Friday +23 (11:15 PM)

We just completed our 10:00 PM IV treatment. Jackie continued to have a little problem with nausea and vomiting tonight. It wasn't bad, but she isn't able to retain much in the way of food or liquids. I think there might be a glimmer of improvement. Today she asked for, and received, a Taco Bell bean burrito. Tonight she opened a new bag of Dorritos and ate a few. I'm not certain....but I think that 29 year old male donor MIGHT have been Hispanic :)

Jackie definitely has an improved energy level. I think over the next several days we will see more improvement in her general well being and ability to maintain her food and liquid intake.

We are watching a small spot on the exit site of her central line. We don't think it is an area for concern, but we are keeping a close eye on it. Tonight it seemed a little "white". There is no obvious sign of infection or soreness but this is a common site for infection. Given the level of antibiotics she is taking it would be hard for anything to grow. Her neutrophils have also moved to a more acceptable level which helps in fighting any small opportunistic infections.

While watching the 10:00 news in the hospital I learned that the Mayo Clinic will soon have a semi-famous patient. Patrick Kennedy, son of Ted Kennedy, will be coming here to fight his addition to pain pills. It seems he wrecked his car last night at 3:00 AM in Washington, DC. Some of the police officers involved said he "smelled of alcohol" and supervisors were called. From what I gather he is claiming he doesn't remember a thing. He does remember that no alcohol was involved even though he had just left a bar prior to the crash. The waitress says he was drinking. It seems to me he and his father have a lot in common?

So why is he coming to the Mayo Clinic? Is it because the addiction center is one of the best? I don't think so. The nurses here tell me a large part of the Mayo addiction center was closed a year or so ago. No, I think it is because the only news outlet her in Rochester is a mediocre newspaper and a TV station that puts out news broadcasts that look like they were meant for an iPod. Of course this trusty reporter has his favorite camcorder in hand and will be happy to bring you up to date with the latest Kennedy sightings. For all my "Rush Limbaugh is too liberal for me" Republican friends I'll be certain to ask the hard-hitting questions and bring answers to those question you might want to ask :)

In case any of you missed my Emmy-award-winning, hard-hitting news broadcasts they can be found on www.youtube.com.

The specific link for "The Beatles sing U2's Vertigo" is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAs8-RIapD8

The specific link for "Helicopters: The Danger Zone" is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVmw3TfkF2A

You will need to cut and paste the links into your browser. Obviously I've had a little too much time on my hands lately:)


This weekend is supposed to be nice. If Jackie is feeling well enough we plan to take another ride around the area.

Until later,

Bruce and Jackie
From Rochester, MN