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Week 3: March 17 - 23 - UPDATED - FINALLY
DAY 17 – March 17, 2008 / MONDAY – Happy St. Patrick's Day
Kasie slept well last night...I on the other hand was wide awake all night. Oh well, since I couldn't sleep I spent most of the night catching up on emails...work too, aaugh; and working on adding some photos to the website, catching up on the adventures of the weekend and getting her ability to view movies and videos working on her computer again. She lost that capability when she downloaded Skype....not sure what happened, but she's been having issues with viewing even You Tube since then. Think I got that squared away. And that'll come in real handy the next two days while we're in “detention” at the other hospital for her procedure; give her something today since she'll be pretty much stuck in bed for 24 hours.
This morning when she finally got up and into the shower...knock, knock BP – oh in the shower....okay she'll stop by on the way to PT. Then off to PT and wishing Shivani a very Happy Birthday, she's 24 today. She shared with us, and the rest of the folks in the therapy room an Indian milk treat...a sweet, moist, yet dry “candy” if you will; don't know how to really describe it.
After PT Kasie was trying so hard to get a “booster” stem cell shot to tide her over til she gets her procedure today. Nice try – but denied by Sister Geeta. Then upstairs back to the room to get ready. At the sisters station outside our room, she was trying to work her magic again...Sister Geeta knows her pretty well by now. though...and followed her up to our floor and caught her in the act...and again denied.
We had about an hour before Raj was to show up and take us to the other hospital, so she checked emails, since we don't believe we'll have internet service over there and got our stuff together About 1115am she was ready to go....only 15 minutes late, not too bad for Kasie in the grand scheme of things...have to give her grief...it's only natural. On the way over to the other hospital I asked her if anyone had told her what time the procedure was, because no one had been able to give me a time. She said she had no idea, but since she figured she'd have to lay around for 5 hours anyway like last time (well 3 +, I think) she didn't see what the rush was; but I reminded her the later she gets there, the later they put her in the line up of procedures, which of course means the longer she'll have to stay on Tuesday before they release her to go back to Green Park, oh yeah that.
So we arrive at the other hospital, Gautum Nagar location about 1120am, yup that close, but not an easy walk with all the traffic and construction of the metro that is being put in. Raj dropped us off and in we went, past the building with the Swastiks; and yes that is indeed what they are swastiks – a symbol of the god Ganesh, not some Nazi or even American Indian symbol...here it is something different. And after someone mentioned it to Kasie, we checked into it...and now we do see the symbol all over the place and often with Sanskrit adjacent or nearby.
So we sign in and get up to the room...well this room is larger than the first “detention” session. It actually has two hospital beds, one with the 4 inch vinyl mattress – Kasie's and then another with a 3 inch vinyl mattress, and then there's the futon. The bathroom, not handicap accessible, uh oh – here we go again. But they were able to find a narrow wheelchair on the premises that does fit through the door, so we have that in the room now.
Kasie's starving and wants to eat...but isn't allowed. She TRIES the Kasie eyes on me to get some pizza we brought with us....she had gotten 2 personal pan pizzas last night – 1 for dinner last night; and 1 for today...but guess what – it doesn't work on me dear girl. What if you have to have anesthesia, sorry no food, not even the Twix bar.
About 130pm two of the sisters came into set Kasie up on an IV. They tried and successfully found a vein in her left hand (first try in fact) ...but it was so painful for her and she's been having so many issues with them giving her IV's in her hands lately (the pain and the bruising)...I thought she was going to pass out from the pain and anxiety it was causing her. I had them remove it and explained the problems that she's been having, so they opted to use a vein in her wrist...they told her it'd be more painful...but it wasn't. From here on out Kasie is going to have to be sure to tell them absolutely no to the IV's they want to give her in the hands. And I too will remind them because they just don't seem to listen to her about how painful it is. And that kind of information, if written in her file, doesn't seem to make a difference. Today's original site bruised immediately upon withdrawing it. It was a good hit on the vein, I had watched...but they don't numb it all so, and the needle and stint they use is SO long...it takes up like the whole top of her hand. so it just doesn't work for her in the hand.
OUCH! 
Um, STILL OOOOOOOOOOUCH! 
Ok, that's better.
