Weds, 5pm

Not alot of progress this afternoon.  As far at this morning, those that worked with Anne said she did great (OT, PT), and that she was alert, but she has been junky ever since I arrived at noonish.  Eyes half open, zoning in and out, completely zonked out of it.

She's pee'd a couple of times but her legs and feet are still swollen.

I'm discourged because I thought things were going to take a turn for the better today.  So, I called for a review of her scheduled meds with the Nurse Manager.  She met with me right away, and the Dr. has approved changes. 

You see, just before we left Maine Med, like last Thursday night, Anne's pain med was changed, by the Palliative Care person, to a long acting (12 hr) oxycotton twice a day, rather than a short acting oxycodone as needed.  I'm thinking that this is catching up with her.  This afternoon she's hardly been able to speak, stay awake, or hold a bottle of water.  It bothered me so much I asked that they put the pain meds back the way they were.  So, she should be clearer tomorrow, and hopefully be able to ask for pain meds when she has pain, and ask for nausea meds when she has nausea.

Regarding the Care Coordinator (Edette Flaker) at Maine Medical, she has abandoned us, and will not return phone calls.  Same for the Palliative Care team I wrote about end of last week.  Edette said they would stay by our side, supporting us after we move, and follow us, rather they never materialized at all, not in any way, and only a point person (Katherine Addicott) ever showed up and only to appease me in a time of duress, till I agreed to let them ship Anne to a rehab facility away from MMC.  I'm done with them.  I don't know how they can sleep at night (in bed with the insurance companies maybe) but I wish them the best of luck.  They basically just bumped Anne's meds, and sent her on her way.    

Tuesday, 7pm

Hi Friends,

Today folks came out of the woodwork.  I had come here with Anne's coat and hat in hand, ready to move her.  I was sure she was in the wrong place, definatelhy not getting the care she needed.  It's too bad we arrived here on a weekend when the place was obviously shorthanded.  The first impression had alot to be desired.

Anyway, long story short, alot of good care came today.  Anne was up on her feet several times, and was given OT and PT while sitting.  The unsafe  recliner was removed today, and the best electronic recliner chair in the place appeared in the corner of Anne's tiny room this afternoon.  She's loving it.

Laurie spent alot of time in here today and I know her Meme loved that.  It is part of the reason we had so much success today.

Nursing managers and shift supervisors showed up to speak with me.  Speech therapists and respiratory therapists, along with dieticians came to see what they could do for Anne.  Heck, we even met the house Dr. Steinbreecher around 5pm (after I had gone looking for her), missing-in-action since we got here Saturday.  I liked her.

It's as if someone had set off an 'all points bulletin' around here, if you  know what I mean.  Something definately hit the fan.  All for the good.

With a little encouragement, the Dr. increased Anne's diaretic med so that she gets one 20mg lasix in the morning, and one at night.  She is encouraged to drink water throughout the day so as not to get dehydrated.  As a result of those things, she has pee'd several times today, and my hope is that the fluid in her body is being moved to where it needs to go, to her vascular system from her extremeties.  I look forward to seeing good results with this in the coming days.  Anne took some steps around the room today too. 

We had so many people coming here to help today that lunch never happened for Anne.  It got cold and she pushed it aside.  I went out and got her something else, and she never ate that either.

Tonight Anne had dinner delivered including chicken and mixed vegs.  Lo Mein on the side.  Apple crisp followed.  As usual, she only had maybe 5 bytes of the meal and covered it up, but she did a fine job on the desert finishing almost all of it.  It looked pretty sweet, and was covered in whipped cream, but miracles do happen, and she's been sleeping like a baby for the past 20 minutes now.  Oh yeah, she also polished off most of a glass of cranberry juice.

I think she feels quite accomplished to have done all the therapy today, to have been on her feet several times, and to have taken a small number of steps.  I am able to get her in and out of her chair or bed by myself now, she no longer needs two CNA's to help.

Progress is being made.  Feels alot better than yesterday.  Anne still sleeps, no pain on her face.  Maybe she'll be up for getting dressed tomorrow.  She'd be happy to do that.

1pm, Monday

Around lunch time I encouraged Anne to move.  I wanted her up sitting on the edge of the bed.  She did it, and sat there for maybe 45 minutes.  I think that is huge progress.  While I sat with her Chief Grovo and Tashia appeared from the town offices, here to visit her.  They stayed 15 or 20 minutes and Anne really enjoyed herself during that time. 

