Day Plus Ten

I am going to quit telling you that Jody is doing well. Jody is an awesome woman... Jody is doing great so call... Her cell phone is not working so well in the room. so call the room. (303-869-1517) If she does not answer in two to three rings, she has gone to the bathroom or a doctor/nurse is in the room. There is no message machine. Jody's cell phone does not work as well, so she can not call you from her room and her room phone will not allow her to dial long distance. She loves the attention and encouragement.

Jody called about 7:30 am and told me her ANC has continued to drop. She is at 580 and her platelets are now at 45. This will mean they can stop the LOVENOX shots (see "Day Minus Two")... it is a good thing.

I have a lot to do today. I am trying to prepare the house for when Jody can come home and I have some wash to do, so this will be a short post.

I do have some pictures for you, so enjoy.

Jody's in her new hat

I like this one the best! What is your vote?

Jody's friends Chris and Steve Reiser, sent her two-new hats. Jody loves them! She still has not lost her hair, but they say when it goes, it goes all at once. I am taking a vote, which hat is the cutest. Let us know... I all ready voted.

Does anyone have a suggestions on where the buttons should be (see first picture)? Jody is a little un-sure.

I promised her I would shave my head!

Here I am with my head shaved. The next door neighbor brought over his clippers and we did the deed. Jody is of the opinion I look like Daddy Warbucks from Little Orphan Annie. No comments please, it will only give her more ideas.

My head was cold,  I borrowed one of Jody's hats.

Before her chemo she was always cold and now she is warm, so she keeps the room around 72 degrees and my head was getting cold.

I decided I needed a treat tonight, so I decided to pick up dinner at 17th Parallel and bring it to the room with me. P17 is well known for their Vietnamese cuisine and as you all know i like to eat. So I ordered my favorite soup/salad "Pho" pronounced FUH. It is a broth with slices of beef or ox tail in it. You add various sauces to make it sweet and spicey, fresh herbs, rice noodles and bean sprouts... it is very good. I got to Jody's room around 6:00 pm and she had ordered chicken fingers and french fries. 

Jody was aching for company so I spent the night in her room. Saturday nights are usually pretty quiet at the hospital. We were able to bring a cot over from our old room for me to sleep on. We both fell asleep aroung 10:00 holding hands trough the hospital bed guard.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

John F. Kennedy (1917–1963)

Day Plus Nine

Jody just called to say, she is now "Neutropenic"... HO RAY!...  I guess? Anyway remember the chart I put up on "Day Plus Seven". It talked about Neutropenia and what it meant. Jody's white cells have dropped significantly, which means the chemo has done its thing and she is highly susceptible to catching colds and viruses. So if anyone is sick and plans to visit please do not. It is not that Jody does not love you; and does not want to see you, it is that if she catches so much as a cold it could be devastating. She now has no way to fight anything, her immune system is gone. (Remember if you can not read the poster you can click on the picture and zoom in...)

The other day a good friend Cinda dropped by to visit. For those of you who do not know Cinda, she flew with Jody at Eastern. Cinda went on to join Frontier and Jody went to United via Kiwi Airline. She gave Jody a beautiful collage of their life together and Jody, had me mount in at the head of her bed. Jody really loves it...

Check out the Hair Do's

For those who are wondering how the garden is doing... I am feverishly pulling "Dead Heads" (Jody calls them "Dead Beats"... we all know she is a little crazy... "Hon, I think you are referring to people who do not pay their bills and not the tops of the flowers... OK Hon..." ) Here are some pictures.

Notice the Egg Plant in the picture to the right. I was just out looking at the plant and I have two "gi-normous" (it is slang for very large... Jody wanted to know what JAH_EYE_NORMOUS meant... ain't she cute!") fruits growing on it... Trudy, eat your HEART out!...  Love you guys...

Jody continues to tolerate all the bad stuff the doctors are throwing at her. She got up, walked a mile, ate breakfast and talked to Joe (her father) on SKYPE, which by the way continues to amaze him... I mean the SKYPE part. (Jody's SKYPE ID is Grimm5838@gmail.com) Jody also continues to amaze the doctors with her progress... We are not completely out of the woods until "Day Plus Twelve"... The BMT Team doctors think that if she continues making this kind of progress, Jody might be able to go home in a week. At that point we have the next one-hundred days to contend with, but it would be so much easier if she was home with me.

