Today's update

Another one from Mark today:

"Sawyer went to bed last night feeling a lump in his throat and woke up a bit flush with a small rash on his arm and a rapid heart beat. The attending doctor and nurse didn't seem to be too overly concerned about these developments, but it is something they will keep an eye on. His prednisone-induced cravings have not let up. This morning he reportedly downloaded an app of recipes and cooking ideas. He now has a short list of 35 recipes that he would like to try when he gets home. As he explained to the nurse, he is going to have a bit of free time on his hands over the next six to eight months so he may try taking up cooking. Today's obsession remains seafood. We plan on going to the local 'crab shack' with a couple good friends this afternoon. If the restaurant is too busy, we will have to get the meal to go.

Around 11am this morning Sawyer received another dose of chemo and had the needles removed from his port (i.e. he was de-accessed). It's the first time he's had all the needles and tubes removed from his port and it made him feel a little weird. In fact, he noted that he was feeling a bit anxious about being reaccessed on Monday before he leaves and twice a week for the foreseeable future. He acknowledged that this was the first time he has expressed feeling anxious about his situation. The anxiety didn't last long due to a timely phone call from a young lady that he was friends with in elementary school and hasn't talked to since the fourth grade. They chatted for over an hour which included lots of laughs, memories and catching up - just what he needed.

That's about all from our temporary home in Rochester. We hope to Skype into the Stacks for Sawyer event tomorrow and to be back in Alfred soon."

Mark and I feel a bit anxious about losing the safety net of the hospital by having Sawyer come home but the staff have repeatedly told us to call with ALL questions and concerns. They have a number to call that is covered 24/7. We know the first week we'll probably be overly conscious and worried but will settle into a comfortable routine thereafter.