Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Gary is home!

I'm happy to report that Gary was discharged home Tuesday night from Columbia-Presbyterian.   Many thanks to friend JOYCE who went uptown to meet Gary, helped pack up the hospital room, and get a taxi home with him.  I met them at our apartment - with the air conditioner on.  (Suddenly it's very hot & humid!)

Adding to the good news...

Gary restarted radiation today, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering (MSK).  Even though Gary remains anemic and his immune system is weak, the doctors felt Gary was strong enough for two radiation sessions: today and tomorrow.  This is great news because it means that the underlying leukemia can be addressed again.

Resuming radiation carries significant risks and benefits.  The main risk is infection, such as pneumonia.  I don't want to sound alarmist, but the doctors informed us that radiation would not normally be performed in Gary's condition.  On the other hand, this radiation works for Gary.  So... though not risk-free, it has great potential.

Energy-wise, Gary is very tired both from the anemia and poor sleep while in hospital.  But there's no fever, and he's home!  We're looking forward to holding court again soon at the Firemen's Memorial in Riverside Park.

I have no new photos from today.  As consolation, I'm pasting one my sister took when she and her daughter visited the hospital a few days ago:

This photo was taken in the glittering lobby of the Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital. 
You can see from Ruthie's shirt how she and her mom had just finished the "Komen" breast cancer walk.   Yay!

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6 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 11, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    Wow! Welcome home, Gary! This next chapter must be a bit daunting but exciting. There is so very much to be gained. Way to go, Gary! Sending you love and tons of positive energy. Brian, your sister is adorable ~ much prettier than you, ha, ha, but you can see the family resemblance.

    XO to you both,
    Andrea

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    1. ShellySeptember 12, 2013 at 6:52 AM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. ShellySeptember 12, 2013 at 7:02 AM

      I second Andrea's comment! And those smiles are enough to light the world. You guys are the personification of renewable energy.

      xoShelly

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  2. KnatoleeSeptember 12, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    So relieved that Gary is out of the hospital and back where he belongs! I hope the radiation goes off without a hitch and soon gives him relief. You two are powerful forces to be reckoned with! As always, sending love and healing thoughts. xox

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  3. Laura PianSeptember 12, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Love the news and the photo of Brian and Ruthie... she is sweet as sweet can be! Keeping Gary in my thoughts, fingers crossed for an easy radiation treatment xoxo

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  4. joan goodmanSeptember 12, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    Good news and looking forward to more good news.
    Sending love, lots of it!

    Joanie

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Thank you for all your comments, which we LOVE to read!

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