Nosh On This

Sunday, June 15th, 2008

Father’s Day

Hello to all who are still reading this blog for updates on Gary’s health. He was admitted on Friday, the day after Elijah graduated from middle school. As I have mentioned previously, the even and odd cycles are different chemotherapies, with the even being slightly shorter, but the cumulative effects are taking their toll both physically and emotionally. He had some anxious moments today. Doing some clock watching, and concerned with the passage of time. He asked for and received some medication for anxiety. Later in the day he was a bit queasy. The medical team always tells him to stay ahead of the nausea, but I think he waits too long and tries to tough it out, but eventually he gave in and they pushed some Zofran through his IV. He had visits from his brother, my folks, and my sister and brother in law in addition to Elijah and me.

He wants so much to be the guy with the great attitude and the smile on his face, but you can see it becoming increasingly more difficult for him. Oddly, the more I see him like this, the tougher and stronger I seem to get. I know that together we will have the strength to get through this. As if we have not asked enough of you already, please keep Gary in your thoughts and prayers.

To my friends and family, supporters, purveyors, donors, and the community at large, I have not thanked all of you properly yet, but will think of some way of doing so for the out pouring of generosity, not just from the benefit, but from the way it has become almost like a movement, from west coast to the east coast and in between, we are overwhelmed by our blessings.

Love to all,
Jo-Ellen

June 3, 2008

It is 2:41 a.m. and I can’t sleep.

I watch Gary sleep, curled up and looking comfortable, but his coloring is off, very pale, and it is probably from the treatments he received as an outpatient today. Once again, he was able to escape a blood/blood products transfusion today. We go back on Thursday when he will probably need blood. Many of you have asked if he needs blood donors, but we have not been asked by the hospital at this time. Thanks to all of you who have offered.

Sunday, June first, Gary walked one mile in the Gathering Place Race for the Place. He ran the 5K the first six years the race was in existence, yet this one mile walk was a greater achievement. My mother, who is 76 years young, as well as my niece Ariel, walked along with him. Elijah volunteered at a watering station. It was quite emotional for my family, mostly in a very beautiful way.

Elijah has jumped into the cancer cause with two feet. He worked at the relay for life at Beachwood, and will be working the one in Mayfield June 13th. He is also a team leader for the biggest fundraiser of the year for the leukemia/lymphoma society, called “Light the Night” in September. It would be wonderful if any of his friends would like to walk for his team at that time.

Gary was supposed to begin cycle four of his treatments on Thursday, June 12th, but we have requested that he not be admitted until the next day, as Elijah is graduating from Middle School on the 12th. We do not want him to forever associate his big day with his dad going into the hospital. We are told that one day won’t make any difference in Gary’s treatment.

I just wanted to let everyone know about the powerful events happening in our lives. I never understood when I would read an article where someone spoke of the positive ways that cancer has touched their lives. I do now. The outpouring of generous acts of kindness and goodness, from rich and poor, from friends and strangers is a most profound experience. I will write even more about this at a later time, but sleep seems to be creeping up on me.

Love and thanks to all…
Jo-Ellen

May 29, 2008

To our loving friends, family, community and supporters,

I must tell you that I am overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed by cancer, by chemo and it’s effects. I am overwhelmed by the loving spirit and amazing attitude of my beautiful, even while he is bald, husband. And I am most overwhelmed by your commitment and support of Gary, Elijah and me through this tremendous battle.

Yesterday, Wednesday, May 28th, Gary finished his third round of chemo. This was a most difficult round that sapped his energy and introduced nausea associated with treatment. My rock, my sister Susan, brought Gary home and stayed with him until I got there, as I had a work commitment that I wanted to fulfill.
Elijah is on a class trip to Washington DC, and we are thrilled that he was able to get out and enjoy himself for a few days.

I will try to update you on Gary’s status more often. He is fighting the good fight, and he would not be able to do this without all of you. To Segula, and Cathy Bloomfield in particular, I had no idea people as innately good as you existed, let alone as my boss. I love you, and I don’t say that lightly. I have learned so much from you.

I want to also mention how wonderful our spiritual and religious leader and home, Rabbi Eric Bram and Suburban Temple Kol Ami have been and continue to be there for us in very way.

Loree Resnik, your halo is shining it’s light on us!

And my last shout out is to my homies, Mindy, Beth, Tebby, Judy, and even through her own grief, Stephanie.

We feel so blessed. Love to all.