Everyone knows how Jody is always thinking about the comfort of others and much to my chagrin I am trying to get her to work on letting others care for her. Like when I am in the kitchen and she removes a hot pan from the burner, Jody feels the necessity to come clear across the room to tell me to be careful and not touch the stove because it is HOT. Let me tell you... if I touched the stove and burnt my hand, it would be the last time I touch the stove. "I learn very quickly!" In the same sense Jody is of the opinion that nobody can clean and organize like her, everything is in its place, labeled and folded exactly right. Jody has begun to tell me (via the phone) how to clean and organize the house and where I should put things. Jody says "you will forget where you put things". Well now let me tell you... we live in a small 1400 sq.ft. townhouse and there are not a lot of places to loose things, "If I forget where I put it, we will find it... I guarantee it." For those who are wondering why I am going down this path, it is because her comment helped me determine my quote of the day. It has to do with unnecessary acts, thoughts, etc., so enjoy.  

More to follow...

“A man should take away not only unnecessary acts, but also unnecessary thoughts, for thus superfluous acts will not follow after.”

Marcus Aurelius (121–180)
Roman emperor

Day Plus Eight

We had a nice rain last night and all the flowers are up and looking beautiful. My flower (Jody) has been sleeping in a little, so I am holding off contacting her this morning. Last night we changed rooms, after inspecting several opportunities she made a decision. Jody is now in room 3307 which is across the hall from our former room. The windows face to the east so she will get the morning sun. The big deal is she can see the tops of a couple of trees as opposed to an air conditioner. Her  view is still basically looking at the side of another building... Jody is happy!

Just talked to Jody and she reported she slept like a BABY in her new room. AH... AH... AH... (come on everybody) she is my baby...

Jody's ANC has dropped to 1050 and her platelets have moved to 77 (we have to be real careful not to get a cut now), indicating she is still dropping. Her energy levels still remain high though, so go figure. She is a heck (trying to remain PG) of a gal!

By the way... for those sending cards the address remains the same. (see post "Day Minus Four") You do not have to use the room number. The mail you have been sending is reaching her and she loves to hear from you. However her phone has changed, it is now 303-869-1517. Jody's cell does not work so good in the hospital and this room has a little less reception than the old one. Do not forget we have SKYPE. Call Jody first to be sure her computer is on. Jody is very animated and it is fun to talk with her when you can see her on the computer. The reception is not great so sound comes and goes depending on the time of day and speed of the connection.

Today's blog is about friends. Jody has so many friends out there, everyday she is getting cards form you. Thank you so much for al that you do, it really picks her up. This brings me to the quote of the day... I have to give credit to Jody's dear friend, Judy Baker of Tampa, FL. We love you Judy!

"Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there."

by Unknown Author

Day Plus Seven

Yesterday we met with the doctors on the BMT Team and asked them why Jody's ANC count had leveled out and stopped declining. Our concerns were that something was not happening and that should be happening. I am sure the doctors deal with this everyday.

Jody and I were told that we need to let the doctors know if anything, no matter how inconsequental, happens we need to let them know. They (the doctros and the nurses) have made Jody and I concerned about all kinds of aches, pains, and germs. We are constantly looking for changes to her body, and are cautious about everything. So we always ask questions... lots and lots of questions.

Dr. Matous informed us everything was going to plan. He told us that Jody's ANC may not drop to zero and her platelets may not go below a 100. It was OK if it did, but it may not.

The best way I can describe it to you is there are two intersecting lines... One is her ANC going down and the other is the donors cells, which are kicking in and going up. Once her cells get down to a certain level and the donor cells begin to take hold her ANC will again begin to climb. I know it is confusing... let me just say we are still on target. Jody's energy level is holding up for now, but it is due to drop and she will have to fight back. Jody and I are prepared to fight.

Jody's ANC is at 1155 and her platelets have not really changed and she is having another good day.  I just arrived at the hospital (3:30 pm) and Jody has walked her mile... OK mile and a half... Her appetite continues to be a challenge but she is working on it. Her weight has continued to drop.

Jody told me Dr. Matous saw her earlier today and said she is an awesome woman. (We knew it all along, it took him a week to figure it out.) I am dealing with her ego now.

Surprise, surprise, Jody has started a campaign to get her room (upgraded) changed. She has figured out that on the other side of the hall the windows face east and she is convinced the rooms are better. The nurse stopped by to say she can move tomorrow if she still wants to, so she is all about her move. She wants to call in "Two Men and a Truck" moving company.

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Day Plus Six

It is a beautiful morning!

Jody awoke in good spirits, took her shower and is looking at the menu... News Flash! Jody's ANC is now in and we are at 1462 so we are continuing to stay flat. Her platelets are 100, so they too are staying level (this is what determines if she needs to get the Lovenx shots). We are questioning what this means? Jody is doing quite well and continues to tolerate the drugs.

