Home Sweet Home

Released from MKE
This past week, we were able to move back to GB finally. While we make fun of GB regularily it has been a great place to raise a family and is still our home. As the saying goes, "There is no place like home!" My blood counts and overall condition allowed me to get back to local care here with Beth by my side and my local Oncologist. We are working towards restarting life again one day at a time.

Recipe Warriors
I'd like to thank all the recipe contributors...I'll be trying them all over time and appreciate everyone's efforts in expanding my cooking horizons.

Robb's Pasta Error
In rereading my posted recipe I found an error that must be corrected. Work into sauce Heavy Cream, not Heavy Whipping Cream (nasty).

Medical Fun
On our first post hospital release visit to my main Dr. at Froedtert, there was some concern over a current "condition" that they believed could potentially be a C-Diff infection. If tests proved positive it would lead to an immediate entry back into the hospital for treatment.

I asked what C-Diff was and they said it was a hospital borne infection (meaning you got it from being in the hospital). With my ever growing confidence in dealing head on with the medical profession I said..."So you are telling me you would want to bring me back to the hospital for treatment of an infection I got because I was in your hospital!?" Dr. replied, "Yeah it does kinda sound counter intuitive doesn't it?"

I assured myself, there was no way I had C-Diff, and there was no way I was going back into the hospital if I did have C-Diff. Period. Tests proved negative so all is good...but you have to remain vigilant in directing your care.

Looking Forward
I'm looking forward each week to improved stamina and condition...it's a process and time frame that is very challenging for me. I'm used to making things happen and running multiple projects, etc. so mentally this has been a big challenge. You tend to take all you have for granted, and forget we are gifted with abilities. Until you lose them, you don't really realize all you have.

We'll probably post one or two more updates, then close the blog within a few weeks. Our life isn't that interesting nor do we intend to make it so public. In any event, we certainly appreciate all your support and feedback throughout this process.

Take care,
Robb

Escaped from the hospital

The good news, Robb is officially out of the hospital!!!!!
We are still staying in the Milwaukee are for 1-2 weeks depending on how
things go. The counts on yesterday looked good, his stem cells are
cranking on their own and starting to multiply. His appetite is getting
better, that was his biggest encounter during the hospital stay, along with
nausea and some upchucking (thought you would all want to know that).
He lost 12 pounds in the process. My job now is to get him to eat and drink!
I can tell he is feeling a little better everyday! Like his last t-shirt said, the
day he left the hospital "Praise the Lord!"
I will try and get him on the blog soon for some good laughs for all!
Take care and thank-you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!!!!
Love, Beth

2 Weeks Down and Counting

Robb had made it to day 6 now of his transplant!!!! Yeh!!
His blood counts are just about bottomed out, so he is pretty tired most
of the time. His counts should gradually start coming back up as the
stem cells grow and multiply. It looks like he is right on track.
They have him leaving here if all goes well on March 11. That is much
quicker than we thought. We will still have to stay in Milwaukee for 2 weeks
after that for follow-ups, but getting home sooner than we thought would
be wonderful.
Robb still has his brain cells cooking enough to state " Do to the weak response
for my recipe request I am demanding some replies. I am sick of eating oatmeal!
I need some recipes to try when I get the hell out of here!", but if none of you
putzes supply any recipes this will be difficult to do!"
Comment from Beth : I think he is just a little feisty right now!!
Robb's sister Julie and husband Dave flew in from Alabama on Tuesday
and were able to spend some time with Robb. The kids also were able
to get here and see their dad. It was so nice to have them here.
Take care for now and I will update again soon. Love Beth