This picture makes perfect sense. 'Cause, if you were going to get good news, naturally it would be via an old rotary phone and in french, right? Among the billions of images on the internet, very few are actually offered free for use. An even smaller subset seems just right for the occasion. So, pick up and say 'Bonjour!'
Roger had his first post-discharge clinic visit today. I was anxious about it because for the last couple of days he's been more than usually exhausted. Any blip on the radar makes me anxious these days. But, overall, the report was quite good.
First the bad news: he's still losing weight. He lost 3 more pounds this week despite my best efforts. Next we're going to try protein shakes made with eggnog as a midnight snack. Anyone else have any ideas? Think of everything you know about how to keep from gaining weight, and reverse it. Seriously, I'm open to suggestions. Please comment below or email me.
Now the good news: All Roger's blood counts are up. His red blood cells, neutrophils and platelets are at nearly normal levels! He made the clinic's "Most Healthy for a First Visit After a Transplant" list. That's not to say he's perfectly healthy; he's got a long way to go yet to make that list. Even so, considering what his body has been through the past month, I can't complain.
After some adjustments to medications (there are no fewer pills this week, rats!) and some tips on watching for signs of Host Versus Graft disease, we are all set until our next clinic visit. Again, we were told that if Roger needs to be readmitted to the hospital, we are not to consider it a set back, but just part of the healing process. (I know, but. . .)
I know you've all been thinking "growth" and I swear those positive thoughts ricochet around the universe and have an impact on us. I know they do. Please keep thinking them. We still have a long road ahead of us.
Au Revoir!
P.S. I'm sure my french-speaking friends will make me regret this ill-advised venture into an unfamiliar language. ;-p
FETTUCCINI ALFREDO
ReplyDeleteIngredients
• Kosher salt
• 1 pound dry egg fettuccine
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 pinches freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Boil the pasta until al dente, tender but still slightly firm.
Meanwhile in a large skillet over medium heat melt the butter and whisk in the cream and nutmeg and bring just to a simmer. Lower the heat to keep the mixture just warm.
Add the pasta to the cream mixture, toss with the cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pasta mixture has become thick and tight, thin it with some of the reserved cooking water.
That sounds delicious, Taylor! Candi, you & Roger can just move in with me. I gsin weight effortlessly on a daily basis! Maybe we should trade diets?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear there was mostly good news. Still sending out the positive karma and hoping things continue to improve.
Dear Roger and Candi:
ReplyDeleteVery happy to have crossed your path today and even happier to hear of your positive report from clinic. Amazing how your perspective of Leukemia changes once you have lived on East Eight.
Lisa and I will be sent home tomorrow, but will follow your blog and sincerely hope to read about your triumphs. We plan to look at the apartment options and would be very interested to get your advise.
Here is a calorie trick. Try stirring a Carnation instant breakfast into a vanilla milkshake. Taste's great lots of go power.
Keep fighting, Mike & Lisa McAteer
How about trying a store like GNC . . . they sell all kinds of vitamins, supplements, etc. There used to be a store in our mall and if I can remember correctly, it was basically for athletes trying to "bulk up."
ReplyDeleteThere's also peanut butter, if Roger likes it. Some people don't. And don't forget just plain old butter. Put it on everything!