Jo was actually supposed to have her first hip surgery last Thursday, but due to several factors, most notably the feud between United Healthcare and the Health One Hospital Network in Denver, things have been delayed. Jo's first hip surgery is now scheduled for November 9th. It's hard to believe that in barely over 2 weeks, the process or regaining mobility could begin.
Of course, Jo has the most amazing attitude you could ever imagine, and she would probably never admit the truth, but for the sake of accuracy, I will share with you how tough her hip problem has become. From a standing position, Jo can bend down toward her feet no more than about 45 degrees. Try putting your socks on while only bending 45 degrees. It cannot be done.
Jo uses a cane to get around the house and that helps a lot. When she goes outside of the house, she still uses her crutches, which come with their own hazards. Yesterday, we were at the Park Meadows Mall, taking Anna for a little walk. Jo's crutch slipped on the marble floor and Jo was instantly headed for the floor. Fortunately, before coming to a rest on the floor, she landed partially on our new nanny, Emily. We were all scared to death, but when it was over, Jo was okay - a little more sore than normal, but no pain that would indicate bone damage.
Some of the toughest things for Jo are getting in and out of the car, getting in and out of the bath tub and picking something up off the floor. Back in February, when we were at the NIH, they gave us a bunch of "tools" to help with daily activities and we are now becoming more and more dependent on those tools.
Jo's blood counts are very good and they are holding steady. She is still taking Cyclosporine, which is an anti-rejection drug normally given to transplant patients. She will not be completely off of the Cyclosporine until sometime around August of 2007. It's amazing how non-threatening Jo's life-threatening blood disorder seems compared to the problems she has with her hips.
Our nanny, Emily, came to live with us from England at the beginning of October and she and Anna are already best friends. Emily has been absolutely tremendous and we are extremely lucky to have been put in touch with her. Emily is a very good friend of Rachael McEnaney, one of the top line dance instructors in the world and a very good friend of Jo. Thank you Rachael for getting us in touch with Emily.
We are coming up on 2 full years under the care of Dr. Alvarez and to commemorate this anniversary, we have something very special in the works for him. Believe it or not, The Pussycat Dolls are working on a remake of one of the hit songs that will be dedicated to him on the two-year anniversary. I have personally volunteered my time to try to make it possible for them to come and sing to him in person. Stay tuned...
5 comments:
So good to hear something from you - we were starting to get worried. We weren't sure whether no news meant good news or bad news. Glad to see that things are moving forward. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers every day, but we'll pray even harder for great results from the surgery.
Eileen & Tim Stewart
West Mifflin, PA
DancingET@aol.com
Yipppeee! Glad to hear you're moving forward and the surgery will be here before you know it.
Rachael told me all about Emily at the Windy City Event. She was thrilled that it had worked out for all involved. I'm sure Anna will be loved just as much by Emily as she is by the rest of us.
I have to say how proud I am of you, Jo. I've always respected your easy going demeanor and positive, professional attitude. However, I'm not so sure I could have personally stayed as upbeat and positive as you have during these last 24 months. Of course, it certainly helps to have the "almost" perfect husband (let's face it, NONE of us are really perfect :0)) and a beautiful daughter. What more could there be to want to fight back and get healthy!
I love each of you and miss seeing you more often then I do.
Hugs coming your way...can you feel them?
Jo -
We have the calendar marked and will keep you in our thoughts during your surgery. (actually we think about you alot and miss your advice and instructions more than you could ever imagine)
Hope you hurry and get strong on one leg so you can have the second one done soon. They always say the second one is easier to recover from because you will have one good pain free leg to help you stand on.
; ) rms
Dear Jo,
Life seams so distant without you. It was good to see you at Swing Time in the Rockies. You looked so beautiful. I loved your very presence before all of our friends.
Ok, The next step is to the recovery of your hip replacement. Ok Jo, you have gone through so much in the last three years. The example you live is one of courage, love, and beauty for what Our lord gives us each and every day. I saw you on TV the other day. It was that real estate commercial. What a presence. You are so dear. To me you are the greatest example of the will to succeed. Your great husband, Daughter Anna and of course your Nanny who is taking good care of you are the true champions here. I admire you and Love you so very much Jo. We as a dance community continue to pray for your great recovery. There is nothing like our Jo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I, along with my wife will be praying for a great success in your hip replacement.
I always wonder why things like this have to happen to such a great lady in you. I just can't figure that out. We have many people who break laws, shoot people in schools, have wars abroad, are politicians are corrupt, and such other phases in life just gets ugly every where you go. And than there is you. A lady who is Miss Texas for whom has given her all to everyone around her. A lady for whom has lived the greatest of great lives in this generation and yet you are the one stricken to this bad phase in your life. It's not fair! I don't like it.
Jo, you have the greatest of attitude toward life in general. You say, "Live each day as though it is your last" You are right Jo. We must and more. We must use the greatest example of them all and that is YOU! What a great women you are. You are my friend and I am so glad for that. I am with you along with my wife in our hearts and in our prayers.
I hope that if you need me Jo I am am there. We have given blood several times and we will continue to do so. If you and or Tim need us in any way please don't hesitate but to call us. (303 521-0063 and 303 287-2006 home) Jo, I am there for you if you ever need me. Remember,... I am your friend for life. You tell Tim the same. We love the three of you, You, Tim and Anna. Please know that!!!!!!!!!!
May God Bless your family,
Manny and Sue
Tim, Jo,
Wow. What news. Pamela and I have you in our prayers. Here's to everything going well.
Frank & Pamela Piotrowski
frankp@pcisys.net
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