Jody's PA (physician's assistant), Bryce Younger stopped by to assure us the nader (the rate of ANC drop) is different depending on the type of chemo protocol. In Jody's case she had Fludarabine-Busulfan (Flu-Blu)and the nader is typically 10 to 14 days to drop to zero. Her last chemo was on "Day Minus Two" so she is currently at 8 days. That means "Day Plus Eight" through "Day Plus Twelve" should be the worst. Bryce tells us everyone is different and we all know Jody is different. ( I love you honey...)

Hey everyone! I meant to tell you we are on Skype, the connection is OK. If you want to connect send us your number or call us and let us know you are on and we will call you. Anyone who is not on Skype; Skype is a free program that connects computer-to-computer via the Internet using VOIP and if you have a camera attached to your computer we can see you and you can see us. It is real easy to use so you non-techs can do it too.

I have a couple of pictures for everyone...

Local talent I found at the nursing station.

Kami and Jody

Here she comes!

She has to walk 46 times up and down the hall, to walk a mile. She is a pro at this from all the years pushing a beverage cart down the ailses... "Coffee? Water? Please remain seated... Out of my WAY! you BO ZO!"

Rounding the corner

I caught Jody eyeballing the exit sign.

Someone come quick, she's trying to escape!

There she goes... Cute butt...

This is a woman on a mission. "I have no time to talk... I am on number 45... " I think I saw her smile as she turned the corner...

"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside."

Denis Waitley
Financial, Professional

Day Plus Five

I have not heard from Jody yet, but that does not mean anything. I am staying home this morning to do some housework. I am hoping to hear from her soon. Sleep is tough to get at the hospital, so on the chance she is sleeping I will wait until I hear from her. I will keep you guys posted.

I have thought about the quote of the day. I just had a nice conversation with my youngest son, PJ. Much of our discussion dealt with being happy. He wished me Happy Birthday, and I responded that I wish him happiness. The conversation was a bit more convoluted....  I am happy all of my children are healthy, as well as all my grand-children. I am happy that all of Jody's friends are happy and sending us happy thoughts and prayers.  Jody called to report the doctors were happy with her progress so as a result, I am most of all happy that Jody is doing so well at "Day Plus Five"...  So today is all about happiness!

Today is a good day, so everyone feel free to call. Jody is a little tired because her ANC has dropped to around 1,300. Remember she is headed to zero real soon.

I arrived at the hospital around 4:00 pm to find Jody doing great. We talked for awhile and then ordered dinner. Jody asked me to spend the night with her, so I made up the cot. Love to everyone, I will write more tomorrow.

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."

- Buddha

You have to really think about this quote a little... then it hits you... Oh, Oh, if I am happy and I share it... it will not cost me anything... and someone else can be happy too. Whoa! that's a thought... if people are happy good things happen to you... and you never run out of being happy... Happiness attracts happiness, right? I could go on forever...

Day Plus Four

Day plus Four and things are still going smooth. We woke about 6:00 am when her night nurse came in to check her vitals ( vitals is when they check her heart rate, blood pressure and temperature). Jody is having a little upset stomach and her skin has become sensitive, but otherwise she is tolerating everything quite well. Her platelets continue to drop, and we are expecting to see a big change in her ANC today. Day plus Five and Six, we were told, should be the beginning of her struggle  and Day plus Six through Twelve is when she should begin losing her hair.

Today is much like all the other days, Jody will watch TV, walk the halls, maybe do some reading and try to entertain herself and get through the day. Your calls and letters help, they distract her and help time pass.

She wants to know if she will ever be beautiful again?

I caught her in a smile...

Jody keeps asking if she will ever be pretty again. I keep telling her she's the most beautiful person in the world to me and I am the only one who counts. I know you all will agree...

Here we are together...

Here we are...

This is our before picture as we enter our second week. Gee, I can not wait to see the after week two picture! I know my children are all excited. Shannon (my oldest) says she is liking the "Hair Cut". I have been cutting my own in preparation and Jody is coming around to letting me cut her hair. Don't we look "purty" (that's Kentucky for beautiful)? 

I decided to go out for lunch, so I went across the street to Thai-Basil". I love the food there and I can find a quiet booth to sit in near the window. Jody eat some Baby Gouda cheese, crackers and a high protein drink for lunch, so we are both content. I am sensing a nap coming on, but what the heck aren't I always...

Well the ANC came in about the same as yesterday, however her platelets are continuing to drop. Tomorrow we should see a difference.

It is me! in my Birthday Boy gown...

I spent the night last night so we decided I should go home and get some rest. We had a nice dinner together. I loved all your phone calls wishing me Happy Birthday. I love you all, I just hope I can live up to all your expectations and do a good job taking care of Jody. Thanks!

Good night, see you tomorrow...





A very dear friend of Jody and mine sent me the quote of the day...

"Our love is the unfolding miracle that expands our joy to include our pain."

Alla Bozarth-Campbell, PHD