From Markey Cancer Center - written by Rose Ann continued

Day 6 - October 15

Brother-in-law was here when Ruthie opened her eyes this morning. We are so grateful to him - he had the conncetions that got her into this wonderful hosptial After a short visit, Ruthie greeted the day. The doctor came by and said that she could start chemo, if she could eat and keep it down. What an incentive! However, her bowels are being lazy and still haven't awakened fully. We never thought we would wait with baited breath to hear her break wind.

She is walking every two hours - one of the staff said "that she as tough as woodpecker's lips."

California sister stayed with Ruthie all day, and Big Sister stayed home and rested. California sister even supervised a shower and shampoo. Color this day good!

Day 7 - October 16

Again, a bad day. It is so frustrating for her to move forward and then fall back. "It is normal" just doesn't cut it. The gas is causing problems with her eating and she had an upset stomach Back on IV and ice chips. She walked even though she hurt.

Middle sister who had knee surgery the day Ruth came to Lexington decided she was well enough to take a road trip to Lexington. All four sisters were together for the day. Big Sister went shopping while she was off, and we all got matching fuzzy socks. She got a "cancer bear, too". We are so lucky to be sisters who are also friends. Middle sister helped her walk down the hall. Ruthie and she were each trying to show off about who could walk the best, and they finally laughed and cut the pace.

It wasn't a train, it wasn't a steam boat whistle on the way home from Tall Stacks - it was Ruthie tooting at 11 pm. The cheers were heard all the way in Cincinnati. Now that everything is awake, things will get better.

Day 8 - October 17

The day has started great. Ruthie ate a bit of yogurt and soda crackers for breakfast. Her Rock helped her put on jammie bottoms. Now there is no danger that she will moon the floor on her walks. The walk has extended to the "bridge to the hospital". She even got a new "ball" - it is larger now she has Big Balls.

Hubbie got to go home and Big Sister is the day and night duty nurse. It is a sign that Ruthie is getting stronger. Hubbie needs a full night's sleep in a proper bed. We can't have him getting sick.

Ruthie ate some lunch and had her lemon sherbert and 7 up. She had been dreaming of that since day 1. Little Brother dropped by on his way home from Louisviile. She was sure glad to see him. They are the two youngest siblings.

For supper she had some rice and turkey. We are on track for removing stitches and staples, drains (she will miss those balls) and then chemo and then home.

At this rate she could be in her own bed tomorrow night.

Her favorite nurse will not be here tomorrow, nor will her Rock. She said a sad goodbye to both, but we will visit them when we come for chemo.

We were told that the Rock gives stickers sometimes, and Ruthie got three: a "star", "fantastic" and "good job" She also got a Sponge Bob to remind her to hang in there.