While Peter is sequestered at Maine Med, the hosta bed he established a couple of years ago, has grown into a wild and lush sea of greens. The last two drizzly days were manna for the plants as they unfurled their leaves in wild abandon.
Today was not the best of days. Peter's neutrophils, the generals as one nurse calls them, have been on vacation for 5 days. The 0 on the chart is staring at us. Although Peter is listless he is hanging in there, forcing himself to make his rounds and trying to stay positive. Hopefully tomorrow will bring the change we are waiting for. Thankfully the platelets climbed to 66000 as of this morning and his red cells are good too.
Peter continues to get Reiki sessions on a regular basis. In addition the osteopaths have seen him 3 or more times a week. It is all quite wonderful. As is the nursing staff. Luckily Peter is a low maintenance kind of guy, but whenever he needs help they are there for him. James, Peter's CNA today, told me that the staff is inspired by our way of dealing with Peter's illness. He says we are a good team. Guess we are, love is our glue.
There have been some very hard cases on Gibson the past two weeks. The strain of taking care of these patients takes its toll on the staff, one can see it in their faces. To treat Peter, who is making progress, must be uplifting.
Dr. Boyd hasn't said he is boring for a while, but she seems to be happy with the way things are progressing. Even though it's a holiday weekend for her, she will be checking in on Peter. What dedication!
I know you are all wondering what Peter has been eating. Here are some of the goodies Peter has enjoyed the past week. I have become an expert at bringing food to the hospital hot when required.
Clockwise from the upper left hand corner you see:
Pork scallopini, mashed potatoes and a medley of stewed vegetables....
fennel, carrots, celery and onions
Marie's delicious almond cherry cake
Suzi's version of one of Peter's favorites, Zwiebelwaehe. A kind of Swiss onion and leek quiche
Culotte steak, brown basmati rice, string beans with onions, garlic and cherry tomatoes
Be well and enjoy life!
5 comments:
Dear Jutta, Dear Peter,
Two thoughts from us:
1. Go, Generals!
2. Peter, remember, you're Swiss -- generally considered a touch boring, so please live up to your nationality for Dr. Boyd! Boring is good.
Thinking of you both and sending love and healing prayers.
Joan and David
We second that-get those generals going. As if you can do anything to influence them other than have a positive attitude.
But the food looks great.
The Generals should respond to that medley of treats.
Gorgeous photos, once again.
And vividly descriptive Prose.
Keep Up The Boring Good Work, walking and all.
Xoxo A&A
We hope the white blood cell count starts to climb and get their numbers on the charts along with the platelets and red blood cells. The food looks absolutely divine...how can those white blood cells not show up to share? Let's hope the next few days bring some wonderful news and a spring back to your step, Peter! Much love, Monica and Gregg
Thanks for the update, Mammy! I had just skyped with Daddy as soon as I got back from Sweden. He seemed to be in good spirits and positive. Let's hope those neutrophils will start picking up soon and quick. The platelette counts is astonishing - super!!!
I'll skype again tomorrow, and we can talk more.
Until then, have a restful sleep!
Much love
mark
Jutta & Peter,
I am so thankful for your blog and the opportunity to follow along. Jutta, the photograph of hostas is remarkable (and skipping ahead your garden photos on May 27th post also.) Every cloud has a silver lining and yours may be to share your talent as a photographer.
Hoping that Peter will be going home soon. These rainy days are nature's helping hand.
Bessie
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