On the Home Stretch

It's day 78 since Arnie's stem cell transplant. We were told to prepare to be in Seattle for 100 days post-transplant, so we are definitely on the home stretch now. Arnie continues to do well and there have been no major medical changes since our last note. He will admit to being a little more tired these days. He experienced late onset fatigue after all his previous cancer treatments although the current drug regime can also be a contributor. Our goal is to balance rest and activity each day. Sometimes we are successful and other times..... Arnie's clinic schedule for next week looks quite busy, filled with pre-departure medical tests. He will be checked from head to toe before we get the OK to return to Saskatoon.

Swine flu was definitely in the news here the past two weeks. Vigilant as ever, the SCCA clinic stepped up its infection control practices. They cancelled all patient and family classes and classes at the Hutch School. To protect patients, caregivers and families, they also increased cold and flu symptom screening of every individual entering the clinic . This week, everything will return to normal as the number of documented flu cases in Washington state remains low. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.....

Arnie's brother Gene arrived for a visit last weekend (May 1st to 3rd). Gene has been living in Dubai for the past couple of years, working on major off-shore construction sites with J. Ray McDermott International. It is always so interesting to hear his stories about life overseas and his work as a safety officer on off-shore barges in Malaysia. The weather here had turned cool and rainy but despite this Gene, Arnie and I walked many miles together. His visit passed far too quickly but Gene's time at home is very limited and there are many friends and family in Canada to see.

A few days after Gene's departure, we had a visit from Laureen and Danielle. Laureen is a landscape architect working out of Crosby Hanna's Regina office. She was in Vancouver for meetings and drove to Seattle for a short vacation with her friend Danielle. Unfortunately, the weather continued to be very cool and wet during their visit. Undaunted, Laureen & Danielle toured many of the city's parks, the floating bridge and the locks between Lake Union and Puget Sound. We had a rainy rendezvous at Gasworks Park one afternoon. Arnie and I hope to visit a few of the sites they recommended if we have time before we leave.

This morning, Arnie and I took in a walking tour of public art and architecture downtown. One percent of all new building construction in Seattle is spent on public art. There was so much to see: interesting buildings, the Freeway Park, public sculpture and artwork. The blown glass pieces by Dale Chihuly and other world class glass sculptors took our breath away.

Thanks to all for your notes and prayers.
Happy Mothers Day!
Arnie & Brenda