January 24, 2018
Three Weeks Out
Good morning! Today marks three weeks since I’ve been home from the transplant center in Nashville, so I thought it’d be a good idea to update everyone. It felt weird being home at first, probably because I’d settled into the ‘outpatient transplant’ life so well. But it was really good to see our animal family, …
January 24, 2018
January 3, 2018
Day 51
(traveling all day yesterday, hence the delay) Well, this day didn’t go exactly as planned – my exit appointment was delayed by an hour and then turned into two appointments. No matter, we were released – just later than we’d have liked. Krystal came back to help pack and it was all we could do …
January 3, 2018
January 1, 2018
Day 50
Didn’t do much all day, but got to visit a good friend this evening. Robin packed up a few things, and we’ll pack up the rest tomorrow morning in anticipation of my release. Very tired now, so good night world.
January 1, 2018
December 31, 2017
Day 49
Got a good night’s sleep! Robin was kind enough to snap a photo of me in my (now) natural state. Can’t wait until my good looks return. 🙂 Robin and I headed to Murfreesboro so I could go to my favorite church – but this was the one weekend a year that they take off …
December 31, 2017
December 30, 2017
Day 48
Got a decent night’s sleep, but woke too early. Decided to go to the gym and get my treadmill time in. Then I took a shower and went back to sleep. 🙂 Robin had a touch of cabin fever so we drove to the “Factory” in Franklin. It’s an eclectic collection of shops in an …
December 30, 2017
December 29, 2017
Day 47
Just about wrapping up here I think, as far as transplants go. Went to all of my appointments and haven’t heard any bad news yet. 🙂 This is the Tuesday appointment I’m really looking for. Some heart stuff. Guess I still have one. And a breathing treatment to administer meds for preventing pneumonia. I’m going …
December 29, 2017
December 28, 2017
Day 35
Selena Davis Good news today!! They took Kenny off one of the antibiotics and his temps have been holding steady. If he continues to progress, he may be able to leave the hospital and return to his home away from home hotel suite tomorrow! The VFW visited today and left him some goodies (a bag …
December 28, 2017
December 28, 2017
Day 46
Didn’t do much today. A little paperwork. A little time on the cycle. Mostly watched TV. Hoping for a productive day tomorrow and plenty of tests.
December 28, 2017
December 27, 2017
Day 45
Spent a good deal of time this morning going over a form for submitting a claim for VA disability, since it appears my malady is more likely than not due to exposure to some unsavory items during Desert Storm. Not sure what will come of it, but folks at the VA seem to think I …
December 27, 2017
December 26, 2017
Day 44
Stopped in the clinic today, labs okay. Another appointment Friday, with a ton of tests again, and a possible release date of Tuesday if everything works out okay. Spent 30 minutes on the exercise bike. Had a visit from Robin’s brother Brian. A pretty good day.
December 26, 2017
December 25, 2017
Day 43 – Christmas
“Merry Christmas Everyone” We had a nice quiet Christmas. Krystal visited and brought goodies from Penny – delicious. Lots of time to pray and reflect on blessings. And then watch John Wayne movies on AMC. Should do this more often. 🙂 Blessings, friends. Robin here: As a side note, Ken completely polished off his …
December 25, 2017
December 24, 2017
Day 42 – Christmas Eve
Even though we’re far from home on Christmas eve, technology provides us a way to connect with family during our celebration. We were able to participate in gift exchanges and general merriment. Thanks to Robin’s brothers Perry & Gary for handling the iPad. 🙂 We tried to connect with Krystal, but technology didn’t work well …
December 24, 2017
December 23, 2017
Day 41
Robin’s back! (Actually made it here Thursday, but it slipped my mind in the update). She forgives me. My sister Krystal bought some masks similar to mine for my brothers/sisters in arms, and I dropped them off at the clinic today, hoping some will be distributed before Christmas. They’re really nice and way better than …
December 23, 2017
December 22, 2017
Day 40
Sorry for the interruption in updates. I had every intention, yet when it came time – I was out of gas. I’ll catch you up in this update. Jeff & Ahn arrived and took good care of me until they left yesterday morning. Lots of good conversation, it was so good to see my brother …
December 22, 2017
December 19, 2017
Day 36
Selena Davis Playing catch up here. Not a whole lot to report on for yesterday, 12/18/17. Kenny was able to leave the comfy hospital bed and to go back to the hotel. We had another changing of the guard as our brother, Jeff and his wife, Anh ‘drove’ all the way from Ft. Worth, TX!! …
December 19, 2017
December 16, 2017
Day 34
Selena Davis Still enjoying the hospital amenities. In a holding pattern until the blood culture results come in. Might need more antibiotics or reduce the current ones. Pics won’t post from the phone so adding those tomorrow. Today’s lunch was mashed taters and yummy jello. Follical challenges have begun. Thanks for my current and future …
December 16, 2017
December 15, 2017
Day 33
He rode the stationary bike for awhile today until he got tired. He got some whole blood today since his red blood count dropped.
