Day 5

Wednesday, April 23

Everything continues to move along in the way that we were told from the outset... Gail continues to feel a bit lousy, her white cells are at 0 and today she needed platelets. All according to plan... so we guess that is a good thing.

We were told that although Gail needed platelets today, because platelets were at a crisis shortage in the hospital, they were being very selective on who received them. Because Jerry had stop by the Blood Center to donate them yesterday, Gail was able to receive hers. While patients at MDA Anderson have long-term needs for all blood components, platelet donors are especially valuable. Over 500 units of platelets are used daily by the patients at MDA. 

If giving blood and/or platelets is something you are able to do, you would be helping out many, many grateful people. 

Today, the Jewish Denominational Coordinator at MDA (a friend of one of Gail's good Speech Pathology friends) stopped by to visit. Not only did Hope give Gail a beautiful Jewish blessing, but they had a wonderful conversation on our two faiths. She has been involved in this ministry for many, many years and her knowledge and perspective were very enlightening. 

Another day closer...