Cancer-Free in 2011

 
We rang in the new year in style from the intensive care unit of the Jefferson hospital. We toasted to a cancer-free 2011 and beyond (pictures will be uploaded later this afternoon). We drank champagne from Solo cups and we donated a bottle of sparkling cider to the hospital staff. Dad also brought in some party balloons for the celebration.

Two of my mom's siblings, Ellen and Rich, joined the celebration in the hospital. Ellen flew in from Ohio the day before and Rich drove down from New York earlier in the day. Mom was really happy to see them. Obviously we would have all liked to see each other under different circumstances, but it was nice having family together.

 

Mom is looking much better. Much of the swelling is diminished, she has more color in her skin, and she appears less uncomfortable overall. She was able to get out of bed and walk the length of the hallway twice during the day. Shortly after midnight she was transferred away from the constant beeping of the ICU and moved into a standard care room. She also doesn't have nearly as many tubes connected to her as she did a couple of days ago.

When not being attended to, Mom spent time watching SNL videos, listening to David Foster Wallace short stories, and reading her new Natalie Portman covered Vogue.

I have to fly back to Chicago tomorrow, but now that Mom is in standard care, she may be able to use her laptop. Thank you all for your comments and continued support. Happy New Year!

- Matthew

 

Comments

[Rachel]

Lisa,
So glad you have less tubes! I can only imagine that holds you down a bit. Now you can get to healing! Cancer free in 2011! I keep thinking it for you too and know you will be home and healing no time. Please let me know when I can come babysit! I got a copy of Sound of Music for Christmas and am dying to have someone to watch it with who will enjoy it with me! Also, Hershey just got a bath, so let me know when I can bring him over for a snuggle.
Hugs!
R

[Jan Hofmeister]

Matthew,
Thank you for the updates! Have a safe
trip back and .... Happy New Year.
Jan HOfmeister

[Connie]

Lisa,
Yea! Out of ICU! Yea! it's 2011 and a fresh start! Yea! you celebrated in style with Rich, Ellen, Marc and the kids! Things are looking up! Sarah, John, Lou and I raised a glass in your honor last night (well, several glasses to be honest).

Matthew,
I'm so glad you cold be with your mom all this time. You did a great job of keeping us informed, too. Best of everything to you in 2011. Love you.

[Gail Milano]

Lisa,
Your strength and courage are an inspiration to all of us! We can't wait to have you back in the hood!! Keep getting stronger each day! Happy New Year to your beautiful family.
Gail, Matt and the boys

[Annie B.]

I truly loved the photos. It feels good to see all of you together and celebrating the end of another hospital visit. Toasting to a bright new year is just what you should be doing. Matthew, safe journey back to Chicago.

[Jenny Scott]

Matthew,
Thank you so much for the news and the pictures. They were SO GOOD to see!! Lisa, you look great, and I'm so happy to hear that you are doing so well and that you are watching SNL, and listening to David Foster Wallace, and reading VOGUE! I'm also happy to know that your brother and sister were able to be with you, too. What a good looking family! All of you!
Happy New Year, dear, dear friend!
Love,
Jenny

[Joan]

Matthew - Have a safe trip back to Chicago and thanks again for keeping us up to date on your mom's progress.

Lisa - I'll send over some more magazines...let me know when you're up for a visit. We thought of you last night...it was great to see the pics of you celebrating the new year with your family!

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year! Love - Jim and Joan

[Sandy Jelm]

"I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world!" Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

I think so too!
Love to you and yours,
Sandy J.