10/9/12

Just a quick update on our first day here.  After signing the consents, we were admitted yesterday morning.  To get onto or off the floor, everyone has to go through a series of air locks, scrubbing gowning, gloving and masking.  This is repeated every time visitors enter or leave John's room and/or the floor.  John is in 1402 Pavillion which is accessed by entering through the Gibbon Building, taking the elevator to the 9th floor, then the bridge to the Foederrer Pavilion Building, then the elevator to the 14th floor.  You have to use the push plates to open the doors (no handles or pushbars) and wait for the yellow light that indicates the air lock is in use goes off.  And, in John's room, only he can use the bathroom.  This is mostly a primer for Michael and Zacchary if they stop by while donating.  Everyone else should send their positive thoughts and prayers; it seems unlikely he will be up for much visitation.  As in all other regards, he may end up surprising us and doing better than the norm.  For anyone who does come, it will be a good idea to check with the floor nurse to make sure you have completed all the safety precautions the first time through.  Staff is very helpful and friendly.  Visiting hours are not restricted.  All of that said, I still encourage you to visit by email or cell phone instead of in person.  Staff and doctors have reiterated that the more challenging time for family is post discharge when he may need some help and lots of restrictions are still in place.  I'll update you regularly so you know how he is doing and when help might be most needed.

John is having his first radiation treatment right now and this will be the beginning of a nightmarish two weeks; surviving the prep and treatment during the next 12 days is our immediate goal.  Once again, we are hoping he will endure this with much fewer effects than the norm as he did in all his previous chemos.  There really isn't much more to say except thank you for all your support and love.