BMT Day +83 Baby steps but still in MICU

21^st CENTURY HERE WE COME – A REAL OFFICIAL BLOG SITE.  Thanks to Teri’s niece Jennifer (Tony’s daughter) who just left, we have terikickingbutt.blogspot.com with archived old postings, not just a bunch of e-mails.   You may comment.  You may communicate.  You may network.  You may check out other sites.

I have to brag that Jennifer teaches English (Asian American specialty) at UNC Chapel Hill and, besides publishing her first book, writes a provocative blog entitled “Mixed Race America” which is on the right column – above vomiting – that contains her multilayered musings on issues of race.  She thoroughly challenged my thinking on race.

Teri had a better day!  The endotracheal tube was removed – Elena watched her pass that milestone!  She is still unable to walk or to eat and speaks in a barely audible whisper.  But she is more expressive through her weary face than at any time in the last 3 weeks since being admitted.  Is it the thyroid, the antidepressant, the Ritalin, the improvement, your prayers … Memee and Ann drove from Madison to bring warmth and food for both her and us (Tony and I). 

Her new problems today included persistent leakage from the paracentesis site where abdominal fluid was removed and bleeding from the lower bowel.  She underwent an emergent sigmoidoscopy – fortunately normal – in her room. 

Dad was dressed and packed standing by the elevator ready to fly to Hong Kong this evening.  His caretaker and I talked him back to his apartment.  His intention is to visit a special new leukemia hospital built in Guam.  Good intentions can lead one afar.

Baby steps are for babies.  In fact Teri’s marrow is > 85% umbilical cord and < 15% Ben.  So maybe this baby pace is to be expected.