The First Supper

Today was a good day. So far Jamie has taken two long walks around the wing and even sat in the guest chair to surf the net and read her email. She got her first hospital meal today which the anesthesiologist said was UWMC’s standard test for nausea. This first tray was a simple affair; Jell-O, juice and some lemon Italian ice. She picked at it bit but didn’t find it appealing, so I dashed to the hotel to get some of the goods we used during surgery prep hoping to tempt her appetite.

Well apparently the food was not the issue, it was the service, because shortly after our morning routine, Pete and Sharon showed up and Sharon was stuffing Jamie like a holiday turkey. She ate her Jell-O, broth and a package of crackers Sharon ordered for her. Not to be left out Sharon restocked my stores as well and I had a nice burrito lunch.

Pete and Sharon also brought two care packages, one of their doing and another from the Stoll family. Both brought a bounty of feel good and comfort items, but mostly I think it is the positive thoughts of love and friendship that they represent that Jamie enjoys most. Sharon also graciously loaned us a few pillow cases for Jamie’s personal pillow as she has found that the hospital version is ok for propping yourself up or resting your feet on, but she prefers her sheep’s wool stuffing from home.

I think I have also forgotten to mention the balloons Fred and Kim sent previous, as they do a great job of saying you care without taking up precious floor space. Our little space is starting to look like a dorm room and based on the fact that they gave us a wall fan yesterday, it must be starting to smell like one to.

Hard to believe that tomorrow is day 7. It has all happened so fast. With Jamie’s activity level up the days seem to fly by. By the time we wake up, have our morning inspection from Dr. Goff and team, walk, bath and nap, we have just enough time for visitors then I am rushing to the cafeteria to get a last bite before it closes. Sleep is still a bit disrupted with nightly vital checks and IV changes but it works.

We can’t say enough about the great staff here at UWMC 7SE and Dr. Goff’s team. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive. Even after being in surgery since early AM, Dr. Goff still found time today to check on Jamie and bring us some copies of paperwork I asked for. The nursing staff has been excellent as well and no matter what the shift or how long they have been on duty we always get 100% from them. The combination of professional skill and compassion here is inspiring.