Two steps forward, you know the rest

It's been a while since I've jumped in to offer updates. Mostly, that's because we seem to be in a hailstorm of a thousand little things that need doing. Then another big thing came along and it's kept me hoppin' faster than an Easter bunny on steroids. Actually, John is the one on steroids at the moment. That would be because of the "big thing" that developed over the weekend:
John has pneumonia.
OK, news junkies, you are right: The editor buried the lead. I have no excuse, other than incompetence and exhaustion. But hey, as I always love to say, everybody needs an editor!
So the details, quickly: John developed this strange little catch in his throat, or so it seemed, over the weekend. But he was breathing OK, didn't seem to have a fever, and had no chest pain. When Nancy Johnston stopped by on Sunday, however, she expressed concern, and it was just enough to get me to call Harborview. Given no other alrams, they foisted John off on his primary doc. A call Monday didn't get me through the bureaucracy (note to self: be the "b" you know you can be when your instincts say it's required). We did get in yesterday morning (Tues), and the doc took one look at John (who was by then very sick and weak) and said "You look terrible! What happened?" She instantly suspected the culprit and called for an X-Ray. Bingo. Lower left lung involved. Fortunately, it's caught fairly early. John got a couple of quick shots, I beetled to the drugstore again and got more drugs. The pharmacist at Fred Meyer has been a prince. Note to all of you: If you are sick and taking a bunch of drugs, know those pharmacy persons well. They are, I think, best informed about drugs, interactions, side effects etc.
This morning John is much better -- not gray-green in the face as he was yesterday, and he just sneaked by on his own to retrieve a latte that Viki brought him. Speaking of whom, thanks to her and to Fred V and Mo and Trish for being stand-in nurse-watchdogs this week. It's a huge help, hugely appreciated. Thanks, too, to Lori and Jim for the delicious dinner, and to Char, the queen of Southern cooking, for all the luscious grub we've been enjoying. Thanks, too to the Kennicotts for the bountiful basket. With all of that, and our stash of soups from my magazine pals, I have to say, John's been at the feed trough pretty regularly and happily for much of this ordeal. He slacked way off Sunday, but has come back nicely since last night.
We have two appointments tomorrow to see if the meds are really knocking the pneumonia (all signs good today), and to check the Coumadin and related blood-thinning issues. A lot of little things that add up and fill the day.
But we are moving forward. That is what matters.
Friends and family, you're the best!
P.S. To my fellow members of The Order of the Claw: once again, your gracious support shows itself. You can bet I will use that gift well. It is much needed, and much valued, mostly for the friendship it represents. And soon, we must convene! I expect to get caught up on all the good dirt. . .