DAILY NANCY UPDATE #114

Greetings. 

This is the one hundred and fourteenth in a series of DAILY NANCY UPDATES I will be posting until the amazing Nancy Neufeld Callaway is in full remission and we have kicked her leukemia on its ass. 

If you'd like to be automatically notified of updates to this blog-- just enter your email address in the window on the right beneath Nancy's picture and follow the prompts!

SATURDAY REPORT

After an amazing day yesterday, Nancy had a pretty rough night. 

Maybe it was the lumbar puncture (her 16th since January, by my count). Or maybe we tired her out too much. Either way, she was up and down into the wee hours-- taxing Shirley's implacable patience in all sorts of ways-- with pre-dawn demands to get in her car and leave, and arm wrestling matches with the nurses over why the Hickman line that goes straight to an artery behind her heart, can't be simply ripped out.

She's calmed down considerably since then. And at times, even back to her sharp-as-a-tack self.

But right now, the Sunshiny Superwarrior Goddess is sitting in her room with the second of two beloved girlfriends on call today-- both of whom have been here to help her, and give me a much needed break.

So I've been trying to get some work done, sitting in the 6th floor lobby of Helford Tower at City of Hope Hospital. (John McNamara, you were right. It isn't easy).

But a few minutes ago -- on the same couch where I sat with Nancy yesterday-- another man sat down with his own sick wife.

I don't mean to eavesdrop, but I can't help it-- because he's having to speak in a much louder tone of voice than usual, just to get through to her. And whether she's in some form of cancer treatment or recovery, she's clearly struggling, and just like Nancy right now, a bit confused.  

He's showing her photos on his phone, asking her if she recognizes various people in their family. Asking her if she remembers why she's here or what she's being treated for.

She doesn't. 

And suddenly, I find myself wanting to get up and go give this poor man the same hug I've been needing over the past few weeks. A hug that somehow says, "Don't worry, pal. She'll be back soon. She just can't remember all these things you need her to remember because she's way too busy using that brain power to fight for her life."

But I know there's no such hug. Not that I haven't appreciated the many folks who've tried.

I know exactly what he wants; the simple comfort of knowing the person we love is still there. 

I'm sure my girl will be back-- not only because the doctors say so-- but also because I know all too well the force of her will. I'm praying the same for the disheartened stranger and his brave love beside me.

I just hope it happens soon. 

Because I really can't wait for all these adrenaline charged days and sleepless nights to be over.

WE LOVE NANCY, and... 

ALL IS WELL!

If you'd like to send Nancy a little love (please no flowers, balloons, or food), PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE ADDRESS AND NEW ROOM NUMBER BELOW:

Nancy Neufeld Callaway

City of Hope Hospital

1500 E. Duarte Rd.

Helford Bldg. Rm. 6127

Duarte, CA 91010

Meal Train For The Callaways