December 15, 2017
December 14, 2017
Day 32
Selena Davis Posting for Kenny: Still captive at the hospital. Temp is down to 100.3 (still not as low as it could be but out of the danger zone). He’s feeling a little better tonight but being held for blood culture results and being given antibiotics and fluids. Keep the prayers coming!!! Very appreciated and …
December 14, 2017
December 13, 2017
Day 1
Day One started off really well. I was so tired from driving the day before that I got a really good night’s sleep. Since I’ve never been to the Nashville VA Medical Center, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. As far as facilities goes, it looks a little more dated than most of the …
December 13, 2017
December 13, 2017
Day 30
Selena Davis Posting on behalf of my brother, Kenny. Got IV fluids today. Also a shot to boost his stem cells & white count recovery. Maybe platelets tomorrow. Still on liquid diet for now.
December 13, 2017
December 13, 2017
Day 31
Selena Davis Posting on behalf of Kenny: Busy day today. At my clinic appointment that low-grade fever spiked a little bit so they ordered tons of tests and asked me too show up twice daily just once. They gave me antibiotics and I also got my platelets today. Despite that, the fever persisted so the …
December 13, 2017
December 11, 2017
Day 29
Another uneventful day, more or less. Stopped by the clinic, had blood tests done. White counts finally bottomed out, red cells stable, but lost half my platelets overnight, so I may have to get some soon. Also, some stomach pain so they want me to do a 24 hour clear liquid diet. 1/2 way done! …
December 11, 2017
December 10, 2017
Day 28
Another day. Appointment kept, labs okay and levels dropping as expected. Took a bath this morning that expended all of my energy. So I laid around most of the day, trying to keep up with food & liquid intake. Good news is, only 4-5 more days of this before levels are expected to start going …
December 10, 2017
December 9, 2017
Day 27
Today my counts are continuing to drop as expected, so that’s good. I still have a pretty good appetite, though I’m feeling like NOT eating more than I feel like eating. Trying to keep the protein up though. Doc saw me today and ran down the list of fun things that could happen, but I …
December 9, 2017
December 8, 2017
Day 26
Felt a little better this morning after some sleep. Made my appointment, Donna said “boring is good”. I must be good. Did some walking at WalMart today, took a nap, sat in traffic for a few hours picking up Josh. Tired. Just tired. Got home at dinner and had a second wind for a bit, …
December 8, 2017
December 7, 2017
Day 25
Was dragging a little this morning after a rough night with broken sleep. Selena got me to my appointment and we had some blood drawn, which will be the standard for several days to come. The lab results showed I needed some fluids, so I was put on a 2 hour IV drip. Thankfully, the …
December 7, 2017
December 6, 2017
Day 24
Well, here we go. I was released from inpatient status after the transplant since there were no complications or fever from the procedure. The doc did remark that I smelled like sweet corn. I was expecting garlic, as that’s a common side effect of the preservative they add to the frozen stem cells. My BP …
December 6, 2017
December 5, 2017
Day 23
Selena Davis Today was Transplant Day!!! Kenny has passed the baton to me (one of his younger sisters) to post the day’s update. We started the day with a quick coffee and then headed to the VA hospital to get settled in for transplant day! There was a changing of the guard (caregiver) as Kenny …
December 5, 2017
December 4, 2017
Day 22
Not too much exciting happening today, it was sort of a rest day but still had to drop in the clinic to get my blood tested. Everything came back as expected, so I continue as planned with the stem cells tomorrow morning. I’ll be admitted to the hospital for this, the whole thing only takes …
December 4, 2017
December 3, 2017
Day 21
Day two of chemo went without issue, more or less. I have felt some pain in my stomach, but it comes and goes. I think I mentioned ice yesterday – Here’s a picture of me eating ice. For an hour and a half. Again. Glad this part is over. My sister Krystal accompanied me today, …
December 3, 2017
December 2, 2017
Day 20
Well, today was the big day. Pretty much went as advertised, got to see the weekend nursing staff as well as one of my doctors before chemotherapy was administered. Nothing new here, which is a good thing. There are of course several potential nasty side effects from the chemicals, one of which is terrible sores …
December 2, 2017
December 1, 2017
Day 19
Today I got my PICC line, so it makes it easy for the doctors to give medicine and take blood for lab tests. It’s better than the central line that was in my neck, but it don’t really like it either. Plus, now I can’t go swimming. 🙁 I was surprised that the VA contracts …
December 1, 2017
November 30, 2017
Day 18
What a day – started off a little iffy – really feeling the effects of my BP now – it’s always been a tad high, but since I’ve been off my meds (when I got sick) it’s not been treated and I think it’s starting to wear on me. It’s on the agenda to discuss …
November 30, 2017
November 29, 2017
Day 17
First day back to the transplant unit, did some lab tests to make sure I’m still viable. Everything should be okay, nothing’s changed as far as I know, followed the rules etc. Finally met Dr. Chin (only part of his name, there are about 30 more letters but everyone calls him Dr. Chin). He was …
November 29, 2017
November 29, 2017
Day 16
Back in Nashville after a long day driving. The trip was uneventful which is good. I did take a small detour to visit one of my Ham Radio friends in Clarksville TN. Wish the windows opened in my hotel room, I’d have dropped an antenna wire out and brought the HF rig. 🙂 I did …
November 29, 2017
November 27, 2017
Day 15
Spent the majority of today packing and loading and all of the other sundry tasks for the road trip tomorrow morning. Still have to cut the fudge though, and load the refrigerated items. 🙂 Had our neighbor’s boy Camden (10 yrs) watching the animals while we were gone, he left a little note. 🙂 How …
November 27, 2017
November 26, 2017
Day 14
Slept in late today, a little grocery shopping, thrifting, and a quick visit with family. Ran into a friend at Goodwill – good to see Julie again. That pretty well sums it up. 🙂 Looking forward to getting it all together tomorrow so I’ll be ready to hit the road early Tuesday. Good night!
