Update from Caregiver (Jeff)

That’s my title down here at Clinica Ruiz. My main job is dialing “606” and saying something like this: “Hola! Caregiver will have the braised pork loin dinner with mashed potatoes and street corn and I guess throw in one of the banana split desserts (see pic below). For the Patient, just toast again with PB&J on the side. Room 406. Gracias!”


As we all know, Bridget is determined and a fighter and those are the reasons we are here fighting back at this disease. This last week has been rough as she had an uncomfortable port put in her chest on Sunday, and then on Monday had her stem cells removed for three hours, followed by another five hours of chemo. Got back “home” at 10 pm and then headed back out for the final 5 hour round of chemo at 8:30 AM on Tuesday. Wednesday is the day we’ve been waiting for which is known as the “Stem Cell Birthday!” Her stem cells were successfully “rehabilitated” and put back in her body. The port was removed, pictures were taken, and smiles and “congratulations” surrounded her and her for other four “Group 4” patients, who now share a lasting bond and the same “Stemmy Birthday.”


The party ended a few hours later when the Caregiver went to check on the sleeping patient and found her with a burning forehead. A quick text to the doctor and a nurse was there in minutes with Tylenol and a new antibiotic, which appears to have taken care of it quickly. Fever is gone and test results the next day came back clean. 


Bridget has been pretty much in bed the last few days. Not feeling well enough to even watch a show or play a game. And if you know Bridget, she is ALWAYS up for a game of cards!

So we are in the final stage of this Mexican all-inclusive vacation and she is in Neutropenia. Look it up as I am just the Caregiver and not a doctor! Her white blood cell count has been knocked down to nothing and we need to keep her safe and germ-free and regenerating WBCs this next week so we can hopefully go home as planned a week from today. She misses her kitties, her own bed and the view of the golf course and mountains on the other side of the Columbia. 


One week to go! Thanks for all your love and support. And for all the fans of the movie Fletch, you’ll get a kick out of the picture of the Clinica Ruiz directory below. 


Adios y hasta luego!


— The Caregiver (who is doing just fine — see pic below)








Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 9, 2024 at 7:10 AM

    Thinking of you guys and praying for a successful final week!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 9, 2024 at 7:18 AM

    Keep being strong, Bridget! Rest up when you need to. Great update on the process and love the pictures, Caregiver Jeff. You are doing awesome Bridget! Love, Darlene

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 9, 2024 at 8:12 AM

    Thank you for the update Jeff- your hair is awesome! We think about you guys daily…stay strong. Love Ken&Amy

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 9, 2024 at 8:43 AM

    Thank you Jeff for the update. And as always thank you for taking such good care of my sister! Also- love the new look!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 9, 2024 at 10:15 AM

    I just read everything you’ve been going through. Sending you all our prayers, thinking of you and sending strength. Thank you for sharing❤️Jackie Durán

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousNovember 9, 2024 at 10:27 AM

    Thanks for the update. You're doing great Bridget! You're always in our thoughts, sending love and prayers to you both! Nice hair Jeff. Love Bruce and Beth

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousNovember 9, 2024 at 12:07 PM

    Bridget sending you love, hugs and prayers🙏❤️. You have this🥰. Jeff thank you for the update❤️

    ReplyDelete
  8. Holly LNovember 9, 2024 at 1:10 PM

    Thank you for the update Jeff! You sound like the most wonderful caregiver and I know Bridget wouldn’t want it any other way. Thank you for taking such good care of our girl that is loved by so many! She amazes me with her strength and determination. You definitely have a fighter on your hands…thank god! I know she will be beating you in cards in no time. Love you you both ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousNovember 9, 2024 at 6:59 PM

    Thanks fir the update Jeff. You are rocking the caregiver designation. Bridget we pray for you daily.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousNovember 10, 2024 at 5:48 PM

    I’ve been praying for you (and the caregiver) throughout this process. Wishing you good health and success with this treatment. Love you, Aunt Daria

    ReplyDelete

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