Sunday, November 19, 2006

And Then There Was One

Jo slept extremely well last night. How do I know? Because I was up being sick all night. Being the student of positive thinking that I am, I have told myself a million times, "I don't get sick." However, last night this little family bug slipped through the cracks. Anna is on the mend, Emily is on the mend and my mother is the last little Indian still standing. Although the doctors never found anything that they could blame Jo's high fever on, I feel that it is very possible that she got this bug that started with Anna and now spread to us all. Jo had a very different experience than the rest of us, but Jo also had very different care.

One thing that I think is important to note here is how well Jo's immune system was able to cope with a very tough situation. She did get a ride to the hospital and she did get medication to boost her white cell production in the hospital, but back before we went to the NIH, this is just the sort of situation that her body may not have been able to handle at all. Of course, it is not the kind of "test" that we want to volunteer for again, but there is some peace to be found in knowing that Jo's body (with some help) can fight off a very serious attack.

As for the new hip, Jo is still using her walker a lot, but she can definitely get around with just her cane and even no help if necessary. The biggest struggle is the fatigue that sets in when you combine some physical exercise with strong pain medication, but progress can be seen every day.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's been a while since I read the blog. I'm always keeping up through Aunt Gaynell...just wanted to say hello, and send my encouragement to Jo. Sorry you've all been sick, hang in there...I think Emily is going to be your saving grace. We'll all think of you on Thanksgiving, and say a special prayer for everyboby to continue their recovery. Tell Jo, Jerry and I send our "LOVE"...The Ray's
Lufkin, TX

Anonymous said...

Hi Jo & Tim,
When I read about Anna's trips to the gym and directing traffic it reminded my of how Jo directs all the dancers into their positions for a photo. It works. So, like Mother like......
Michele and I are with you in spirit and think of it this way - tuff tuff times and a lot of pain but in the end nothing but Net!!!!
All our love,
M & M