People are saying, "I read the blog and it's great to be updated, but how is Joseph doing? And how are you doing? And how are the kids?" I guess it's true, I have a fact-recording tendency, while Joseph is fascinated by the process and data.

So, how is Joseph? Up until a few days ago, he was bored, which was a good thing. But then after the transplant, his counts started dropping and he began to feel the effects of the chemo. He only sprouted one sensitive part of his tongue, which is great. Sometimes folks break out in terrible blisters all over their mouths, causing pain while eating. Instead, Joseph has developed those blisters in his gut, causing a more southern pain. He also has been experiencing strong waves of nausea throughout the day. Both the pain and the sick feelings can be subdued with medication, and being with him during these cycles, I can tell that they work. He is functioning at a lower energy level than usual, but that is to be expected with his low blood counts. He takes a couple of naps during the day now, and feels refreshed afterward. He continues to eat his meals, even if he doesn't feel like it, as Dr. Tuscano said that he'll get out of there faster if he eats.
Joseph has developed somewhat of a reputation among the nurses in the ward.  They call his the "fun room" because he continues to keep his spirits up and is quite friendly with everyone. He asks them personal questions about their families and hobbies, and they start to open up with him. He hardly ever rings the call button, so they think he's a quiet, low-maintenance patient. They sort of beg for him to need something so they can feel productive. It's funny. The nurses are also amazed that he is out of bed as often as he is. He rides his bike every single day, no matter how low he's feeling, and he sits at the window reading or working on the computer. They comment on how he never watches TV, but finds other things to do to fill his time. They are impressed with the active role he's taking with his healing.

The kids...Because of the wonderful help we've had at home, first Kim and Michelle, and now my parents, the kids are having a great summer so far. Lots of special outings and love. Because of Face Time and me coming home each night, they feel better about the whole situation. Zoe still asks questions that show she is worried, but once she is reassured, it's okay again. They've made a huge calendar of June to help see time passing. Every day they get to cross off, means one day closer to Joseph coming home. They draw pictures for him and then Joseph colors and tapes them to his walls. They're remarkable, sensitive, intuitive kids. And they're ready to see their dad again.

How am I? Sometimes stressed out. Sometimes on autopilot. Sometimes tired. But always happy to see Joseph, and sad when I leave him. The hours spent in the hospital room are quiet. I draw and listen to NPR. I read to Joseph, and sometimes rub his back. We share meals together and chat about the kids. We sometimes touch on how this experience will change him, change us. We always end the evening in his bed, watching one of the BBC shows on the ipad. Right now it's The Murdoch Mysteries. We cuddle and wave goodbye. I use the drive home to process the day. Cry if I need to, or sing, or shout.
 And so it goes.