Then lunch was delivered and she got right to it, didn't need help.  She had some water, cranberry juice, chicken lomein, and orange sherbert.  She only had a bit of lomein and covered it.  Then she finished the cranberry juice and the sherbert.  She didn't have pain for some time, but when she said she wanted to get back in bed, and did that with help from the CNA, then the pain and nausea started. 

She hit the call button, then told the CNA she had pain and nausea.  Another CNA came a few minutes later and anounced that the nurse was at lunch and would be back in about 15 minutes.  She would leave a note right on the nurses station for her to come in.  I'm sure it's been 15 minutes now, and no sign of any meds.  Not sure it matters at this point, because Anne is fast asleep and in dreamland now with her mouth open.  Looks like a pretty good sleep.

Opps, the nurse just busted in and woke her up.  Anne asked her for pain and nauesea meds.  Her BP is 107 over 81.  Now she'll fall asleep again, then get woken again to take the meds.  Some time shortly after that the PT and OT people should be in here.

11am Monday

Mornin all,

Sorry for leaving you hanging yesterday.  I took the day off from writing to the blog.  I was here with Anne for 10 hours, watched multiple football games while she slept for the most part, but there wasn't anything much to write about. 

It's Monday and I came in before 10:30 in case Anne wanted to order lunch from the alternate menu.  She did.  We ordered the Chicken Lo Mein.  Ten-thirty is the lunch deadline, and 4pm is the supper deadline.  If Anne doesn't want what's coming automatically from the regular menu, she can order from either the American or Asian alternate menus.

Yesterday (Sunday) was quiet in here for the most part.  No PT or OT person showed up yesterday, or anyone else out of the ordinary.  We have not met the Doctor yet.  The name is Dr. Steinbrecher.  Danny and Darlene, Anne's brother and sister-in-law came in to visit and Anne was happy for that. 

Today Bobby and Deanna, brother and sister-in-law were here visiting when I got in at 10:15.  Anne was glad to see them, and she's been fast asleep ever since they left around 10:25. 

It's concerning to me how tired Anne is, and continues to be.  I've been told to have patience with this.  I don't want her to lay idle too long tho.  She moves between recliner and bed and it's alot of work for her to do that.  Some times she's too tired and not interested in moving.  This concerns me too, for the risk of bed sores and pneumonia from sitting idle.  I'll do my best to get her up, and sometimes into a wheelchair to give her a ride.  She hasn't been able to walk yet, and has been so tired she hasn't left this small room since we got here mid-afternoon Saturday.

The staff was clearly shorthanded here on the weekend, so I'm hopeful things will go better with the nursing aspect now that Monday is here.  Also, I have high expectations for the PT program here.  Yesterday we were told someone would be here this morning sayin "You're in the Army now".  But, no such thing has happened.  I hope they get some work in with Anne this afternoon. 

At this point, we're in a new place, and I'll remain positive, because I know that means alot to Anne and how she feels.

Not alot of news.  Thanks for being there, reading and keeping up with Anne and her progress.   

Moving Day, now 7pm

Hi friends,

Anne was sitting up when I got in at 10am.  Shortly after 12:30pm she was transported via ambulance to Springbrook Rehab, on Spring Street.

She didn't have any lunch today.  She requested nausea meds around 11am. 

Her feet have become swollen again since yesterday for some reason.  There is still alot of fluid in her legs.  We talked with the PT person and told her that was a major challenge, and an obstacle in her ability to get on her feet.  We have her feet up now.

Anne was evaluated by PT, OT, and RT (respiratory) folks here at Springbrook this afternoon.  Then she was very tired, but none worse for the wear following the transportation and interviews.  She's done amazingly well.

We like the PT person we met very much.  Lynne won't be working tomorrow or Monday, but somebody else will.  She gave Anne some excercises to do for her legs.  Anne is motivated to do these and get on her feet again.

Tonight the nurse served both of us dinner in this room.  We had chile, bisquit, cukes, and mandarin oranges.  Anne was clearly dissapointed when I said I didn't want to have dinner, so I caved and had dinner with her.  Glad I did, it was great.  Anne ate her chille, oranges, part of her bisquit and tried the cukes.  I cringed at the thought, but no frown on her face yet, and she's been fast asleep here next to me for almost an hour now.  Knock on wood. 

Prayers were answered today when she travelled well, moved well, and ate well.  Tomorrow she may be in street clothes.  She has alot of work to do and we hope they get right to it.  That's what she's here for, but we must keep in mind what she went thru this past 6 weeks.  Yesterday the palliative care person impressed on me just how ill she was last week, and that she was lucky to survive the staff infection.  She reminded me about the toll it takes on ones body.

