Monday, 7.14 Wrap-up

To summarize today, it was 'pick day'. We continued to get the pick aligned properly, X-Ray to confirm, then Mom started getting platelets early this evening. Mom tried to walk down the hall with Sally before the pick line came out a bit. Every time that happens we have to get the dressing cleaned up (often times changing clothes too).

The highlight of the day may have come this morning from Dr. Ganguly. Walt got into a funny conversation in which the doctor talked about having a hike on a saddleback mountain in Washington (to be fair - we're assuming it wasn't a huge hike) with some colleagues. He said when he got to the top he realized he was the only one with a tie on. That pretty much summarizes Ganguly!

We also started bringing in some food from the outside today. We got the idea as there's a gentleman tending to a loved one down the hall who we have affectionately dubbed 'Mr. Food'. You literally never see the guy without McDonald's, Starbucks, or some other local eatery in toe. Apparently it's ok if we go get it from area restaurants and home. She got a Mr. Goodcents sub from Walt for lunch, and homemade beef soup from Grandma for dinner. The homemade soup was a real hit and I'm sure tasted even better coming from Grandma. That made the breakfast error of her omelette coming loaded with cheese a distant memory. Her neighbor to the south, Dayla, brought a basket of goodies for visitors. Unfortunately Mom's temporary crown came off while munching on some Tropical Mike and Ike's. So we're going to get in touch with the dentist to see about gluing this back down and ensuring we're safe from potential infection there.

She also talked to an AML survivor who had a donor network marrow transplant, which did a lot for her. It's one of those things where none of us have a 'roadmap' (thankfully the staff @ KU Med has seen all of this before and has been amazing). So when you hear there are people that have successfully gone through it, it's an amazing reminder of what we're working towards.

Afternoon visitors included: Terry Hudson, Sally Beal, Peggy Morgan, and Kurt Parrett. I also omitted earlier that Trish (sister), Walt, Grandma and Grandpa were all here. Kurt's going to be helping out with the business including some of the billing. Walt's staying tonight with her as the comfort Mark provided during the middle of the night pick line incident was very comforting.

One thing Mari started here at the house that everyone will appreciate as 'Mom' is a dog log. That's right. We now have a calendar to log when Hayward and Daisy get fed and walked. It's good stuff to ensure they're in good hands.

Tomorrow Annie and I will be heading back to Chicago, and I'll be back Friday while Mark will be back early next week. He left today. So I'm going to do my best to ensure this blog continues being updated b/c Mom sees comments like Janet and Robbie having a 'virtual cocktail' and loves to see it. You all know how much she values your relationship with her, and now more than ever it keeps her spirits high. They mean a ton.

Before I go, a brief note to Mom. Mom, we are all here for you to take care of things so you can focus. Continue as you have to take things not just one day at a time but one task at a time. By looking at the task immediately in front of you and knowing that the staff has the overall plan in-place, you will be giving your best every single day. That's all you can do.

WE ALL LOVE YOU.