Leaving home was just as eventful as ever. First, Bella knew something was going on. She was following us all over and kept going to the closet to get her leash. Her tail was wagging so fast because she thought she was going for a ride. She watched the suitcases, kept smelling them and went back to the closet.
She kept running back and forth from the closet door to the outside door where the luggage was. There was no doubt, she thought she was coming with us. This time is always sad for us because saying good bye to Bella is very emotional. It will be a long time before Jill can hug and kiss her because when she gets home her immune system will be so fragile. Infection is one of the biggest risks that patients face during and after stem cell transplants. The high dose chemotherapy given before the transplant temporarily disables the body's immune system making it more difficult to fight infection. Although your white blood cell count is at a safe level when you leave the hospital, your immune system overall, will not function normally for one year or longer.
There are strict restrictions you must follow if you have a pet. Animals can be carriers of bacteria that could potentially lead to infections. If you have had a pet for an extended period of time the risk should be lessened. However, it is recommended that you do not introduce new pets into your home for at least one year after the stem cell transplant or for as long as you are on immunosuppressant drugs. No picking up Bella's poop, (Jill hasn't done this for at least one year because of her balance). Her Dad has that job.
Bella is a one of a kind. She weighs 95 lbs but thinks she can climb and sit on you as if she were a lap dog. She loves children and cries from the time she sees them until they get in the house.She is so affectionate and loving and yet barks like a beast at anything that passes our house. She barks when you come and barks when you leave. The only way we can quiet her is to give her a pigs ear or a bone. Yes, she has complete control of all of us.
Jill's short term memory has been affected greatly. That is why she forgets almost everything. It is very frustrating for her. When we got in the car, she said she left her phone charger on the kitchen counter. We checked the suitcases first so we wouldn't have to go back inside because we just quieted Bella with a pigs ear. No charger there. I was the last to lock up and I didn't remember seeing the charger on the counter. She insisted that I moved it because it was there. Ernie went back in the house and searched. No charger was found. Jill put her hand in her coat pocket and felt a wire, it was the phone charger. She had no memory of putting it there. This happens all the time for a lot of MS sufferers. It is so frustrating for them and their care givers. This was a small example, but it affects their daily functions because either they forget to do something, or they do it over and over again. ( Some people got more than one thank you from Jill and regretfully, some didn't get any) She doesn't like the feeling of not being in control, so she won't let you help her.
She often says "I'll do it" when I ask, if I can help her.
I know Jill wrote about the coughing man on the plane that she sat next to so I don't have to go there. I told her to let me sit in the middle, but she said no. Then she forgot I even said it. She was almost siting on top of me after she woke up from her nap.
We had to walk about the length of 2 long blocks because the attendant that escorted us out took us through the wrong door. She took us to taxi's that were reserved and they only took passengers that called ahead of time. We had to cross the divider and go to the city cabs.
It's so hard to pull 2 large suitcases a carry on and a back pack and help Jill walk. I am determined to get some help before we return home because Jill will be weak and I will have to concentrate on her.
We arrived at the apartment and of course I try to go through the revolving door with the large piece of luggage and get stuck. The doorman just looked at me and pointed to the automatic door. The taxi cab driver tried to help and brought the rest of the luggage in through that door for us. Jill looked at me because I embarrassed her again. I wanted to help Jill, so I figured if I got one large suitcase in then I could help Jill because she takes over and starts lifting and pushing the rest of the stuff.
The apartment is beautiful. It is so much less than the hotel and we have an extra bedroom and full bath.
When Ernie and Vinny (Jill's boy friend ) comes we will have plenty of room. Jill's Aunt Kim is going to fly in to see her too. It's hard being away from our family, so the morale support from them is going to be priceless.
The love and out pouring of affection from all of you is immeasurable. It fills you with such a feeling that is indescribable. Our family is so loving and supportive and to know there are so many friends and strangers out there that are praying for her and wait every day to read about her on the web site each day is so inspiring. This kind of love fills every part of your heart with a feeling that is hard to describe. I wish all of you could experience this kind of love although I know you feel it for Jill.
I will keep trying to keep everyone updated. If I can't write one day, I promise that I will catch up the next.
May God bless Dennis for all his hard work on the web site that is making all this possible.
Love
Doreen
