a medical nightmare of a family) and Chris wants to be there before and after. But, again, Chris cannot go into the highly infectious hospital environment, so I will take her. Chris has always been taking kids for medical appointments and now she can't - very frustrating for her. Finally, tonight I fly to Colorado Springs with Stephen where he will compete in the US Junior Elite Triathlon Championships. This is the US national championship title for 16-19 year olds and Chris, Stephen, and I had planned this trip since last January. Of course Chris can't make the trip and she was in tears about it last night. I keep trying to remind her that her only job right now is to spend the next few months focusing on getting back to 100% health, so that we can in fact do all the normal things for the rest of her long life. This is just a relatively short period of time when she gets to be totally focused on herself - yet despite my nightly words of encouragement, she still sometimes falls of the bandwagon and gets depressed.

But I don't want to paint too bad of a picture. Chris is getting stronger, more alert, and more active everyday. Her walks, physical therapy, meditation, and chores are becoming part of a daily routine that will position her for a few weeks from now where she will not have her sister and kids at home during the day. She remains a very tough and strong woman who is absolutely committed to beat this thing.

The many cards, phone calls, visits, and prayers have really helped Chris to stay positive. We are both incredibly appreciative for how much love and support has been sent her way. She is soaking it all up and that is what is making her stronger.

I'll do better on the updates!! Thanks to all!!