me and Mr. TJ
Xiomara and Abuela went home earlier today. Anna's parents were here for a while, but not it's just me and Mr. TJ. I'm trying to fend off his hands as I type this, so not sure how long this one will be. For the moment, he's distracted with his Thomas The Train fake laptop. We're both sitting in bed typing on our laptops. Kinda cute, but perhaps a bit geeky. He's got a bit of a runny nose, but I'm still optimistic we'll get a good night's sleep.
Anna felt about the same today as she did yesterday. Her body is a bit beat up and she's pretty fatigued. She hasn't been sleeping too well at night and when she tries to sleep during the day there always seems to be an interruption. I know this is counter intuitive, but the hospital really isn't a great place to rest. There is always something going on or something that is beeping. Her vitals and other important statistics are doing well, so medically we're making great progress. She'll just have to battle the pain and fatigue for a while. Her spirits are still high and emotionally she's feeling great.
Her appetite was great again today. Her mom cooked up a feast as she usually does on Saturdays (if you've ever been here on a Saturday, you definitely know what I'm talking about). I think we had enough food for the entire 32 bed oncology unit.
She's losing a little more hair every day. At this point, it is noticeable in that you can see her scalp and there are a few spots where it's pretty thin, but she is still gorgeous to me. I can't wait until the day comes that we can have a huge party to celebrate!
We've had a few people ask about charitable donations. If you are interested, our preference is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page.adp?item_id=8477). I'll try to add this to the links on the left so it's easy to find. Please don't feel obligated. A couple months back, prior to all of this, Anna and I were talking about how we should really look to donate more to charity. Beyond donating some old clothes and the occasional thing that you get suckered into in the office, I've never been real good at donating despite the fact that a few things have previously hit pretty close to home. I suspect this one will probably change that bit.
She wanted to thank Brigida (Mario and Stephanie's mom) for the prayer and journal. I suspect Brigida doesn't check the blog, so hopefully they can pass along the thank you. Also, wanted to thank everyone else for continuing to check-in, post comments, send well wishes, etc.
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Comments
checking in, sending best wishes
Hi Anna and Tom,
You are so right getting rest in the hospital is almost impossible. Might I suggest a sound machine (sort of like a white noise machine) there is a company called sleepwell baby that we got one for a friend of mine who had an extended hospital stay. It really helped block out some of the more obvious and annoying hospital sounds, some even come with remotes so that you can control them from your bed. Check it out: http://www.sleepwellbaby.com/Natural-Sound-Machines-s/8.htm. You might even be able to get one at Babies R Us. I'll also ask Mark because I bet J&R Music World's home division carries them too.
I let my mother know that you received the prayer book and journal and she is delighted -- and sends her best, and healing wishes to you. I am sending you continued love and warm healing wishes. I see remission in your future :)
Hugs,
Stephanie
HEY GUYS!
Sorry to hear a rough patch there and that you're in more pain than usual. Have to commend you both for the great support you give each other and by way of this blog, the support you give us too. It is so uplifting for us to read about how you all are getting thru this rocky path together! You have to figure that the rough chemo days are only forcing that mean "ol' luke" out! Have to tell you guys that we do contribute to the L/L society. Every year I also send out the neighborhood appeals for contributions. A little bit of time and a few stamps, but the majority of our neighbors end up sending back a check (maybe seeing my name on the return address sort of guilts them in to cutting a check, but who cares... at least they're sending $$$! Have to tell you that my canvas this year (which i just finished 2 weeks ago), took on much greater meaning because of you, Anna. Corny, but i thought of you w/each sealing of every envelope. I'm so pleased that Tom mentioned the org as one you guys consider important. I'm not gonna commit to their "team in training" program (L/L Society event) - running --- YUCK -- but I will certainly continue to do my part for the org. Our thoughts and prayers continue in full force to be sent your way which I hope helps... the comfort food has to help almost as much too! Here's to a good week you guys! Take care,
Shannon