So it took about ½ hour to get that squared away....she became fairly stressed about the whole thing and was extremely anxious when they came into give some additional shots when they wanted to actually give them to her instead of inject them into the IV, Then it was time to go. When we first got here one of the sisters had told me yes that I would be able to go with Kasie today since I had talked with Dr. Ashish. But when the time came, Opie again told me know that management had said no...I asked who and he just he didn't know – but management. Well Mr. David had already been around earlier to check on us, so I saw him in the hall and asked him if he knew anything about whether I could go or not; since he's what I would say the operations/facility (not medical) manager of both hospitals. He said he had never known an attendant to accompany a patient into the operating room and I told him of the conversation I had had with Dr. Ashish. He said he would go speak with Dr. Ashish directly. He came back and apparently it wasn't Dr. Ashish's decision alone to make about allowing me to observe the procedure, so again no chance at seeing the procedure. I asked Opie again about whether I could at least SEE the operating room after they were done with all the patients, or if he could at least take my camera down there and take some pictures for us. He said he'd check after the next procedure they were off to do and he'd let me know. Seeing the rest of the facility, I'm very curious to see the operating room. So we'll see, but at this point I'm not going to hold my breath on it.
It's kind of ironic - I think of how things function medically at home and what we're used to for care and treatment at home; and then I see how thing are here and how nonchalant they are here about so much when it comes to medical treatment....and yet at home, no problem...here problem...weird. But it's their deal, so it is what it is.
Anyway Kasie went down for her procedure at 202pm...and returned to the room a little over an hour later. Poor thing, she is not allowed to really move until 8pm tonight and she can't sit up AT ALL until tomorrow (Tuesday). She can have something to eat in about and hour...which is good because she's been starving since before she went into the procedure. And unfortunately for her, the sisters will have to catheterize her when she needs to void her bladder since she can't sit up until tomorrow, how annoying for her; especially with this crew. But Dr. Ashish assured her it wouldn't be an issue and they were experienced with this.
She's a little drugged up today. They actually DID have to give her anesthesia since she actually felt something when they started...and Dr. Ashish had her wiggle her toes...and she was able to wiggle her big toe and little toe on the right foot before the procedure. Good signs from the continuing stem cell treatment. Apparently though she was still very anxious and her blood pressure was high....so anesthesia. So now Kasie, aren't you glad you didn't eat..might make you nauseous...you can eat at 4pm, only 20 more minutes.
So right now she's watching a movie on her laptop propped up on a pillow on her stomach. The high tech hospital bed is once again propped up with bricks to elevate her feet slightly. In the past 40 minutes the sisters have been in 5 times to “check” on her (can you say hover about and not check anything; so much for her resting – every time she hears the knock her anxiety level increases) and only during one time did they actually do anything and inject some antibiotic into her IV.
Dr. Ashish is supposed to stop by at about 530pm and then again at about 830pm to see how she's doing. So far she's just pretty groggy and not mentioning or complaining about a headache or nausea as is often the case immediately following a spinal tap since a small amount of spinal fluid actually leaks out...also the cause for the antibiotics, so all seems to be okay...good.
Oh 345pm, a sister stops by with a packet of electrolytes to mix with water. So the sister wanted to know about where was her 1 L bottle of water to mix the packet in. Um, hello, what 1 L bottle of water?. Where's the the good drinking water at this hospital and why don't they have a pitcher or something to prepare this stuff for Kasie to drink?. Off the sister goes in search of...hopefully water and 1 L bottle.
Kasie complaining a little bit about not being able to breath....not that she can't breath...it's really more the uncomfortable position she's in...so shifts her weight a little and I straightened her legs for her...better now.
Okay the nurse is back and she had to send someone out to BUY us a 1 L bottle of fresh sealed water.
We'll spare you all the details on the bathroom issues – but suffice it to say since Kasie was essentially at their mercy (until 8am Tuesday morning) since she was not allowed to sit up or really move, the sisters tested her patience and resolve like you wouldn't believe. And yes, I do believe we actually experienced some incompetence on their part!
