This blog is made available so that the friends and family of Stefan can get updates as close to real-time as possible and leave comments and funnies for Stefan to read at his leisure.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Captain Stefan
Hey Captain,Getting all the updates from Jamie so I know better how you are doing as before, when we were talking mostly about Slo.... (stop I don't want to mention this word) or about Vic.... (hups , that is the other one I don't want to mention). It's really a shame, that it would took a couple of hoursto see you in Detroit.But I fear even if I would make it, your bodyguard would not let me in, because I've got my spring time flu. Anyway - I hope you are doing well and my thoughts ( and the ones fromyour friends in Germany and Europe) are with you. When I'm in Detroit the next time I'll expect a long trip on lake St. Clair, tasty snacks and a lot of full and empty bottles ;-).CheersLudger
I know it has been a couple of days since you heard from me, so I thought it was best to send you guys an update before my cell phone starts ringing off the hook again! Stefan went into the hospital on Tuesday for his chemo treatment and was sent home yesterday afternoon. It was relatively uneventful (which is a good thing). So far, the worst side effect he has is fatigue. He gets tired very quickly and needs a lot of sleep. Please, if you visit with him in person or by phone, try to be aware of any clues he may give that he is tired. He is not talking very much right now anyway while he heals.
Did I tell you they removed the trach tube on Monday? It is good news but it takes a lot of effort for him to speak until the wound heals. The doctors said it would take 7-10 days for that heal. Several people are able to stay in contact with Stefan or send short messages through text messaging to his cell phone.
Now that his chemo treatment has started, we have received some new "rules":
He is not to be in the general public, or in large groups. We will be playing that safe and try to be in much smaller groups.
He is not to be exposed to children under 12, cut flowers, fresh fruits or vegetables.
Nobody should be around him if they even suspect they may have something (like a cold or the flu). I am going to set up a table by our front door with antibacterial hand cleaner (suggestion from a family member who has received chemo). When people come in, they can use that to clean their hands before visiting. Please, no kisses to greet Stefan. Handshakes are much better for him right now (especially right after you use the antibacterial hand cleaner). I think that is all...