Today I complained about the small room Anne is in here, sharing it with another woman named Beth, but Anne said "We'll make it work".  I concurred.  One day she might complain about something.  Maybe when she gets home she'll find something.  I can't wait.

Please pray for Anne to respond to the PT, and to gain strength.

She hasn't needed any meds since we left MMC.  Knock once more !!

Encouragement, finally, noonish

Hi everyone,

Yesterday was a terrible day, 'talking heads' all over the place, all day long, with Anne hurting in her chair.  But enough of that now.  Let's move on.

Anne spent the night in the recliner.  Her choice. 

Today I was so happy to walk in to a smile, and to see her toes wiggling, her feet slimmed down, and her legs noticeably softer and thinner.  It's been such a long time coming.  Looks like the night in the recliner paid off, big time.

She feels good, relatively speaking, but says her abdomen pain is a 5, and she took 2 oxycodone shortly after I got here.  I brought her McDonalds small Mango Pineapple Smoothy, one of her favorites, and she has taken half of it.  No pain on her face now as she sleeps.  She doesn't know it but she is awaiting Physical Therapy who will wake her and work her soon.  The nurse said it's good for her to take pain meds before working with PT.

You don't know the relief I felt today to see her slim feet and legs this morning.  I can't tell you how grateful I felt.  It's been cause for alot of discouragement for some time now, for both of us.

There was a team of folks in to see Anne (before I got here) today (snooze you loose).  Anne said they were called palliative (sp??) care specialists.  Anne tells me they spoke to her about managing cancer pain.  I'm thinking she was well enough to tell them how she's doing, but she actually said her room was full of these folks, and being that she has a huge room she had her hands full.  I'm sorry I missed it, but Anne asked them to come back to explain things to me.  The Care Coordinator had arranged for these folks to come in after I spoke with her and the doctors yesterday afternoon.  I hope they'll seek me out today so I can get their perspective.

According to Anne they still want her to be moved to a skilled rehab place soon.  I'm thinking she'll be able to start that soon.   

I was told insurance companies have alot to do with what hospital you're in, and what care you get, etc..  For example, the blood infection is gone so they want her out of here. 

Another example is how she'd like to go to New England Rehab on Brighton Ave.  We know the place.  She's been there before following her brain surgery, and, that's where she 'volunteers' with Dixie, our therapy dog, to visit patients on Fridays in the summer.  They know her there.  However,,,, there's a requirement that you must be able to do 3 1/2 hours of rehab every day, else you're not eligible.  She cannot do that at this time.  So, we have been told to pick from a list of other places, places we know nothing about.

Well, that's a quick update for this Friday.  I'll write more later.  She is better, but still in belly pain.  We'll be learning more about managing that, and I'm demanding guidance regarding her entire digestive issues.

Thanks for being there, and thanks for you're prayers.  We're encouraged today.  Anne continues to sleep soundly here next to me.

Ugh

Hi friends,

Anne has had another day like yesterday.  I can't sugarcoat it.  The nausea is overwhelming, and now constipation has made things worse.  Belly pain persists, and her frown. 

Anne was asleep when I got in at 11:30, and she slept till after 1pm.  She woke up miserable with belly pain and nausea.  She appeared unhappy all afternoon.  We realized she was constipated mid-afternoon and began to treat that.  I wasn't aware they had discontinued her stool softerner around Monday when she was having some diahreah.

She seemed in agony between 3 and 5pm, then all of a sudden, she was able to relieve herself and by 6:30 she was able to consider the menu.  Holy Cow!  Deja Vu.  Round and Round.  Up and down. 

I ordered again tonight for her because she wasn't really ready to think about food details.  She's getting a humus wrap, chips, strawberry yogurt, lemonade, cherrios and skim milk.  I suppose I'll label alot of that, and save it in the fridge.

While I was on the phone placing her order she asked for a strawberry shake.  They offerred instant breakfast, and she said 'no thanks'.   I went to McDonalds and got the shake.  She drank about 2 inches of that, and ate 4 of the fries I tempted her with by laying them on the tray.  Shame on me.  She's eating the humus out of the wrapper now.  No pain on her face.

I wish I could explain this roller coaster ride she is on. 

