Mary Jo Update #41 - Is The Princess Ready For Prince's Yet?

5/24 BLOOD LABS                                         DIFFERENCE FROM 5/21
WBC:  4.6 thou/uL (3.9-10.7)                                                 -.1
PLATELET COUNT:  55* thou/uL (135-371)                       +20
NEUTROPHIL ABS:  1.81 thou/uL (1.60-8.10)                     +.04
POTASSIUM BLOOD:  3.7 mEq/L (3.3-4.8)                         +.1
MAGNESIUM BLOOD:  1.8 mg/dL (1.8-2.4)                        Same

Mary Jo is now on Day+18, and she looks great. The good news kept coming as we went back to the outpatient clinic this morning for blood labs and meetings. Dr. Chin was the doctor on duty again. But, the nurse practitioner was Liz Winkler. Liz was the one who infused Mary Jo's stem cells back on her new birthday, May 6th. Mary Jo calls Liz her cheerleader.

Liz gave Mary Jo the good news about her blood levels this morning, especially her platelet level of 55. Since her platelet level is above 50 now, she can have the trifusion catheter removed. Liz is going to put in a order for cardiovscular clinic to take it out next Wednesday. I think getting rid of the catheter will give Mary Jo a psychological boost, as well as, removing a risk of infection with it in.

Liz also gave Mary Jo some more good news. She said that since her blood levels had stabilized now. She didn't have to be as vigilant about wearing a mask. Liz even said that Mary Jo could eat in resaurants and go in stores without a mask now. We still have a few frozen dinners in the freezer that we'll need to finish off before we leave.

This all is especially good news since our daughter, Heather, and her family will be visiting us tomorrow. We also got a call from Lynne, my brother Dan's wife, yesterday evening. They are going to drive down to visit over the weekend too. It will be good to see some familiar faces again.
Since Mary Jo has gotten the OK to go out to restaurants again, I have been surveying the Nashvillians about restaurants here in Nashville that are unique, and probably not duplicated anywhere else on the planet. The one mentioned the most was Prince's Hot Chicken Shack. Here's what one of the reviews on the internet said about Prince's:

"Grease will soak through the brown paper bag in which your fiery, deep-fried chicken is unceremoniously served. That's to be expected here at this proud but run-down joint in a dicey part of town. Line up at the counter with the diverse local clientele to pick your poison -- mild, medium, or extra-hot sauce? If you need a cool-down, pray you've got enough change for the Coke machine."

And here's a video that I found on You Tube about Prince's:

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I always half-kiddingly tell Mary Jo that I treat her like a "princess". Which for some unknown reason, Mary Jo never acknowledges on her own. As our days start to dwindle, and since Mary Jo's blood levels keep improving and she can eat in restaurants now. The recurring question will be is the Princess ready for Price's yet? Mary Jo's reply "NOT!"

The last of the good news. We don't have to go back to the clinic until Wednesday!!!

Mary Jo and I wish all of you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. We give glory and praise to God for the great progress that Mary Jo has made, for all of you who have blessed us with your prayers, and for all of those men and women who have served our great country, especially those who have given their all!