Karen's Day at Shands

Karen wanted a place for family and friends to be able to see how she is doing each day at Shands. This is how she is making that happen.

Day 24- white cell counts are up so we went off the floor

November7

My white cell counts are improving everyday.  I have slight moments where I actually feel like myself.  Mostly though I still have that hot cold thing going.  I will of course still need a mask but I may be 100 % by Thursday when they check my blood again.  (Well they check it every day in here, I’m talking when we come back)

I actually left the floor today(7th floor of this building).  I have been too scared before, but I was feeling pretty good so Don took me for a walk  off the floor.  We went to the 3rd floor and walked through the cafe.  We went outside which was the very first time for me since coming in here.  I felt the breeze and the sunshine.  I took off both my sweaters and my hat and we sat on that bench.  I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the things I used to take  for granted.  It was wonderful for me.  This bench overlooks a pretty Pond they call “Garden of Hope”.  It is really pretty.  We then went down to the first floor and explored that area.  I even managed one flight of stairs coming up before getting on  the elevator to come back to the room.  We are still doing our laps up here on the floor but nothing beats that fresh air and sunshine.

I love you all,  please keep in touch, love Karen

posted under Notes from Karen
3 Comments to

“Day 24- white cell counts are up so we went off the floor”

  1. On November 8th, 2009 at 1:40 pm Leila Pryor Says:

    Hey Karen-

    Glad you are going to get to come home for a few days! Things are looking up! Alot of trips to gainsville is right on. You may want to check into seeing if Dr. Nanfro or Mamhoods office can help out inbetween treatments so that you will not have to travel quite so much. We did some of that. Kevins treatment was in Pensacola which really is not that far but at times when he did not feel good or expenses were getting high we had some things done here in town that could be like blood checks and even platelet transfusions. I am glad you and Don are really holding each other up ! Kevin and I became the closest during his illness than we ever were. Just a thought for Don remind him not to try to eat everything that you dont because he will get fat like I did. Even when you get home no visitors from anyone that might have sniffles, and great handwashing still. When we came home one trip it was thanksgiving and our family came and we really had a great time but one of the 6 year olds we did not know had the sniffles and Kevin was hospitalized shortly after with fever and cold and his white count was normal at that time. Not trying to scare you just giving some ideas that we really didn’t know about. So for christmas he and I just went on the boat and had a little dinner alone. We talked to everyone on the phone and really it was a nice day. Thank god for family they are treasures. I will chat with ya again soon
    Leila

  2. On November 8th, 2009 at 5:03 pm Niki Says:

    Hey Karen, I am so glad to hear you are doing well. I can’t wait for you to come home. it seems like it has been forever.
    It sounds like everything is giong well. I am so glad that you are getting everything you need. Let us know when you get home so we can visit.
    Love you bunches. Niki

  3. On November 8th, 2009 at 6:43 pm Madeline Brunty (Mom) Says:

    Thank you everyone for your love and prayers. It has strengthened us and kept our spirits up. It is a hard thing to do, chemo. Karen has been a trooper. She has shown so much courage. Just keep us in your prayers.

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