We have a plan!

Mary is scheduled to see the Stanford GI specialist, Dr. Banerjee, on Monday the 13th. She is also scheduled with the anesthegiologist on Wednesday the 15th. Fortunately, this is during one of Applied's shut down weeks so I am free to run her to Stanford for these appointments.

All of this is in preparation for the super duper ERCP on Wed the 22nd. I'll be clearing my calendar to take her for the 6:30AM admittance with a 7:30AM procedure.

Its amazing the emotional release at having a plan instead of waiting and not knowing.

As for Mary's condition, my opinion is that she was more alert and looking more comfortable than she has been in a long time. She continues to optimize the Vicodin cycle so she doesn't hit the horrible pain downers.

Our friend Ingrid lent us her breakfast-in-bed tray so I can deliver and Mary ate a nice breakfast. Before breakfast, she even went out to get the newspaper from the driveway--when Mary wants to do her crossword puzzle, she wants to do her crossword puzzle! Mary did say it seemed strange to be asking me to prepare food. Not only does she ask, she has to tell me where the various supplies are. But, hey, we are managing.

A little secret for those who haven't visited our kitchen. Mary had a instant boiling water tap installed during the remodel. Anything that needs hot water (tea or oatmeal) is a simple flick of the wrist. What I am trying to say is that I haven't had to learn how to boil water and Mary is eating well!

As I left this morning, she was sitting up in bed, had finished most of her breakfast, had her pencil, crossword puzzle and the rest of the newspaper, TiVo remote, TV remote, Mac laptop, cordless phone and iPhone spread around bed. And the two dogs, Shawna and Leyla (aka Wiggles or "Why am I yelling at a deaf dog?") were camped out on the floor and keeping a watchful eye (food might be dropped). If she weren't sick, it would be a pretty nice morning routine!

Pat