Today was her last day on anti-biotics for the staff infection.  Yeah !!  She's survived that.  Consequently, they're considering moving her to a Rehab facility tomorrow, for skilled physical therapy, to get her on her feet.  I balked at the idea because she is so miserable 80 percent of the time, in pain and using pain meds occasionally, along with nausea meds constantly.  They said her liver and kidney numbers are good.

I don't understand why someone with such special and unusual digestive issues is given the 'room service' menu to order from.  If we asked someone what she had to eat yesterday the only one who'd know would be me.  They aren't tracking that in any way.

It seems Anne isn't getting some kind of care that she desperately needs.  I discussed this with the staff today, including her doctor and the care coordinator.  We'll see what tomorrow brings. 

I'd love it if Anne was able to go to a Rehab facility tomorrow, I just don't know how she can with so much sickness, and not being able to walk 5 steps without being dizzy, with exhaustion.

She is enjoying Jeopardy now.  Dozing in and out of sleep.  She sure is a  mystery.  I wish the poor kid could eat and process it.

Down and Up today, ending on a good note

Hi Readers,

On my arrival today Anne wasn't feeling well, and she was said to have had a poor morning.  Feeling badly continued this afternoon.  She had a bad day yesterday, and bad evening too.  Her BP has been fluctuating alot today.

PT came and worked with Anne, from the waist down, at around 3pm.  Anne moved with help from bed to the recliner.  She said she got dizzy, and that her legs were 'tight', very shaky, and that she couldn't have gone any further. 

While in the recliner the Occupational Therapist came, for the second time now, and worked with Anne's arms as she sat. 

Then, all of a sudden, Anne turned into a 'happy camper'.  It was really nice to see her face with good color, a smile, and a twinkle in her eyes. 

Around 5 Anne started to think about food, and we ordered supper.  Her nurse gave her anti-nausea med thru the IV along with the diaretic (sp?).  Hopefully Anne can eat and not suffer tonight.   Will be great if she can stay on an even keel for awhile.

Well, success, knock on wood. 

Anne picked at her chef salad with some low fat ranch dressing.  She ate a fresh fruit salad and drank a chocolate milk.  Then she tried some of her cheese stuffed baked potato.  Walah@!  No pain, and she has fallen asleep in the recliner.  I will head home on a good note.  When she wakes up she get help to go to bed.  The nurse today Celina, did a wonderful job, and put alot of thought into Anne's meds, timing of those, etc..  We'll pick her brain and try to repeat the process. 

Hoping for a good night and good morning tomorrow.

Thanks for being there, for your prayers, etc., etc.. 

Dr. Ebrahim returns !!

This has been an off day for Anne.  She isn't feeling well and one can see it in her face.  She's had a questioning look on her face all afternoon as she looks at (or through) the television.  She has been in a recliner chair since I arrived around noon.  Now it's 8pm. 

We were so pleased to see Dr. Ebrahim return to work today after his mystery illness.  He visited with Anne and me, casually for at least a half hour, and as usual he pulls everything together for us.  He informed us about his absense.  He had a heart attack.  He's back full time, but he doesn't have to be 'on call', therefore no weekend or night work for the next couple of months. 

He told Anne that she is on the mend and that encouraged her.  He told us to not worry about the cancer treatments for now, not until she is up to it.  He, like me, wants her to concentrate on getting on her feet.  He told us her cancer has that specific protien that he had mentioned testing for a couple months ago.  With that, her treatments, should she have them, will change to a drug named Herceptin.  It will be mixed with something else to treat the cancer, and it is less harsh than what she has taken in the past.  It is new.  That also encouraged Anne.

Tonight there's been a big turn around in how Anne has felt all day.  At 5pm she requested pain meds for her belly pain, then she asked for nausea meds.  She got ativan for that and oxycodone for the pain.  Then she began to come around, talk, and smile some.  She was miserable all day, not talking much, and not eating at lunchtime.

She was up for talking about food, so I went thru the menu with her and she asked for egg salad in a wrap.  She wanted to pick at a chef salad so it was ordered.  She got some skim milk and I convinced her to try the apple pie.  She ate very well, some of each, and now she is fast asleep.  She enjoyed it, so it's a pleasant surprise that she isn't suffering now.  Yeah!! 

Jeopardy just ended, so I'll pack up and go home in a few minutes.  When she wakes up she'll get help getting back into bed.

It was a down and up day, ending on a positive note.

Sluggish today, Noonish

Hi Friends,

Yesterday I seem to have taken a day off from blogging.  I missed it.  It felt like I left you hanging.

