The daily routine

We have settled into a routine here. We wake up and drive to the Duke Bone Marrow Clinic. Here we don protective equipment, not the kind Jerry and his SWAT team are familiar with, but just as important. In these corridors, protection comes in the way of soap, masks, and gloves. Vitals are measured and then blood samples are taken and analyzed. Then Jerry gets a cocktail of IV meds based on the results. Hemoglobin, calcium, magnesium, platelets, potassium, antibiotics, and anti-nausea meds are some of the usual IV bags. This process can take us into the late afternoon or early evening. While the IV drips, Jerry usually listens to his ipod or checks his phone. Then we drive back to the hotel, where Jerry rests, and we try to figure out what he thinks his stomach will tolerate. Then Jerry either sleeps, channel surfs or checks the internet for messages from friends and family. The next day, we repeat the process. If temperature spikes, we have to call the hospital, and they decide if he has to go from outpatient to inpatient. This is what happened last week when he had a fever and hives and was admitted for four days.

In addition to having to endure the ailments that come with this process, a patient also has to put up with a feeling of isolation. I know Jerry misses his regular life, his family and friends, his work. But messages on this blog and on facebook (Join Jerry 2010) help him to feel connected. The outpouring of love has made a big difference. I told him that the support people show him is a testament to the kind of man he is. And he says, characteristically, it's a testament to the people themselves and the communities.

Thanks to all of you.