Tough Stick, Tough Guy

Early to rise and on the shuttle by 6:30. We are getting into the groove of the early morning appointments. It reduces the wait time so we are back to the Hope Lodge usually by lunchtime. Today while Jim was having IV fluids there was a nice third year nursing student from Villanova who was working alongside Jim's nurse. Her name was Chloe and she was a real pleasure to talk to. It took three tries before they were able to start an IV on Jim. We jokingly asked Chloe if she wanted to try. Starting an IV on someone without adequate veins is really an art. Even the oncology nurses who are proficient in sticks can have their challenges. Jim is one of them. The nurse will try two times and then they will ask a colleague to try. Hydration was finished just in time for us to hustle through the hospital and catch the 10:15 shuttle back. The shuttle was starting to break down so race car Lou took it to another MSK office complex where we all got off and waited for about 10 minutes for a replacement shuttle. No big deal.

At noon Jim took advantage of Healing Touch Therapy. This is a private session that promotes relaxation and restoring balance to the body. It works to strengthen the body's innate ability to heal itself. This is one of the many classes volunteers offer. There is a sign up sheet on the 6th floor and most classes fill quickly. While Jim was in class I walked to CVS and Trader Joes.

We had the kitchen all to ourselves tonight which was nice. Most of the residents went down to the Dinner and Entertainment Night hosted by another volunteer group. We never stop saying how wonderful people are to volunteer their time and money to make someone's day a little brighter or a little easier. Many of the residents find it hard to cook or even grocery shop. Not to toot my own horn but I am lucky I know how to make nutritious appealing dishes. Most of the folks on our floor choose to eat frozen dinners, hot dogs and sandwiches. Jimmy had panko crusted pork chop with roasted beets and cauliflower. I had the veggies mixed with rice and arugula...Delicious.

One last thing I want to mention is today is a special day for two very important people in our lives. It is Jim's parents 64th wedding anniversary.
Happy Anniversary Jim and Denise!