Day 38
Deb seemed to have a pretty good day today, all things considered. Because of her current viral status, the poor thing has to stay in her room with the door closed, except for her laps in a gown, gloves and mask. All the staff that comes in must gown and mask up, which makes for little socializing, which is hard for her. Deb did 18 laps today, which may be a record, and is probably induced by the clostrophobic conditions she now contends with.
The cold is no worse, nor any better. But it is staying out of her lungs and that is our biggest concern right now. Her rash continues -- but not as "angry" as it has been. It still goes from her ears to her ankles and itches like crazy, but she is getting used to it. You have to see it to believe it. Deb has had to endure a lot, but she is haning in there.
Deb actually had 3 meals today -- a breakfast and lunch from the tray. They are now making a custom breakfast for Debbie ( a cheese omlet and a blueberry muffin) which she is says she likes. She had a tuna sandwich for lunch, which she also liked. Frankly, Deb has been so gastronomically traumatized while at HUP, that not so good stuff looks real good to her. Like yesterday, I went over to the campus food court and found some nice raviolies, with tomato sauce and cheese for her dinner. She ate all of them and enjoyed them.
We did a few more laps after dinner and Deb was getting ready to settle in for a movie before bed. The DVD player and the Netflix are filling that space after dinner and before bedtime when Deb was getting lonely. Thanks to Jess for that.
Deb received 15 cards and 1 package today which really brightened up her day. We thank you for that and hope that they can keep on coming until we get out of there!
Deb will have some visitors tomorrow -- in full banana gear -- and I will be off from HUP because of PM office meetings.
Deb sends her love to all.
posted by Joe @ 8:29 PM
13 Comments:
Dear Deb and Joe
I gotta tell you I am so proud of all the laps you had done.
Golly Deb you are eating better than me,I like that.
I'm praying the rash takes a hike.
Lotsa Love and BIG HUGS
Your Aunt Angie
Hey Deb--here's hoping we can come visit on Friday, banana gear and all!
You know how much I admire your courage!
Love,
Cathy
Hey Debbie:
Sounds like you are getting more exercise than me but that would take much. My walking buddy just headed south to work on her sabatical in Honduras by way of a 2 week stay in Chile. She is determined to hit every spanish speaking country and I think she will make there very soon.
The kids send their love, and baby calf Star says moo! Dave spent some time bonding with her today. What a crazy hobby!
Love to Joe and hugs to you.
Luv...Eileen (cuz)
Hi Aunt Debbie. I'm happy to hear that you were able to do so many laps today. I think the secret to your sudden improvement is the cool yellow outfit. Admit it...you've always secretly yearned to be a banana! I am a bit concerned about your recent food choices, though. You're actually eating hospital food? Maybe that rash is affecting you a little more than we thought!
I'm happy to hear that you are in good spirits despite the new cold. You have gone through so much. I am still praying for a quick recovery and a release date in the near future. Enjoy your company tomorrow!
Lisa
Deb,
I hope you are resting in your soft comfy "jammies" watching a funny movie. It is nice to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you will be going home soon. You certainly have had your share of "bodily issues and insults"! When you are home and settled, I will come and visit and tell you silly little NPH/CMMC gossip and we'll have a good laugh! Keep up the laps in your yellow "track suit"
As always, I am thinking of you and wishing you all the best, Love Jilly
Good Morning!
I'm going to try this again, last comment I tried to post didn't work, which is a shame b/c it was pretty clever if I do say so myself. Oh well. You know, all those years you spent working in the hospital and you never knew you could make a special request for your meals!!! Glad you've found something you can keep in! Had lunch with Jess and Christian yesterday. She made a very good quiche (I don't like quiche, but I tried it anyway to avoid being rude, and it was really good!) Christian was very interested in what the cleaning lady was doing... I never knew vacuuming could be so funny! I hope the virus clears up soon so you can be back to visitors again! Sending positive energy your way all the time!
Jenn Kelleher
Hi Deb!
You will soon be back in Kansas, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home" :) Glad to hear you are holding your own. Joe sounds less anxious in his daily updates. We are so glad you are making progress. I was talking with my lovely wife at dinner last night and reflected on my 6 month stay in the hospital. She reminded me that for most of that stay, I was missing in action. :) You have been acutely aware of all, during your challenge. We are very proud of you.
