Hi everyone…Jan invited me to post on her spot a David E. Anderson update in my own words…so here goes an autobiographical effort which will fall far short of those gifted works composed by John Adams and other notables.
I spent a large amount of 2015 as a guest of St. Francis Hospital and its auxiliary institution, St. Francis/MT. Sinai rehabilitation. Both places are in Hartford. I suspect; however, that my illnesses began a good deal sooner than they were diagnosed. Since the fall of 2014, I had been really dragging and suffering with back aches; thus in the first half of 2015, I had made several visits to my GP (4), Cardiologist (2), Neurosurgeon (1), and back specialist (1), plus many sessions in physical therapy, all in search of a diagnosis and/or means to jump start this old wreck.
The bad good news bad news came to me all on July 20. First an early morning call from my GP stating that the most recent blood scan showed an alarmingly low hemoglobin count and that I was to report to an emergency room immediately.Coincidently, Jan called to check up on me right then. After I allowed that I had to drive myself to the hospital, she stated that was not going to happen and that she would take me. Sit tight was the word; she arrived in short order.
For a variety of reasons, I decided we should go to St. Francis. At the emergency room after no wait and super quick analytical tests, the probable situation was stated to be 3 compressed vertebrae (which I knew about), exacerbated by multiple myeloma (bone cancer), and kidney malfunction brought about most probably, by the bone cancer which was giving all forms of red and white cell production instructions. After I somewhat cheekily asked the neurologist why he was bothering, the doctor said all was not lost, to hold on tight and that we would see what progress could be made.
With the bolstering of old friends, family, great people at Home Depot, and doctors, progress we have made. After leaving St. Francis on October 23, quite a stay huh, I have been rehabilitating under the care of my good sister Janet and her husband, Dan. The sons Anderson have made several visits back east and have been, individually and collectively, sources of great comfort. In fact, I think this past Christmas spentmainly with David, Tyler, John, Will, and Will’s spouse, KA,was the most peaceful and fulfilling a holiday I have ever had.As a further note about food and company, past Christmas eves I usually contributed something to the meal, my sister Janet always having been the mainstay. This year she did most everything, hosting a very tasty smorgasbord; the following day we all joined Janet’s in laws, Debbie and Donald Platz, for a super Christmas day meal and gathering at their home.
These days, I am getting around with the assistance of a cane and/or walker. My reliance on oxygen tanks to produce hemoglobin and energy is greatly reduced and the doctor is weaning me from that support over the next couple of weeks. I am not driving but hope a decreased reliance on pain medications will allow me to do so in the next few months. All and all, things are looking up. and strangely enough, when viewed from some of the earlier- in- life perspectives which were held so strongly by me, I have much for which to be thankful.
Should the moment strike you I can be reached at 860-214-5349; deawlpro@gmail.com; 202 Skinner Hill Road Coventry, CT 06238
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