Views

When I visited Jenny last weekend I took pictures of the views out her hospital window, about at the level of her bed, to give you all an idea of what she sees everyday.

Of course then I had to ask her about her favorite views, the good views, the bad views, the funny views... here are her answers:

Not-so-pleasant views: the bottom of a barf bucket, the low numbers of my blood counts on the charts I keep every day, the one mean nurse missing a tooth, and sometimes the sight of that black room service tray...

Good Views: The favorite quilt from my childhood. We always fought over it--it was so soft, yellow with orange ties. Whoever was sick got first dibs. It's been patched up over the years. After her own health scare and legitimate "claim" to the yellow blanket this summer, my sister Annie just mailed it to me!

Whenever I get a prescription or new iv, the nurse has to scan my wristband. So I see a lot of red-green-blue barcode light. I had my first wristband for a week and a half before it started wearing off. Then the scanner took forever. Finally I got a new one that is good as new!

When I have the strength and courage to go for a walk, I like to see the views from the other side of the Robertb E. Lee oncology wing. From one window I can see the Masonic Temple and from another I can see the Washington monument and the capitol. Quite impressive! And of course I love to see the way the sun shines differently on the beautiful colored trees.

Views that are missed: I miss fresh air and mountains. I miss driving and seeing my neighborhood and the little girls playing dress-up next door. I miss my nieces and nephews. I miss seeing my bedroom and all my books.

But mostly I miss energy and talking without losing my breathe and running. One day... soon!

And you know Jenny, we all miss seeing you on a regular basis! Keep looking for the good views!

Inspiring Strength

Last night was a tough night for Jenny.  She doesn't feel nausea constantly but suddenly it hits and she loses lunch.  This morning she had no appetite.  The caregivers wanted to beat it this morning, so they've been trying different anti-nausea drugs.  She's on Compezine now and it seems to work but really wipes her out -- so much that she missed the beloved shower this morning, but was able to get it in in the afternoon and felt much better.  Other than this morning having no appetite, she has been able to eat well and has occasional cravings.  Today it was for sweet potato fries, so her mom ran out to get them.

The caregivers discovered today that Jenny has an infection.  They can't figure out where it is, but know she has one because she has a fever.  The steroids also make it difficult to determine where the infection is.  She says she thinks it might be sinuses because her nose really hurts.

Yesterday Jenny didn't feel up to blow-drying her hair.  The nurse came in and told her it looked like she was already losing her hair.  It was just because it didn't look as full and lovely as usual.  :)  The new hair cut will probably be tomorrow.  Can't wait to see it! 

Everyone at school is super understanding and keeps telling Jenny not to worry about her status and her TA work.  But this frustrates Jenny, she just wants to know what's going on with her status, insurance, etc. and how it's all going to work out.

Tonight is Ward Council.  Jenny is hopeful that she can attend via web-cam, unless she has a doozy of a night like last night.

Yesterday and today were tough.  Pray for Jenny to feel better.  And Jenny, you keep inspiring us with your strength and positive attitude!  :)  You remind me of the LDS hymn Carry On (text by Ruth May Fox) . . .
Firm as the mountains around us,
Stalwart and brave we stand
On the rock our fathers planted
For us in this goodly land --
The rock of honor and virtue,
Of faith in the living God. 
They raised his banner triumphant --
Over the desert sod . . .
Carry on, carry on, carry on!

Warmth and Sunshine!

Its very apparent when you are near Jenny's hospital room, there is just joy and love seeping out from under the door!

This weekend Jenny's room has had some out-of-town-guest-love, her Aunt and a dear friend, DW, in addition to her sweet mom, are bringing extra joy to the hospital room.

I am sure you all know that Jenny has mad-good sewing skills and is always making aprons or quilts for others. Well, bring on the quilters who are out in force to return the sewing-love and to take care of Jenny! DW, who drove down from Ohio, brought with her a beautiful quilt she made for Jenny (above photo), it is the perfect addition to add warmth and love to Jenny's life!

Last weekend some other friends pulled together fabric, sewing machines and love to make a bright and cheery quilt for her. Others pitched in to drive the quilt to the quilter, watch kids, sew on the binding and buy supplies. Truly a team effort! She gets cold after her treatments and so both quilts are perfect (and if there are any other quilts in the works please don't be deterred, they can happily be put in rotation).


A few other tidbits from Jenny's life:

• Other patients and nurses have come to take a tour of Jenny's well decorated hospital room
• Jenny has not met any of her neighbors, but she is the youngest on the floor by 30 years
• For lunch she had a gourmet burger with grilled onions, thanks DW!
  
