But then we blink, and the day is gone.

Kevin came home late Wednesday evening. Between the pharmacy and getting him situated at home, we didn’t get to bed until midnight. It was on the edge whether they were going to let him go home, and I had my own doubts if this was best for him. His numbers had dropped further on his hemoglobin, down to 7.3. It was decided that they would work on building up his own red blood cells, using epogen injections, taking iron pills three times a day and a diet high in iron. He is to rest most of the day with light walks around the house.

My concern was that he would get into his familiar enviornment and then end up doing too much. I am happy to announce he has behaved himself, although I did have to threaten taking him back to the hospital a couple of times if he didn’t rest more.

The last couple of days have been a learning and adjustment period that had them speeding by and us dropping into bed dead tired by the end of each. The hospital arranged for a home health nurse to visit every other day to check his vitals and watch for any changes. We are both happy she is part of his recovery. You don’t realize how many questions you may have and not think of until you get home. She has been a wonderful support in this area.

Yesterday I took him back to the hospital for another epogen shot, and a nurse came by to draw more blood as well. He has seen his numbers go up considerably in the last 48 hours. His hemogloben is up to 8.2. Although this is still below the approximate 14 where he needs to be, it is a huge jump, which is very encourgaging. (I credit my cooking for part of this!) He is enjoying juicy steaks and loads of spinach. Making sure to have orange juice or other high c content foods to help aid in the iron absorption. A fact I wasn’t aware of prior to this crisis. Vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron. (You learn something every day)

I want to again thank all of you who have been praying for Kevin and keeping him in your thoughts. And a special thank you for the encouraging and supportive comments my friends. They really did comfort me more than I can express here. I can’t wait to be able to catch up with each of you, and if he continues to improve, I should be able to start reading more this week. I have tried to stop in hit and miss with a few of you, although I haven’t had much time to comment. But it seems, knock on wood, that my wonderful husband is on the mend! I just need to protect his immune system as best is possible until he builds it back up.Which means lots of rest, staying out of public for a while, top notch diet and supplements, and possibly a few more epogen shots.

I would also like to take a moment and tell Kevin’s siblings just how much I have come to love you all! Margie, Jimmy, Mikki, Mike, Barb and Jim, I pray we get the opportunity to get together someday soon, so I can thank you in person and give you all big hugs. Your support has meant the world to both of us! Jim and Barb, we loved the gift basket of goodies, that was so sweeet of you guys. As was your several emails Jim. Thank you so much for your exhortations and prayers. Margie and Mike, the boxes of chocolate? What can we say, it’s nature’s natural anti-depressant. Both of us will thoroughly enjoy each peice!

Well I wanted to make sure and update today, as I haven’t had time or the energy up until today. Thank you again to everyone who kept him in their thoughts and prayers.

Love, 3T