Update from Tom - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2009 03:37 PM, CST

[Guest guest]

I guess it's always a good sign when things are so quiet that I don't have to update this journal every day.That's largely how things have been for the last week.

Overall, I'm doing ok. I'm still fighting pain issues, anemia, fatigue, and a lack of stamina, but I'm in much better shape than I was even couple weeks ago. Everyone keeps telling me that I look great. I'm ALWAYS willing to take those compliments. And, I guess I do look pretty good, if not a tad under-nourished. The thing I struggle with is that despite outward appearances, there is still a long way to go in this process. I don't know how to communicate that effectively. Those factors I mentioned above can get pretty severe at times...particularly the pain. I would have hoped that all that discomfort would have disappeared by now. Although I may look healthy, I'm still in a recovery mode and will be for some time. Not complaining here...just being realistic.

I visited the transplant ward at town last week during my regular visit. It was great to see many of the nurses that cared for me for those weeks. They are a special group of people--I have never seen such a dedicated group of health care professionals. They told me that I'm welcome back there any time, but preferably as a visitor, not as a patient!

Work is ramping up, and now that we are into tax season, my big challenge is to keep from overdoing it...much easier said than done. At least I'm able to put in several good hours every day. Everything will get done...I just need to be smart about it!

To send a message to Tom, Kathy and family goto;

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/thomasbutler