Breaking Out of Prison!

It is Friday June 8th and Joanie is finally temperature free, and breaking out of her prison cell at the hospital. Congratulations JOANIE! I know it has been a long week for you and Joanne, but thankfully it is done. Worked with Elaina today and told her all about this incredible experience so far! Thanks to Elaina for introducing us to Edith, and in turn we have been enriched by getting to know Joan! It is really difficult to actually convey all the emotions of this experience unless you have been a part of it. On Sunday I return to Baltimore to continue the third part of this adventure. Joanne and Atom are lovingly going to take me to the airport. Looking forward to seeing Joanne tomorrow for service!

June 6, 2007

Today is early release. Gordie is home from school and I am on my way to be there by noon. Jess is having her closest friend over and is excited about that. Gordie and I decide what the title should be (baby sitter (no) helper (no), okay how about "My Parent's Assistant"? That seems to stick. He and his friend are very respectful. So let's look at the laundry. Only some in the washer, but lets look around. So, so, so many towels. That is the task. Let's get them all washed before Greg gets home. Tonight is the Spirit Game and he will be home early. GOT THEM DONE! Gregg is taking the friends home, and on time for the GAME! Have a great night!

June 4, 2007

It is Monday and time to help to keep things afloat at the Titus Home. Gregg has asked to go shopping when Jess gets home. No problem, but where is the list? ONLY three things: Whole milk (for Gordie), dish washing detergent and something for dinner! Are you sure you want Jess to come (ha, ha)? We have returned with many, many more items! So you are having Boston Market for dinner. Gordie just wants whatever with KETCHUP! Jess has created a concoction for Teddy. He is exhausted from his trip to the Bread and Buiscuit! So Dad is home and hungry. Time to go! See you again on Wednesday!

June 1, 2007

Forgot to mention that last night we had our final hair cut. Joan wanted the closest cut we could get. I have to say that it looks really cute! It is the shortest haircut she has ever had, but Bob and I thought it was great. Today is our last day with Joan and we have prayed that all goes according to plan. No fever so far, and she has been incredibly strong. So, now we go to a new phase. This morning she finds out from Korinna that she will receive a bone marrow shot each day for 7 days. This is scary to Joan, but once again is brave. We are documenting it by pictures as well.

It is Friday already and we will leave tonight. We feel it is not time to leave, but Gregg and Jessie will arrive around 5 and we will leave at 7. The side effects have kicked in from that shot: bones hurting, little rash and slight temp.

Greg has jumped right in to ice Joan down. He has been incredible in jumping from working man, dad, husband, and caregiver all in one. Hat's off to you Greg!

May 31. 2007

It's a new day! Joan has to take a shower and is doing incredibly well! We have enjoyed our time and conversations with her. She is so brave and such a fighter. She has been almost doing a 50 yard dash around the room. So same routine but now we have Don as our shuttle guy. I am very specific of our needs. Joan has Korinna as a nurse and really likes her because she gives the information needed. Again needs fluids because of that UTI that won't quit, but she is strong and wants whatever it takes. We will be back in a few hours. Joan insists we go and do something so we venture to the waterfront. Have to say the weather has been wonderful. We went to Phillips Restaurant which I highly recommend. Thanks to Don, he picks us up at the glass mall and takes us to the hospital to get Joan right on time and back we go with the same lunch menu! Today we will have another hair cut and celebrate that we are at 50 for the white cell count. Joan has this ritual (knock on wood, whatever looks like it (ha, ha).

Tonight Joan finally feels like dinner! Room service: Filet mignon (medium) baked potato, and asparagus! She loved it!

So let's add to the humor. Bob was on the phone working, and Joan was on her 150th trip to the bathroom, and I took the tray outside. OF COURSE, the door slammed behind me. So here I am knocking calling to Bob who can't hear me and Joan is in the bathroom. Finally, Joan comes to the door and can't contain herself as to how funny this is! So another day!

May 30, 2007

A new day, and waking up to knock on the door. They are bringing bandaids because Joan decided to shave her legs! Thankfully not bleeding too much. DON'T SHAVE!!!! It's a new day and we start with our menu: Smoothie first, then mini bagel with cheddar cheese cuts melted, and a new addition orange juice with calcium and vitamin D. Need to wash her hair in the sink because her head it so itchy! Guess it may be time for a new haircut as well. Guess we will do that later. Shuttle is reserved for 9:45 and Bob comes with us today. We go to HIPOP instead today and have a nurse who was miserable. Bedside manner was lousy. However, Joan get's a surprise visit from Dr. Brodsky. She lights up because her confidence level in him is immense. What a great bedside manner he has. So glad I have my camera to capture the moment. He tells her that everything is right on schedule, and guarantees she will get to the levels needed. Once again liquids, and Bob and I wait in the hospital cafeteria. He does his work on the phone and I eat at Subway. So, back to Joan and the white cells are at 310 yahoo! So back to the hotel and repeat our lunch. Don't forget the Root Beer which we bought a case. However, IT DOES NOT TASTE AS GREAT.......

May 29, 2007

It is the first trip to the Weinberg Building. The shuttle is ready and Joan and I venture to see how it goes. Bob stays to catch up on his oncall that brought him back at 4:30 a.m. Now we find out how this week's procedures will go. First put on your mask Joan. No germs allowed! Shuttle awaits downstairs (oh yes, we have Philip). First check in whether IPOP or HIPOP and I don't mean House of Pancakes at the Weinberg Building. Don't forget your orange card. First is weigh in, then the blood is drawn. Now you are assigned to your cubicle with fluids. Not sure how long yet, but I will wait. I finished the US magazine, every last detail (never do that) and listened to IPOD. Yes, we are excited because today Joan's white cell count has dropped to 1600. So let's celebrate! We are going to order lunch from the Deli(her first time because not feeling up to it). Turkey, cheddar, mayo on white with root beer.

Okay, so we have a list to go shopping. Smoothies(vanilla preferably), water (lots of it), and wait a minute there is a call coming in ("I just had the greatest drink in the "world", please, please get ROOT BEER!").

Today Joan has asked for me to be a hairdresser! You don't know what you can do. Thanks Joan for trusting me with your "crown of glory"! About three inches of hair is gone, and it looks good too! Stage #1 and all is going well.