For various reasons I left my laptop and shoulder bag in the car, in the parking garage all day yesterday.  I wasn't in too early because I had some help from Adam in the morning to move Dixie's kennel out to the front yard, where it now can sit in full sun on good days.  Anne's son Luke beat me in here yesterday.  I took him to lunch and then he left town for home in NY.

Anne is very slow to recover.  It is concerning.  She's clearly not happy when she's tired, and she's tired alot.  She's at her best after she's been able to sleep soundly.  I'm not encouraging any visits outside of family, and brief ones at that.  I've been here for an hour now and she has been nodding out the whole time.  I will sit quietly.  Bobby and Deanna were here when I got here today.

PT was here for a time yesterday afternoon, encouraging Anne to move her legs in beneficial ways.  Then the dietician was with her, encouraging her to eat more protien.  Then she slept nicely and had a pretty good early evening.  She had a banana, chocolate milk, and PB+J sandwich (1/2) for supper, had some pain, then later I left at 8pm, after Jeopardy.


A MMC 'care coordinator' called me today as I was entering the parking garage, then we met.  She's thinking about Anne's next move, whether she needs PT or Rehab, etc..  Once Anne is medically squared away they'll kick her out of here, and we'll want to have a plan for that day.  The care coordinator told me she hadn't spoken to Anne's doctor yet, so I suggested that she do that before we talk again. 

I'd like to see Anne well enough to get up daily, and shortly go to the Rehab hospital (if she needs it) on Brighton Ave.  Hopefully she'll be mobile by then.  It might be wishful thinking, I hope not.  I would not say she's improving in leaps and bounds, and she isn't very cheery today because she's tired.  As I may have said before, she says she wants to go home, but her hips, legs, and feet are still swollen, and she's not up and around in any way yet.  If I can keep her chin up, and keep her focused on 'today', then I think she'll get better.  To think too far ahead now would definately overwhelm her. 

It seems that just having to listen and converse with others is a heavy load for her at this pointin time.  She continues to sleep.  All good.

Late New Years Day, 5pm

Anne has done serious sleeping most of today. 

Last time she spoke to me she was concerned about her legs, with all the fluid in them, and that she can't do anything with them.  I bolster them with pillows, or move them around for her when she asks me to.  I told her what Dr. Evans said, that it would be a couple weeks for them to come back to normal.  I sensed some dissappoined in her, just a little.

I do my best to encourage her, and let her know she'd be like new soon.  It's a slow process for sure.  I'd be dissappointed too.

For lunch she ordered a banana, strawberry yogurt, lemonade, and vanilla ice cream.  She hasn't eaten any yet.  She's so tired, but she is coming around.   

Happy New Year, Noonish

Hi everyone,

(Aside - With year 2012 here, you might loose visibility to the end-of-year 2011 posts.  If so, just click the dates on the right hand side of the screen near the latest post, just below the pictures.)


I'm sitting next to Anne as she sleeps.  According to nurse Tai Anne had a good night.  I know she enjoyed seeing her son Luke who appeared out of no where yesterday.  A good thing...  Tai said Anne spent the morning in the recliner, and when I got here around 11 today she pushed the button and told the nurse she wanted to get back into bed.

Yesterday after having an uneventful lunch her supper bothered her tummy.  Just two bytes of caesar salad w/ a crouton, and one bite of baked mac and cheese.  That's all it took.  She had made a salad at home a couple weeks ago, and it worked for her, so I thought it might be worth a try.  She didn't ask for meds this time tho, she got thru it.  Tai said she had a couple bytes of breakfast today, and it was OK.  Then she struggled with a big potassium pill tho, and she vommitted.  He said he didn't think it was the food that bothered her, rather the pill and I agree.  She has a tough time with smaller pills anymore, nevermind the large ones.   

This eating game is just something Anne will have to live with I'm afraid.  She'll make choices.  She'll either make a science of it, track the good and the bad, and pay attention, or she'll eat what she wants, enjoy the moment, and pay the price.  'It is what it is', as they say.  I don't want to say much, cause I wouldn't want to walk a mile in her shoes.  Once in awhile you just want something.  She'll try, but when she wants something she can have it.

It's Patriot game time.  Anne and I usually set up and watch it together, but she could give a care about it today.  I'm happy to have the volume set to zero, and let her sleep.

Nice quiet Saturday, Noonish, New Years Eve

Hi there friends,

Last evening Anne took 2 Ativan for nausea around 7pm, and that was a good time for me to head home.  I knew it would put her near dreamland. 

