Up at 4 am Tuesday

Carl is always the starting point. He is a greeter and helps everyone get signed in on the computerized sign in system and begin their paperwork. He is a real encourager!

Deb got up at 4 am for a small snack to tide he over until her fasting for the tests is over. First thing this morning was a MRI. Then we did blood and urine tests and paperwork. We just came back to the room so she could get a nap before we head back to the hospital for a PET scan. Tomorrow morning is the dreaded bone-marrow procedure.

We met two sets of classmates from rural Louisiana. They were sad to be here today because it is the start of a special country-style Mardis Gras back home. Their communities have thousands of folks on horseback who ride farm house to farm house in their costumes collecting food, mostly chickens. They typically have to run around and catch the chickens they are given. Then they all gather and cook a huge meal-a special gumbo. Did I mention the classmates said they start out drunk and drink all day and night during this strange 'trick or treat'?  They also mentioned that they have many tourists who come over from France to enjoy their Cajun hospitality.

Glad I never got to celebrate this way! The chickens are way too fast for me!

Just met a twenty-something in the breakfast area at the Markham house who is here as a high risk pregnancy patient. She had uterine cancer several years ago and had half her uterus removed.  She has had other cancer problems. Now she is thirty weeks pregnant with her 'miracle baby.'

Just got a call that our grand daughter Ellie that Deb visited a few days ago has come down with chicken pox. There is a sign on the bone marrow department that says to report exposure to chicken pox and shingles. Guess we need to check in with them. Pray that Deb has no reaction and for Ellie's fast recovery and for Parker's protection also.