Day 100!

Well it's officially Day 100, and Brian has been released from isolation! When we first were told of the 100 day post transplant isolation period it seemed like this day would never come. We listened as doctors told us what he would have to endure throughout the transplant process. The treatments and countless medications, and all of the harsh side effects. The restrictions on everything from what he could eat, how close he could get to other people, where he could go, the 24 hour caregiving he would require. The risks. Those were the most terrifying. His doctor told us that if he caught the common cold it could actually kill him. It was completely unbelievable and overwhelming, and thinking back on it now still brings me to tears.

But here we are on the other side. Brian made it through the transplant and the isolation period and is home. We have to wait about two weeks for the bone biopsy results to know if he is cancer free, but right now we are celebrating this major milestone. We have had so many amazing friends and family helping us on this journey, and making it possible to get to this point. These selfless people put us first and themselves second these past few months, and we are forever grateful. We are so incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful people in our lives. Thank you!

My heart is full as I write this. Just being able to do everyday things together, and get our lives back to normal is truly a gift. Brian still has a long road to recovery ahead, and has gone through so much both physically and emotionally. I think back on those first few days and realize how much stronger we all have become. Now it's time to make some new memories to think back on. My new favorite? The looks on the kids faces when Brian came home, as they jumped into his arms, and Lizzie threw her hands up exclaiming, "he's better!!"

Day + 37

To say that Brian and I are feeling thankful would be an understatement. Most importantly, he is recovering from the transplant well. His tests and blood work are looking good, and the doctors are very pleased with his progress. He still has some residual side effects from the chemo, but overall is feeling okay.

Our Rip it For Rup fundraiser was a few weeks ago, and it went better than we ever could have hoped. Our gym members all came together to make the event a success, donating resources and time, and doing whatever they could to help. We had the incredible participation of the CrossFit community, many people who we had never even met, but who took the time to come out and support us. There were countless friends and family there, and I know we've said this before, but it was absolutely humbling to look around and see all these people there to support Brian.

We also finally got the go ahead from Brian's doctor to let the kids visit him. It has been a month since he's seen him. They read him books, showed him some of their Christmas gifts, and we played a game of Hi Ho Cherryo together. Although we were all wearing masks, and had to sanitize our hands constantly, it was oddly normal, and very much needed. Again, the kids impressed us, and kept their masks on the entire time, since the visit was contingent upon it.

Here's to having a healthy and happy New Year!

Day + 15

Day + 15 and I'm feeling pretty good. Still have some slight nausea and everything tastes like metal. I guess the metallic taste will stick around for the next six weeks. But I force down anything I can anyways. I have a new appreciation for the power of Ensures. Chocolate Ensures. Hopped back on the rower for the first time since August, at a light speed and a low drag. It kicked my ass. I'm a little more in atrophy than I thought. A few more weeks of light cardio and calisthenics, then maybe I can talk the doctors into letting me throw some weight around. Still tightening up my skills, trying to read as many books as possible on programing, power lifting, oly lifting, and speed training. They say to keep your mind sharp, and I hate f*#^ing sudoku and crossword puzzles.

The Rip it For Rup event is coming up on Saturday. I am so proud of everyone who is stepping up to do a little suffering on my behalf. I would give anything to be there, to go to war with all of you. Good luck to everybody! 110%!!

Brian

Day + 13

Finally got out of the hospital yesterday and am moved into my isolation apartment. Thank you so much to everyone who made this apartment possible. Everyone has been so generous, and have literally been working day and night for the past few weeks to get it ready for me to move in. Last night was my first full night of sleep in two weeks. I'm feeling great, and have high hopes for the next 87 days. The doctors say it's mandatory to:

1) Exercise 60 minutes a day (piece of cake, they obviously never did 7's)
2) Eat
3) Take medications (I have 12 different ones, chiropractor friends, don't be mad ;)

I have a long road ahead, but with the help of family, friends, and giving 110% all the time (and of course wearing my Grandpa's bolo tie nonstop), 100 days is definitely in my reach.

Brian

Day + 9

I was finally able to take the kids to visit Brian in the hospital today. He was extremely nervous about the visit. He didn't want them to be scared of the hospital and all the machines, but mostly he didn't want them to be scared of him. They haven't seen him, even on facetime, since the day after Thanksgiving. And he does look different. He's completely bald, and has lost quite a bit of weight. Even I did a double take today, and I just saw him yesterday. He had to wear a mask, gloves, a protective gown, and is connected to an IV. The kids weren't fazed at all, they were just overjoyed to see their Daddy. All they noticed was that his gown was white and that he was wearing socks ;). So many times during all of this we have underestimated the kids' ability to adapt to their new reality. But time and time again they surprise us and prove us wrong, and we couldn't be prouder.

Day + 4

Brian had pancakes for breakfast. This is actually a really big deal. The past week his meals have pretty much consisted of him forcing down Ensure shakes and the occasional Cup of Noodles. Brian is doing well, but 'well' is a relative term. Is he spiking fevers or hooked up to a ventilator like some of the other transplant patients on his floor? Thankfully, no. But his days are mostly spent sitting, yes sitting, because he is required to be sitting up in a chair for a minimum of 10 hours a day. He sits just trying to fight back extreme nausea, and with a dehabilitating headache where it is painful to even open his eyes. In the hour or so where the medicine eases the headache, he walks up and down the corridor. He has to walk an hour a day, each minute is logged by his nurses. It really is inspiring. Usually when someone feels like complete crap all they want to do is curl up in bed and sleep. Instead he is walking, sitting, and unable to sleep because he feels that bad. We celebrate these little victories, like having pancakes for breakfast. But have learned to celebrate with some reservation. We have and will continue to always remain positive. But things can change suddenly, and that fact is complelty terrifying.

Day + 3

Hey everyone,
I know everyone has been wondering how I'm doing. Lately I've been feeling like shit. But I'm well, and so far so good with the transplant. It's day by day, but we should know early next week how it's taking. First off I want to thank my family and friends for all their help, concerns, well wishes, and prayers. I am humbled by all the good in people. We haven't had to ask anyone for anything, they've just done it. This is definitely the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But I know I've got heart, and heart's enough.