Okay Kasie says she feels like maybe she's being a big baby about how she reacts to the sisters and doctors and staff...and how they treat her or are always knocking or hovering or can't answer her questions; but you know what I don't think so. And that doesn't come cheaply from me, because I'm not afraid to tell her when I think she's being a baby. And it's not just that I'm too critical of this stuff, I watch how it is with all the patients...and while some don't voice there frustrations nearly as much as others...it does indeed seem that everyone has experienced at least some level of this. It's also not just that things are different here, and there is a language hurdle, and yes we KNOW how it is after 2 weeks here so just get used to it, etc., etc., etc.; it's that it never ceases to amaze us and frustrate us. It's NOT just merely incompetence...because if that were it, it would be dealt with, I would hope...and it wouldn't be so universal. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before...it's just OMG...and “what” I have no idea actually how to put my finger on it or get this across – you'd just have to see it and experience...to REALLY get it...but it stems from: lack of organization, lack of communication, lack of understanding....just the way they do things is so so half baked, it can be completing infuriating at times....and that of course adds to Kasie's stress levels on a regular basis...because it is never ending for her and it is totally apparent how agitated it all makes her. At least to me, they just don't seem to sense it. There are times of the day that everything is fine...and everyone seems so nice and concerned and then when the barrage of constant “presence” begins it is when we just can't figure out why one visit can't accomplish what they do in five...with knocks every five minutes.
So it's now 427pm, she could eat...will they bring lunch? They asked about it for 2 solid hours before the procedure, knowing full well should couldn't eat then, and knowing she was hungry and wanted to eat when she was allowed, at 4pm., Yes there's the pizza, but saving that in case lunch or dinner are not to her liking.
Oh the guy brought the water bottle...only 15 RPS...now where's the packet and that sister?
So Kasie and I had already been talking about how freaked out and scared she was when she got down to the operating room. And how that despite thinking she could have done this trip on her own if no one had been able to come with her, she said she doesn't think she would have been able to handle it. I asked her what it was that scared her and she said “it's way old school, like being on MASH and the old big lights and I kept thinking about OMG they were going to be sticking me in the spine...” uh yeah all 'scary things when presented separately when facing medical treatment half way around the world from home...and then put them all together....no wonder the poor thing stresses herself out so much. She's been wondering “how did Amanda have such a good attitude through all this....I'm a pretty danged happy person...but this is insane...” Kasie 404pm 3/17/08
The constant barrage of actually not having the full complement of information presented at once, or at least in a way that follows some semblance of order would surely make life easier for Kasie here in Delhi. The “go with the flow” attitude is not even one of the options, and even it it were, it can only take you so far...and then you need answers to your questions and situations that arise. And I surely don't think it's just Kasie...because we DO ask the questions...but it seems more often than not, no one has the answers – even to the small simple things. It's very much that everyone needs to check with someone else...but they don't always come back with an answer.
Hmm, still no lunch, imagine that...so it IS time for her pizza.
Ah, lunch arrived, 5pm...without a drink, go figure; so had to go in search of that.
Lots of just laying around...more of the same....and guess what...still the same. She's not going anywhere...well except for the continued slipping down the mattress and getting her head caught up in the bars that make up the headboard. Wouldn't have anything to do with that vinyl mattress with sheets on it and the elevated angle of the bed, now would it? So I keep having to pull her down to the foot of the and watch the “slide.” She's looking forward to 830pm, when she's allowed to at least be able to reposition herself and lie on her sides.
Dinner arrived about 730pm....ooh Kasie psyched on the baked potato. Um, this hospital no amenities or acutriments....so that means no butter or salt and pepper even....who knew...so went out and asked for some butter and they brought it, but of course charged us 20 RPS for it. Sheesh.
Our favorite doctor, Sudeep Sherma – can you say tall, dark and handsome, sha – wing (oh we've been watching way too much Wayne's World)...but seriously a hottie in any country, the NEW Dr. McDreamy, for sure...but we only get to see him at this hospital...more procedures Kasie....come on girlfriend, help a sister out. Uh oh, she's rubbing off on me. Anyway he stopped by to check on Kasie. He was very pleased that she has no heaviness in her neck and hasn't had a headache or been nauseous. Dr. Ashish should be around in a while to check on her also, after he finishes up with another patient.
Site of Lumbar procedure.
Guess what's next...more of the same...watching TV, reading, bed sliding, yaking...um not much else.
