Friday evening: Small victories

The doctors are encouraged by the improvement in Bob's appearance: he looks much better today. This afternoon he said, "I have had a wonderfully relaxing day today!" He listened to a live jazz band, had 2 naps, lunched to the Eagles (on iPod), practiced a little chair dancing and watched some football before dinner.

These are small victories and pleasures for which we are grateful, as Bob remains under constant observation and care by an attentive, expert team. All day, doctors with diverse specialties observe, question, and confer with each other and the family regarding his treatment: white blood cells and platelets are measured daily, nutrition and lungs are monitored, medication is changed and evaluated for side effects, CT scans are ongoing, nurses and therapists come and go.

Bob continues to struggle with several cognitive issues, receives three kinds of daily therapy, and puts forth a huge amount of effort for his weak and fragile body-----all this and more still make up the bulk of the day for Bob, Maggie, and Meganne in that small hospital room. The ups and downs can be exhausting for everyone, but still: a good day is a good day, and this was one.

Thank you for the continued support and encouragement.  Maggie and Meganne are going to try to find a way to display all the wonderful cards they have received.  Every one is a heart-warming gift that makes the long days easier.

Friday morning: Spirits up

From Meganne this Morning:

Today we had a cooking class instructed by Bob. Breakfast in our "test kitchen" included a smoothie, oatmeal, yogurt and banana. Chef Bob thought that they would taste good together. Perhaps accompanied by a dry riesling as the smoothie was "fruit forward".

Docs haven't been by yet today. But Bob wants to go to the garden and then perhaps a tour of... the library...??? He's a little confused. --M.

A few minutes later:

When the team came into Bob's room today, he was sitting in a chair with the IV pole next to him, the table in front of him, and my mom and I sitting in chairs in front of that. The attending (most senior doctor) said, "Bob, it looks like you are holding court." To which he responded, "Well, my three fiefdoms are different today but the king feels fine."