Around noon yesterday I had given away my ticket to the Celtics opening game last night, so I went home and watched it on TV.  Funny how things work out since they don't have comcast sports net/boston on the TV here in the hospital.

I didn't worry last night, and when I called this morning the nurse said Anne had a great nite of rest, and she was sleeping.  She had spent time in a recliner with help before I got here.  I got in at 11:30 today (feels like a day off)  and she was back in bed.  Her brother Bobby was here.  He's been sneaking in for quick visits lately.

The nurse, Ty, asked Anne if she was hungry and she said yes.  It's the first time she's wanted to hear the words 'food' or 'drink' for 7 days.  Ty read the lunch menu to her, first entrees, then vegs, then drinks.  Anne very slowly answered each time with her preferences.   She had a small amount of broccoli, and baked potato.  I don't think she liked the gravy on the pot roast.  She lit up when I broke out a small piece of the edge of a coffee roll I picked up for her at DD this mornin.  She ate that too, drank her small lemonade, and said 'that's enough'.

I totally figured that since she actually enjoyed the food, that her stomach would make her 'pay the price'.  I'm wrong so far (knock on wood).  She is snoring right now, sleeping good.  She was in and out before lunch, but in dreamland now.  If she tolerates that food I'd classify it as a miracle.

Dr. Evans came in and is happy with what he sees.  He said the swelling in her legs and feet will take at least a couple of weeks to go away.  He said they cancelled the CT-Scan yesterday, 1.) because her test results have improved so much, and 2.) because they're no longer highly concerned about the clot.  He said they fully expect the drugs to clear that up.  I thought it was a dreadful sounding thing, and he calmed me down.

I want you all to know that our prayers are being answered.  Thank you so much for those.  There's hardly anthing else anyone can do, therefore  nothing as important.  Thanks again everybody, and a Safe and Happy New Year to you.

Roller Coaster, 11:30am

Hi All,

Once we got settled in Gibson yesterday afternoon things went downhill.  I'm thinking it will be best going forward that only one person can be in with Anne at any one time.  Conversation itself seems to exhaust her.  There were 3 of us here yesterday afternoon, and evening, and she was glad to see folks, but she was 'junk' last night to the point we were afraid to leave her for the night.  She has not been able to push the red button on her own, a worry when it comes to leaving her.

Later, once she was able to shut down the lights and have quiet, she went right to sleep and did so like a baby, and she snorred away to dreamland.  She did so for 2 hours between 9 and 11pm, was stable, and then I felt comfortable going home. 

This morning they informed me that Anne wanted me to get in here to sign a consent form.  Anne hasn't been doing that.   Just to sick.  It was for a CT Scan that they said she was strong enough to have done.  Well, I got here and they had cancelled it.  Saying that her labs etc. have been improving so much that they don't want to do the CT Scan after all.  Not sure I get that, where her belly is still bothering her so much. 

Anne is in a recliner now, and her legs are up with 4 pillows holding them there.  She said it makes her legs feel good.  Her legs are bursting at the seams with fluid, and actually weeping drops last night.  They will soon start some diarhetics to treat that, being careful not to dehydrate her again.

Her kidney labs are back to nornal.  Her liver labs are still elevated, but coming down.  She still has the clot, but they have taken her off of the Heparin drip and changed it to a twice a day shot in the belly of something else, which is a positive sign according to her nurse today who I like very much.  I know the Heparin shot to the belly always hurt her, but this one did not. 

The only IV drip left is the antibiotic which fights the staff infection.  Her white blood count is down to 8.6 today, which is a normal range.  She has fought this down from over 19 this week.  I said yesterday that she had that infection licked, but not quite I guess.

She has basically had her eyes half open all this week with the sickness.  It is troubling.  She only makes brief comments on occasion.  One can see her drifting in and out.  However, when the nurse came in to share the results of the labs, Anne's eyes opened wide and I was so happy to see that.  It didn't last long, but what a relief......

When I got here this morning we had a solemn talk about how she is, and what she is thinking about.  It was an honest talk, and she was glad to have that with me.

Dr. Evans told me he feels she'll recover from the hellacious month she has had, and that time is and rest are of utmost importance at this stage of the game.  She is still in and out of it.

Her brother Bobby visited briefly this morning, but Anne doesn't remember seeing him.  Erika is here for a day from Connecticut, got here yesterday, and Anne didn't remember it this morning.

We pray for Anne to feel better and turn the corner.