Day 41: Dem Bones...

Richard continues to get a little stronger each day. Today he had blood drawn, a visit with the doctor, and a 3-hour arredia infusion (to ensure continued normal bone functioning). He deserves the sleep he's getting in the picture here. [The flash went off and he *still* didn't wake up.]

Richard's bones continue to be a theme in our life. Because he has severe osteoporosis due to the multiple myeloma, his bones are easily fractured and broken. Collapsed and fractured vertabrae are what first alerted us to a problem in May of 2005; over the next several months he fractured his pelvis and ribs. Last Sunday, ten minutes after I left for a work retreat, Richard was pressing down on something and he felt a pain in his chest, and heard a crack. We think his sternum is fractured. He had an x-ray today, and we will get the results soon. However, there's really nothing to do except to let it heal on its own.

Richard is also still suffering from an intense rash. The doctor gave him a pill to take, and that seems to help a little, but the constant itching is nerve-wracking. I rub lotion onto his back to relieve the itch. Maybe this is just a sneaky way to get a backrub?

Thanks for all your comments and encouragement. Cards and calls are always welcome.

Special hugs to good friends Kathy, Lisa and M'Liss, and a too-far-away hug to Gaylenintexas. Thanks for being there.