Chris Update - Monday, Aug. 18

The past week has been a relatively good one for Chris. She has been up in NH for the last 5 days and enjoyed the opportunity to continue to walk regularly, eat well, and sit by the lake. A quick update on her overall status:

-Her weight remains the same at about 102, which is hard to understand as she has been eating well.

-She has increased her walking to about 1.5 miles in the morning and another brisk walk (but less) in the evening.

-Her blood pressure has improved and is now about 104/85 on average - this is very good.

-She does have a cough that troubles her at night when she lays down. This is indicative of some fluid in her lungs, which is what she had back in the month of May. I contacted Boston Medical and they are not as concerned as I am, but we will watch this over the next few weeks and determine if she needs an lung x-ray to understand the extent of any fluid build up.

-Chris' demeanor has been both up and down. Her sister and I have been pretty hard on her about pushing herself, taking her medications, not dwelling on the negative, etc. She usually has been positive, but as I have explained she lapses into a sadness every once in awhile

The big change coming is that we will get back to a more normal, and difficult world soon. Chris' sister Debbie will finally get to live a life where she focuses on herself, her husband and kids, her own life. She has been in Boston away from her own life since early June. Now she is heading home from NH tomorrow, with her 2 boys. The only way I can describe her is as an "Angel". She has been an angel from above who has come to help Chris, me, our children, everyone. She has been focused 100% on Chris or our children for over 2 months, without a complaint, without any frustration, and without a seconds hesitancy to help in any way. She has been an incredible gift. More on Debbie in a later post, but it goes without saying the impact she will have had on her sisters life.

One major milestone coming up is Sept. 28. That will be Day 100 from Chris stem cell replant on - her new birthday. From a medical perspective, this is a very important day as it represents the closing of the risk period for the stem cell transplant and the high dose chemo. June 20 was her "new birthday" and Sept. 28 will be her 100th day. I may ask all readers to hold that date, and send a card, give her a call, stop by if local, etc. I'll give address info later, but I really think it would be great to show Chris, at the completion of this milestone, how much incredible support she has behind her. So if you think about it, make a small note on your calendar.

With Melissa starting school in Burlington, Abby off to school on 8/29, Stephen starting back just after labor day, and Debbie back in NJ. Chris will certainly face a different reality than she has had all summer. She will have to walk daily, do some shopping, do some of the housework, etc. - all on her own. All steps in getting back to a normal life. She will often be exhausted, sad, and frustrated, but as we all know, she is a very tough fighter who is 100% determined to get her life back.

I keep trying to update the blog more often, but is has been a bit crazy between going back and forth to NH, Colorado, MA, NY, etc. I appreciate your patience as you all have been so supportive. Thanks for your continued patience and incredible love and support.