I wanted to update everyone and let them know that Tyler is home from the hospital. The stem cell transplant and 18 rounds of chemo and the past few weeks in the hospital has left him beyond weak. Now it is time to recover at home. He came home to me being able to worry about him even more. I am now his nurse 24/7. We were told that you cannot leave him alone because he needs constant care. We are exactly 20 minutes from the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Even though he is home, he is literally always in bed. He is extremely weak, and must be watched closely for fevers and signs of infection. Getting him to eat is a daily challenge. He smells everything and it is hard on him. I don't wear perfume or hair spray but he still can smell the soap from a shower. It makes him sick to smell the normal smells around him. Did I mention how hard it is for him to walk? Ty is down to 174 lbs. (this is on a 6 foot 1" man) and I promise that I'm feeding him. He has zero appetite. He can't tolerate anything sweet. So I am cooking and trying to just get him to eat. His feet hurt (all that chemo and they are both numb and hurting. His legs hurt. His belly hurts. His mouth hurts some but not as bad as previous treatment. He sleeps most of the days but trys to stay up as much as possible. He tries to get up and walk up and down the stairs at least twice a day to regain some strength. It is a BIG deal for him to get the energy up to take a shower. Each day we have to flush the ports in his chest. We go to the hospital the day after Christmas and will go weekly to make sure all is well.
So after a transplant you have 100 days constantly in your mind. That is from the day from your transplant. Each day is counted and by day 100 you are ready to be tested and they will have some indication if the transplant worked. Yes, we have no idea. It is such a mental game. Did they get all the cancer? Many tears are shed during this hard time. I know that Tyler is constantly in fear that it has not worked and he is enduring this for nothing. I know this is so hard for him and I just keep reminding him of my great FAITH that he is going to be fully healed. That is the ONLY way I can go forth. I want my best friend better. I know Heavenly Father is helping us on this journey. I have so much gratitude that he is alive and we have EACH day together. I am so thankful that I get to serve him and my family. Yes, I would do this for the rest of my life happily. I truly feel the spirit in our home. God is felt here with my sweet husband and I feel peace. Never take one day for granted... your health and tell your loved ones every day how much you love them.
(christmas two years ago)
I am so thankful for the neighbors and friends who are supporting us. I got gifts in the love box that literally made me wept. I can't wait until I can do the same for others again. I know when Tyler is better I am going to volunteer and make sure I am doing more to serve others. I want others to feel the love and support that I have felt these last few months. One day a pizza was in the love box. It came on a day that I was just scrambling and didn't have dinner prepared and it was overdue. I just can't tell you how much it helps to know others love and support you in your time of need.
So right now, I am home and taking care of my cute bald husband that I adore. If I leave him, I have to ask someone to come and be here with Tyler. I know this Christmas is going to be so special because he is at home.
I just wanted to share that a friend of mine, lost her 32 year old husband his past week. It has been hard for me to think of what she is enduring. She has two younger children and this was unexpected. He was in the hospital and they thought he was doing better and was going to be going home. She left the hospital thinking all was well, and then he died within hours. I simply can't imagine. I know that this is going to be a very difficult journey for her and the family. I kept thinking of her and how I know as a scrapbooker she is going to cherish the memories, the photos... that she has taken the time to document their life. I want her to know that because of HER, I was inspired to do a book this week. We simply don't know what each day holds for us. I decided to do a book for ME of just my relationship with Tyler. It's called US. I will be sharing it, because I know that it's important to WRITE THINGS DOWN. Take photos... tell the story, and if and when the time comes we have a keepsake to cherish. I love you sweet friend.
I am truly thankful... I am so thankful that I get to talk to my sweet daughter McKay on Christmas day. The missionaries all get to skype and call home. I am just so excited.
I love and adore her!!!!!!
