Happy 49th Anniversary and an update

First of all, Happy Anniversary to Jodi and Ed!!  49 years and they are still smiling. Unfortunately, Ed could not bring flowers to Jodi because she can’t have plants in her room given they could carry a parasite or some other pathogen. It is a good day, a very good day.

Jodi is on the mend and is days  being released from the hospital. Her WBC count is within normal ranges and she is rebounding quite well on all fronts.

Jodi would most likely already be home, however she continues to have an occasional low-grade fever most likely secondary to other issues than fever. In Jodi's case, these low-grade fevers do not appear to be related to an infection but rather they are noted after the daily injection of a neupogen (medication that stimulates growth of hematopoietic stem cells).  Sometimes patients can get a low-grade fever as a result of this medication.  However the doctors want to make sure that this low-grade fever is not, the beginnings of an infection.

If Jodi can go “fever free” for 24 – 48 hours she should be released. In the meantime Ed continues to stay at her side throughout the entire day as her support, best friend and confidant.  It is great to see them together and fighting this thing.

At this point Jodi is stir crazy and wants to get released and who can blame her. She has been “the greatest, nicest, kindest, optimistic patient on the unit” according to the charge nurse.  Every person who has worked on Jodi’s case has sought me out to tell me how wonderful she is and how loving and supportive Ed has been.

We of course already know this about Ed and Jodi but it has been great to see the impact they have had on the entire Stem Cell unit, the staff and other patients have felt the light of Christ through the Jodi and Ed’s example. Ed and Jodi know the names of the doctors,  pharmacists, nurses, nurse assistants,  janitors, and they go out of their way to speak with them and show interest in their individual lives. One of the janitors (environmental services) told me after I left Jodi’s room today that in all her years working at the hospital she has never had a patient ask her name, get to know her, and take genuine interest in her as a human. She was actually a little choked up as she told me about her interactions with Ed and Jodi.

Jodi is well and healing nicely. I will keep this blog up to date to keep everyone informed on her status.  Thank you, thank you and thank you. Everyone’s’ collective prayers, thoughts and support has been felt and a tremendous comfort to Jodi, Ed and our family. Thank you