You have been a perfect example of endurance, character, and courage, for all of us. We love you from the bottom of our hearts.:) May God continue to give you strength, and hope. Talk to you tomorrow. Love Artie
You go girl,wow ...laps are us ...what a woman! we are all proud of your fighting spirit!! I'm sure it's only a matter of time now and the big break out will occur..here's praying...Great news from Mo about Bob ,thank God!!now lets hope her shoulder is O.K. today's the day for Dr. W..fingers and toes and eyes crossed. I see Gratches' partner tomorrow and to tell you the truth if he said, "I'll take you in now", I'd go in a heartbeat..we'll see.I sure hope the itchies get better ..have you tried an oatmeal bath..I sometimes took 2 or 3 a day when my Psoriasis was at it's worst it really helped..at least you'd have something to do if you're confined to your room..exciting thought isn't it??just hoping to help..ate Mac n cheese in your honor last nite ..loved every minute of it and thought of you with each bite(we ate that at Bellevue every nite when I was at nursing school..they left the makings in the kitchen of every floor in the residence, along with PP&J and a huge loaf of white bread ..it was all never ending ..we could blissfully eat all that 24/7and never worry about gaining weight ..aah, those were the days) pardon the bit of nostalgia..my old age is creeping up on me when I least expect it,what in heavens name does thaat mean??? hope to see you very soon my lovely take care and God bless:)Bev
Hello Chizzie and FOD's-
FOD's - Just got off the phone with the big banana herself and so wanted to report in. It was brief because she still has her cold and is coughing like crazy. So crazy she was up all night! (Don't you hate that happening to our gal?) She did manage to sleep from 6-8 she thinks because her nurse Charlotte had to come in and wake her up this morning. She's showered and Charlotte had just arrived to hang some platelets to beef her up.
Her spirits were terrific as always (isn't she just the brightest and best gal you know?) We talked briefly about the stem cell deal and how tickled I had been to see Pammy's post about sending hers in.
(I'd like to give a big shout out to Pammy here! We hope they like your stem cells too, sweetie! Just so you know Pam, your big sis has taken the printout of your post and hung it on the wall of her room. She plans to show it to the Great Dr. Oz the next time he pokes his head around the curtain!)
Her reverse isolation continues - (what a drag) and she said her WBC is still 0. She agreed that they really must have zapped her this time and is feeling very positive about the outcome.
I didn't get to ask about her rash because and we were so busy talking about Michelle Kwan and skating. We also talked about Dancing with the Stars and made plans to watch it this evening.
We didn't get to cover the People's Choice awards or the Hillary Swank/Chad Lowe split. Oh, Chizzie - did you hear that Angelina is pregnant???
Well, I just thought you guys might like a morning update. Now, I have to run over to Joanne Fabrics to pick up some yellow material to stitch up the Bananarama costumes for the male chorus line at the Cosmo Bash. Wish me luck!
P.S. Mo - That is terrific news about Bob! Hope he's feeling okay. I loved the joke - my wicked step mother is having eye surgery next wk. I can't wait to lay it on her!
Artie - we have never met and I hate to pry - but you sound like a man who knows what our pal is going through. Six months in the hospital! And now listen to you! God bless you for helping our friend out. I look forward to shaking your hand at the Cosmo Bash.
Love you guys - K
Wow Deb, eighteen laps.. i hear that is how jackie joyner started..although she wore blue...
Got the am update from kris..sorry about the lack of sleep and coughing. hope you get some rest today..
i'll talk to you tonight, have to go to work with the K's ..mdf
Debbie,
Sorry to hear about the rash, hope it clears up soon. On the bright side... 18 laps? They should call you the walking Lance Armstrong of that wing, jk. Get better and sleep tight!
xoxo MegNoon
Debbie & Joe,
I just heard about your ordeal from Barb Wiley. I am so sorry that you have to go thru this mess. I have been reading all the entries and your ups and downs, Debbie you are some woman. I admire your strength both physically and emotionally. You are an inspiration. I will pray for you both.
This blog thing is great. Now I can keep up with your progress without putting extra strain on you to respond. I will keep you in my prayers and God willing you will be home soon.
Love,
Karen & Kevin
Hi again, Debbie from Patti and Suzanne...we are encouraged by today's Blog and so proud of the spunk you are showing. Our love and prayers are with you and your family,always.
By the way...Bananas in Pajamas are coming down the stairs,
Bananas in pajamas are coming down in pairs...we had a singing banana in pajama doll at one time...might have to find it, sterilize it up, and send it...kidding!
Hope that today has been a better one for you. Much love...P and S.
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