November 26, 2017
November 25, 2017
Day 13
I’m getting caught up, posting an update on the same day! 🙂 I’ll be leaving out for Tennessee again in a few days, and my checklist is coming together nicely. It was good to have this little break and be even better prepared for the next leg of this journey. Robin will be home for …
November 25, 2017
November 25, 2017
Day 12
It occurs to me that some folks may not be following the “Day” format here. I’m using this naming convention to signify the day since I showed up for my initial transplant appointment in Tennessee. There! Now you’re caught up, lol. 🙂 I’d like to keep up where an update is posted the day of… …
November 25, 2017
November 24, 2017
Day 11 – Thanksgiving
I napped on & off throughout the day, I think there must be something in the stem cell collection process that zaps your energy. Still slept through the night too. It’s so good to be back home, if only for a few days. It’d be appropriate to list a few of the things I’m thankful …
November 24, 2017
November 23, 2017
Day 10
Travel day. We left Nashville at 4 am and arrived home at 3 pm. We were blessed to have very little traffic, at least until Milwaukee. Picked up the mail we had on hold at the post office and unloaded a few things from the car. All of our animals survived, thanks to our neighbors …
November 23, 2017
November 21, 2017
Day 8
Sometimes, you just don’t know what might happen. Today I was scheduled to get my ‘line’ in the neck so make the collection process easier. It was rather uneventful but I do not like it one bit, as evidenced in the featured image. Robin & I had no longer gotten back to the room when …
November 21, 2017
November 21, 2017
Day 9
The final results are in for phase 1. The folks on the transplant team were all excited due to the high count of stem cells collected. They took some more labs and they also came back good, so they pulled out that annoying neck line. And that made me happy! After patching up my neck, …
November 21, 2017
November 19, 2017
Day 7
After a good night’s sleep, woke and made my appointment this morning. Still had to pry open doors at main entrance of the VA hospital. Alternatively, I could have followed the sign’s instructions to walk around the building to the emergency entrance. I’m a rebel. Robin stayed at the parking lot to gather more acorns …
November 19, 2017
November 18, 2017
Day 5
Meant to do this last night but was really tired. Didn’t really sleep well, so now I’m really, really tired. Uggh. Got my first set of shots yesterday, didn’t really bother me much but I did feel warm last night. Temp is normal. Gonna run downstairs to see if I can catch breakfast. Might update …
November 18, 2017
November 18, 2017
Day 6
Day two of shots went well, almost no traffic at the VA. In fact, had to pry the sliding doors open at the main entrance just to get in. Weird. On the way out, Robin found some tiny acorns she can use in her artwork and jewelry. Got a good nap in, then spent most …
November 18, 2017
November 16, 2017
Day 3
No appointments were scheduled for Wednesday, so I dropped off my stuff at the clinic and Robin and I headed for Murfreesboro to visit a few clients I hadn’t seen in awhile. Also visited with Joshua for a bit. Made it back to the Homewood Suites in time for the evening ‘social’, aka free food. …
November 16, 2017
November 16, 2017
Day 4
Most of the results of the previous days’ tests are in. Looks like this transplant will be moving forward. Donna, our Nurse Practitioner that the VA lured away from Vanderbilt’s transplant program, spent a good hour going over the procedures, side effects, benefits, etc., and answered our questions. So tomorrow I begin the series of …
November 16, 2017
November 14, 2017
Day 2
A few more appointments left me slightly radioactive. I guess that let’s them see things better when taking pictures of the heart. Not to worry however, I’ll be back to normal within 24 hours. David Banner usually didn’t take that long. Maybe gamma rays work differently. My second appointment today was with a VA social …
November 14, 2017
November 11, 2017
T-Minus 18
Yikes – controlled chaos. But just about ready to sack out and get a few hours before taking off in the morning. Prayers for safe travel are appreciated. Also, please share with anyone you think would be interested. I’ll try not to bore anybody. Like now. lol….
November 11, 2017
November 10, 2017
T-Minus 48
Lot of stuff on my list got done this morning, mostly outside stuff – raking leaves for the chickens to compost, ensuring warm drinking water for them in freezing weather, etc. Inside, checking and rechecking security camera email/app alerts, setting up animal care, last minute packing etc. Got most of this done, then it starts …
November 10, 2017
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