Back In

Well, we returned to the hospital yesterday, to the familiar fourth floor. New room this time on the other side of the hall and closer to the elevators. It's not a "positive pressure" room which has a little anteroom, so the door just opens out into the hall. I'm not really sure why so many people keep their room doors open. For the semblance of company I guess. But walking down the hall and looking at a bunch of strangers' butts hanging out the back of their hospital smock doesn't make me feel better which is the whole reason we're at the hospital anyway. The people that should be exposing their butts are the ones that are already getting paid for it, and I'm not seeing them on the fourth floor at Cedars. Rosina has a very nice selection of tops and sheer pants that she uses for pjs. She looks good.
She was at the hospital for so long last time we practically had a kit going in this time. All the pictures for the walls were together, all the bedding was packed up, we know exactly the right water bottles that are good for drinking in bed, and where the microwave is. Unfortunately, there are also many other things that she is familiar with, like someone trying to draw blood and having a hard time poking her arm, having a bunch of simultaneous IVs, taking a variety of drugs for a variety of symptoms, and the general overriding idea that you're there to abuse your body in order to keep it going.The comfort of knowing what to expect is easily countered by the dread of knowing what to expect. Luckily, this stay is much shorter and the chemo is given in a broken pattern that may be a bit easier.

Rosina will be needing blood (and platelets) again. Her type is A+. If you are so inclined to donate you can do it at Cedars as a directed donation in her name. I believe the Cedars blood donation center is listed in the links on the right. There was a great turn out last time and she was able to use only blood that had been donated for her. It's a nice feeling, and maybe it means you're all related to her now. But we already knew that.


The month at home was nice with more visitors and some good weather. This past week, our friend Zélia has been here from Brasil, and that has been great. We had a fun music night here last week with lots of singing and multi-generational playing. Over the years we've assembled more than a band's worth of instruments in the living room so it's great when they get used.

Thanks for all your help and if your interested in making food for Rosina - she has a fridge!

I love summer and I hate to see it go.

xo
ph