I mentioned in my last post that I planned to stay at Barnes for six days but packed for thirty. The factor determining the length of my stay is whether or not I get a fever, which of course I spiked several. So I am here until my counts "recover," that is until those fabulous germ fighting neutrophils come back.
I remember thinking when I was here in September that if I returned in October that St Louis might be hosting the World Series. Well, it was an exciting week and everyone's passion was clear. One of the inventory people provided me with daily, in depth and detailed analysis after every game and he had his own unique take on the La Russa phone conversation in the dugout regarding pitchers. Many nurses wore Cardinals gear every day. On game days the mood was tense with anticipation and excitement. When St Louis lost game four to the Rangers, one of the nurses was sure it was because she did not wear her "Pujols" shirt. After game six at 2AM I asked my nurse who finally won, and she started dancing in my room! Game seven was a treat for all and I was able to enjoy it on my 10" hospital television screen.
I had a phone call from a reporter at the St Louis Post-Dispatch who was doing a story on drug shortages nationwide. I shared my story regarding my first induction chemotherapy back in June; you can read it here:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Scarcity of drugs alarms doctors in St. Louis and nationwide, with me cited!
Last weekend Stephen and I enjoyed my cousin Meredith's visit immensely, who travelled all the way from New York and then had to return to a snow storm and no power. It has also been wonderful to visit with Jenny and Alana whenever they are free.
On the food front, I have been enjoying toast and jam with every meal, as well as chocolate milk heated up in a mug. Although not as many calories per serving are provided, hot chocolate milk sure tastes better than Ensure, Boost, or Carnation products.
Speaking of food, thanks to everyone as always for providing
meals/shopping for the family in Urbana. It really is a tremendous help and we greatly appreciate all your efforts on our behalf.
I am also a big fan of hot chocolate. SInce we can order ice cream any time, I also get a small vanilla ice cream and put a couple spoonfuls in the cocoa. More calories!
ReplyDeleteScarcity shows that the political fights over health care policy have a human as well as policy/financial side. If we try to control costs through low-balling prices, we get shortages. If we let the market price rise to where there aren't shortages, some folks won't be able to afford the medicines. And if we cover their costs, then some taxpayer somewhere is going to have to up their payments to cover the inflated costs. We can't avoid the economics; we can choose how we allocate resources, knowing that it really is a life and death tradeoff.
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