25 May Update

Hello Everyone,

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...


Thanks for the encouragement and support.

Love,
Jamie