3-3-11
Jeff’s first-day-in-a-hospital-ever went well. He had a PICC line inserted (it’s stitched in), a chest x-ray, an EKG, visits from Dr. Kennedy and an endless line of other doctors and nurses. He was started on IV fluids well before the first chemo bag was hung. His nurse stayed with him for the entire first course of Daunarubicin (it's red and then, so was Jeff's urine) which took about an hour or so. When I left tonight, he'd been receiving the 24-hour/7-day Ara-C for several hours and was only just beginning to feel uncomfortable.
All day long, medical staff kept remarking how "upbeat" we are and how glad they were that Jeff was ambulatory and could walk into the x-ray and ultrasound rooms, go for a walk. I felt really good about how "healthy" he is - mentally and physically. I always said there is no one I'd rather be stuck on a deserted island with. He is a great problem-solver with a fantastic attitude.
While sitting at bedside, I saw our church organist, Joe, walk past Jeff's door. Joe works in the hospital’s maintenance department and we had just thanked God in church on Sunday that Joe could be called on to help provide a room free of maintenance issues. I couldn't catch up with him just then but later I ran into him near the elevators. He said he'd pop in to see Jeff. I went to eat lunch in the cafeteria and when I returned to Jeff's room, Joe was there with his maintenance cart! He replaced the shower head, put an aerator on the sink faucet, noted a light that needed replacing and ordered the repair. Basically, he checked out the room and made sure Jeff would not lay there wishing he had his tool belt!
All day long, medical staff kept remarking how "upbeat" we are and how glad they were that Jeff was ambulatory and could walk into the x-ray and ultrasound rooms, go for a walk. I felt really good about how "healthy" he is - mentally and physically. I always said there is no one I'd rather be stuck on a deserted island with. He is a great problem-solver with a fantastic attitude.
While sitting at bedside, I saw our church organist, Joe, walk past Jeff's door. Joe works in the hospital’s maintenance department and we had just thanked God in church on Sunday that Joe could be called on to help provide a room free of maintenance issues. I couldn't catch up with him just then but later I ran into him near the elevators. He said he'd pop in to see Jeff. I went to eat lunch in the cafeteria and when I returned to Jeff's room, Joe was there with his maintenance cart! He replaced the shower head, put an aerator on the sink faucet, noted a light that needed replacing and ordered the repair. Basically, he checked out the room and made sure Jeff would not lay there wishing he had his tool belt!
4 comments:
Glad we checked in. We start doubling our prayers tonight!
Who else but Jeff would have his own personal maintenance man while staying in the hospital?
K&K
Geez, I feel sorry for the other patients who have to deal with their rooms as-is!
Praying for all of you as you bravely face this new challenge. One day at a time. Hugs...
Praise the Lord for Joe! Some people might appreciate someone to come in and comb their hair or wash their face, others might want someone to massage their. . . feet?, but Jeff? He needed a maintenance man!
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