Random Stuff

Mornings and evenings lately have been a trek to and from hotel to hospital. So many interesting things to experience – Muscovy Ducks, Egyptian Geese, and Ibises that think you are carrying a free meal; the Egyptian Goose couple that guard the main hospital entrance; dude on a scooter almost getting decapitated as he zips toward a parking lot exit arm; people leaving the same time you do for the hospital and returning the same time you are.

 Still getting used to Christmas music playing while stepping out into warm weather.  Still getting used to “Turtleneck Alerts” on weather reports when temps drift into the 50s or 60s.  Taking in the extensive Chanukah and Christmas decorations everywhere.

Amazed at what a difference medical staff who enjoy their work, versus those who don’t, make.  Blessed to have more of the former than latter.  And, then there are those who go above and beyond.  Paige especially, the Physical Therapist, who is a cancer survivor and checks in whether or not there’s a possibility for any PT that day. She brought Glenn a “Happy Birthday” balloon for Day 0 – Transplant Day.  She continues to be a ray of sunshine visiting each day. 

Still wondering how to comfort someone who has an immune system that has been wiped out to allow new stem cells to take over.  Wishing for hair loss to replace diarrhea and nausea.  Grateful for no mouth sores and vomiting.  Yet, nausea and cramping aren’t much fun, either. 

Felt “employable” after hearing positive feedback from an inquiry about a part time job.  (Sent in my resume when I thought we might give up on this whole stem cell transplant thing.) 

Didn’t imagine that driving home to do laundry and get mail would be a welcome break.  Didn’t imagine that bringing frozen leftovers from home would make for such an enjoyable solo dinner in a hotel room.  Never imagined I’d get a Starbucks app.

Grateful for event insurance that actually reimburses you for concert tickets.  (Thank you, Allianz!)

Grateful for new local friend offers to come for lunch or any type of break.

Grateful for so many different people sending prayers, good vibes, and just being there during all of this.

Never imagined being here right now.