Mom’s Turn!!
Written by carol on October 16th, 2008Julie is concerned because she has gotten a little behind on her blog entries. For that reason, at her request, tonight’s note is from her dear old mom. (Somehow I imagine that the eyes of all you readers have begun to “glaze over” when learning this news!) Don’t worry, she’ll be back at her computer soon to dazzle you with her usual fun and informative records!”
Today is day 9 since her transplant and she continues to impress her doctors, nurses and family with her strength and positive attitude. She takes MANY medications throughout the day—some have to be taken with food; some on an empty stomach and some should not be taken anytime close to the ingestion of dairy products. She has difficulty with food due to a horrible metallic taste and a dry mouth from the TBI (total body irradiation). It is difficult to balance the medications with the food—–especially since chocolate milk and macaroni and cheese seem to be two things that are appealing to her. She has informed me that I must be careful not to NAG her about eating.——the nutritionists here say not to nag about eating but be SURE that the patient takes in enough daily protein as it is essential to regaining strength, etc. Get the picture???? I have started to hum my own little tune. Remember The Garden Song? I think John Denver and maybe Peter, Paul and Mary sang it. (Our family liked Tommy Makem’s version (I think you’ll love it!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmLzr1YSI9Y . We spent many winter nights listening to Tommy Makem at a bar in Maryland (over the course of years…he used to always come in December), and his death was a huge loss. MY words are ‘Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make those stem cells grow—all it takes is a nag whose a pro and a lot of love and prayers.” That is the only verse I have finished. “I’ll get back to you.” with the rest “you betcha”! Just hum along during the day–wherever you are. Maybe it will help Julie!! And it’s the perfect song to match Andrew’s analogy in the comments on a post from October 6 (”Day Minus 2–all systems go!!–I’m totally stealing that from you, Andrew!”).
Laura left today–it was hard to see her leave. You can’t just say, “Bye, Laura. Thanks for all those cells!” Laura and Ben (Tiso) were extremely supportive these past two weeks. What a blessing to have them here with us. Although Laura had a few tough days with nausea and vomiting, she bounced right back and was a real help. (She does still have quite an ugly bruised area on her left arm though!)
Thanks to all of you who read ]ulie’s blog and who support her in so many ways. She isn’t talking on the phone or writing on the computer as much right now but each day will bring new energy so she will be back to her post SOON. We are so very thankful for our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. All of you give all of us the strength to get through these challenging days.
Love and blessings to you all,
Carol
P.S. Don’t even ask why there are no damned pictures on this blog. This is a senior edition!
16
PM
That is a great entry Mom, good job! I also love your take on the Garden Song and look forward to more verses. :o)
Hope you’re feeling better soon Julie! Love you both a whole lot!
16
PM
Yay caregiver!!!! I’m glad you are writing a blog b/c I’ve been wanting to send YOU a little note to thank you for all you do! I can only imagine how hard this is for you, and Julie is lucky to have such a loving mom! Thanks for keeping us posted! And keep up the good work! (If I knew the tune, I’d hum it, I’ll have to look it up on iTunes)
16
PM
Hi Julie,
I’ve been lurking around your site forever - so appreciative and touched by how open and honest you are. I’m sending you good vibes from Virginia. You have a fabulous family so I can tell you’re getting lots of TLC, in addition the gift of life your sister gave you. (MY sister still owes me a birthday present.) Enjoy that Mac&Cheese and Choc Milk - sounds like good medicine.
Jennifer Z
17
AM
Way to go, MOM! Any song written by the famous ski school author is a Grammy winner to me. I am sure your sister could beat you any day in the nag category (wait- she visits this blog, doesn’t she?) because you don’t complain about the back of people’s hair! I am so proud of Julie- and you. I’d need about 12 caretakers goregous doctors to make sure I was taking the right meds at the right time with the right whatever. And who said mac’n cheese sucked?! Hope Laura’s arms heals soon! Healing hugs to Julie and huge hugs to you.
XXOO
17
PM
Way to go CP !!!The Senior edition ROCKS! Julie you and your family are in my prayers daily. Keep up the good work and yes the sitz baths help, thank you for asking.
17
PM
WOW … Carol great job. Thinking of you all out there and miss you. Keep up the good work Julie. Before you know it… you will be home too. Laura take care of your arm and yourself and Tiso. Carol & Julie did you get to see the video on the dog named Gin I sent?? I know you will enjoy it.
Get better soon Julie,
Norma & Steve
17
PM
Carolee AKA Momma,
Julie, “We won’t even worry about teaching Mom how to post photos…shhhh”. 
I’m back in VA, safe & sound. I already miss you ladies! 
I’ll be back in a month though! Love you both, Laura
GREAT job on your first post!
P.S. Julie, give Carlo some extra hugs & kisses for me, please!
17
PM
Carol - great post and so nice to “hear” from you!! I’m sorry I haven’t sent any more postal mail than the one I sent, but I’ll get something off this weekend. I clicked on that link and listened to that song while I was reading your post. Then in my head I sang your version!
Carol - you’re an absolute angel, but you already know that 
We sure miss you at the office, but you’ll be back before you know it! Julie - you just rest and get strong day by day now. You are an amazingly strong young woman with integrity and character that exceeds none other…. I love you both and pray for you and your family daily. Eileen
18
AM
I had a gourmet cook out there with me (Susan) and for several weeks she’d make something luscious for dinner and I’d just pick at it like a 2 year old. Drove her crazy! Might be worth trying one of those Ensure protien chocolate drinks or Carnation Instant Breakfast. As I recall, I was only interested in ice pops.
I’m on pins and needles waiting for the engraftment, Julie. we should start a pool for when your nutraphils get above 500. I’ll say Monday October 27. Winnner gets an all expenses paid trip out to Seattle to visit
18
PM
Julie, I wish I could send you some of my appetite! I know you’ll be back to enjoying your favorite foods soon. I’m always thinking of you and your family! Thanks for the post, Mrs. Matthews!
18
PM
Dearest Julie and Carol, well well this is a first for the older folk, my first read of a blog and Carol first written word!!!!!Thinking of you guys and the prayers are in overload mode.Keeping up with your news from the office. Julie my dear, earplugs when you know what gets too much!!!!!Love from Gerry and John
18
PM
Hi Carole - Great blog! Bryant and I send our loving wishes and good thoughts. What a winning team your family is! So naturally you’re going to win this battle. I just know it in my heart! Gloria
19
PM
One of my favorite songs!! And now it will be Julie’s song. Terry’s mother and aunt are here–all of us send our love and prayers—Julie, so many prayers are coming your way that every nutra and all the other phils are going to be lined up waiting to be counted. Love from Georgia
19
PM
That IS a great song, and I especially love your revised lyrics! Laurel is totally right about your song-writing ability. You could make it a second career. Loved your Palin references, too! I hope you guys have been able to see some of the Tina Fey impersonations — they’re hilarious. Aaaaanywho, thanks for your update. Kisses and lots of positive thoughts to you and Julie!
20
PM
Mama Matthews!!
You did great! My eyes did not glaze over when I saw your were posting AT ALL!
Besides Julie’s amazing strength and graceful attitude I must say that the Matthews fam is one of a kind. Even Laura :). Thank you for keeping us informed on her recovery.
Tons of hugs,
Paloma (or as you call me mama matthews “paulina-paloma-whatever-the-heck-your-name-is-all-you-latin-girls-names-sound-the-same”)