• One highlight from today was a phone call from an old Bishop who is currently a mission President in Japan
• Make sure to ask Jenny about the, and I quote, "sweaty-tooth-mad-man"
• Jenny loves that she can still shower by herself...but do not interrupt her while she is blow-drying her hair. This morning she told her Dr to come back later, after her hair was done!
• Visitors who break out into spontaneous dance and cheer moves are deeply loved! (Dance moves are not required to visit, though, check with SS in advance in case this does become a requirement at a later date)
  
• The love from all of you is evident and heart-warming!
  

More On How To Help

Jenny continues to be so touched by the outpouring of love that you all have shown her in the past days.  We have been overwhelmed by so many offers to help.  At present, we don't know exactly what Jenny will need over the course of her treatment.  We know that she very much appreciates all the prayers on her behalf.  In addition, we have some ideas for ways to help . . .

Visits:  Continue to contact SS to set up visits.  Remember the visiting rules.  And if you are willing to babysit so that individuals with children can visit, please also email SS.  (Or send an email to welovejennyreeder (at) gmail.)

Meals:  Jenny's mom is staying with Jenny for an undetermined amount of time.  If you would like to provide a meal for her, please email LN in the ward or send an email to welovejennyreeder (at) gmail.

Plane tickets, vouchers, etc.:  We'll talk with Jenny about any members of her family that she would like to have visit her who may not otherwise be able to fly out to visit with such short notice.  If you have vouchers, plane tickets, or frequent flyer miles, or buddy passes that you would like to donate, please email SS or welovejennyreeder (at) gmail.

Phone calls:  We ask that you limit phone calls since Jenny will likely need to get a lot of rest.  However, emails are welcome.

Flowers:  Jenny loves fresh flowers, but her doctors have instructed her not to have them near her.

Updates:  Continue to check here on the blog for daily updates.

And check the previous posts for more information about visits or contacts/gifts.

Again, thank you so much for your outpouring of love to Jenny.  We know that this means a lot to her.

The Room

A couple shots of Jenny's amazing room.  Thank you AM for sharing your extraordinary decorating skills!

Caring staff . . .

Technology . . .

And friends and loved ones . . .

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

On Saturday, November 6, Jenny was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  She had been feeling tired for about a month and then was hospitalized Friday at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia. 

She was scheduled to begin aggressive chemotherapy yesterday, but there was a delay getting the necessary echo cardiogram.  After "some words" with hospital staff, Jenny got the echo cardiogram and her chemotherapy was started today about noon, while I was talking to her on the phone.  She will receive treatments daily for about 10 days.  She has been told that she will stay in the hospital for about a month.

Jenny's ward fasted for her Sunday.  As our dear friend and Relief Society President, she was really missed.  It was amazing to see the outpouring of love and concern for Jenny from the entire ward.  So many asked if they could help in so many different ways and we have seen friends and colleagues from across the country show similar great love for Jenny.

A ward friend, AM, decorated her room with a rug, fall foliage, Christmas lights, silk flowers, and more.  It looks so great that hospital staff has been stopping by to check it out!

Today, Jenny feels pretty good.  She's "anxious" and doesn't "want her eggs to drop like flies" which she learned today will happen.  :(

She wants everyone to know that she is "so so so grateful for the love and support" that has been shown to her in so many ways!  Jenny, we love you and send our hugs and pray for your added strength!

A Message About How To Contact or Send Gifts

Please use this blog to send comments to Jenny.  You can also send her emails and posts on her facebook wall.

Cards, letters, and gifts can be sent to her home on Utah St, and her housemates will deliver it to the hospital.  They will be making daily runs.  Please do not send flowers or plants.  (If you need the address, please send an email to welovejennyreeder (at) gmail (dot) com.)

A method for making donations is being established, please stay tuned for more information.

Thank you again for such a wonderful outpouring of love and concern!!!  Jenny can truly feel your love.

A Message About Visits

For local visitors, please continue to coordinate requests to visit Jenny through SS.  (To contact SS, please send an email to welovejennyreeder (at) gmail (dot) com.)  Jenny's immune system is already compromised, and it will only get worse from here, so we must be vigilant in guarding against any exposure to any type of illness or other contaminant.  While greatly appreciated, the volume of visitors is emotionally and physically draining, so this process is meant to coordinate and distribute our efforts. 

When you do visit, please adhere to the following rules:
1.  All visitors must leave by 9:00 pm.
2.  All visits must be brief, preferable no more than 15-30 minutes.
3.  Groups should contain no more than 4 visitors.
4.  No children.
5.  No flowers or plants.
6.  No visitors with ANY chance whatsoever of being sick!

Thank you for your overwhelming outpouring of love and desire to help.  Jenny is so grateful for everyone's love and concern.

Also, if anyone wants to get something to Jenny, you can give it to one of Jenny's housemates, VJ, YY, or DS, and they will bring it to her.  One of them will be making a daily run to the hospital to bring her what she needs, so you can get your cards, books, artwork, etc. to her this way.  (If you would like the address, please email welovejennyreeder (at) gmail (dot) com.)