Must be shift change, cause the guy came by to pick up the dinner plates, 2 new sisters came by to set up some stuff and check on Kasie and also the night doctor, Dr. Mukesh, just stopped by to introduce himself and say hi and see how she was doing and to let us know if she needs anything tonight to call for him.
At about 950pm Dr. Ashish and Dr. Sherma both came by and checked in on Kasie. Dr. Ashish is extremely pleased with Kasie's condition. He is thrilled that she hasn't had any headache, stiffness, heaviness, chills or nausea. He said she is remarkable in that they have only had one other patient go through the lumbar procedure and not have at least some of those side effects to some degree...she's a superstar! Her thighs have had some 'tremors' just as a result of laying in one position for so long and they were essentially “stretching” out, so no problem – except that she felt like she couldn't keep them on the bed.
Next set of sisters...uh yeah...EVERY time new ones come on and in to take care of Kasie, it's like starting from scratch...a) they don't pass on the info to the next shift; b) they try to re-invent the wheel despite Kasie being PERFECTLY clear on what she needs and how she needs it; which of course frustrates the hell out of her since it's a constant “re-training” and she just doesn't get it – why don't they get it....yeah...not gonna happen.
Pretty much the same through the night....fairly hot room even with the cyclone created by the ceiling fan. Neither one of us really slept.
So at least I was sure she wasn't getting tired of just lying about and trying to sit up – at least not too many times...KASIE! No she actually did really well
DAY 18 – March 18, 2008 / Tuesday
This morning turns out there was an AC unit in the room...behind the curtains...but when the sisters turned it on it was SO loud that even though Kasie and I were sitting right next to each other we couldn't hear over the clanging noise...she said it sounded like a limb was caught in it..nice Kasie.
Anyway, up and out of there fairly quickly...without even seeing the doctor. Sisters came by about 830am and said after an injection of antibiotics and the removal of her IV we'd be going back to Green Park. Sure enough we were back by about 10am.
Exhausted and in need of showers. Then off in search of Dr. Shroff, who acually wasn't in today. Kasie on a tour showing off the pictures of us on the Lucky the elephant, and catching up with the staff and other patients. She actually does like the staff...as long as she gets to interact with them on her terms...but when we're in the room, it's like her sanctuary and the knocking to come in, well I guess you could say it's an intrusion.
We did soe people watching out front of Green Park...there are some folks who apparently are just living on some elevated wooden frames on the other side of the street...how odd. According to David (manager) who saw us out there...he said they don't get run off because there are just so many people who actually live on the streets like that, because there are simply so many people in India, it'd be impossible for the police to try and do anything about it.
Then a stroll and roll to McD's for lunch – fish filet and veggie wrap...unbelievable.
Oh and boy was it hot today...she's got some weather in store for her the next month and a half. Back to the room...emails, naps...what else...yeah not much really except for the regular traffic flow surrounding her when she's in the room.
By the way, thanks to all you faithful who are checking in on the site....Kasie is so psyched that there is so much interest in how she's doing. She really appreciates it.
DAY 19 - March 19, 2008 / Wednesday
A very quiet day by comparison to others here in India. Kasie not feeling, she woke up complaining of feeling nauseous, also achy and flu-like.
She made it down to PT a little late and Shivani didn't push her too hard since Kasie wasn't feeling well, still a little nauseous and also a little whoozy. We talked to Dr. Neelan about how Kasie was feeling and he said probably just a result of the procedure the other day, but would let Dr. Ashish and Dr. Shroff know...and that she should go up to the room and just rest.
After PT and her stem cell shot we headed back up to the room and both Dr. Ashish and Dr. Shroff stopped by to check on her. They took her off the antibiotic, probably contributing to her upset stomach feeling. Dr. Shroff said she probably hasn't been eating enough, and I can attest to that - not a fan of the hospital food. So she got the order to eat more, especially chocolate and ice cream...no, seriously she did. The sugars - to help perk her up; I'm also in search of Gatorade now for the electrolytes.
She needs to take care of those "baby" stem cells and feed them, whatever they want...and eat, eat, eat....and hydrate! And of course if she's tired - sleep, whether it's during the day or night.
Anyway, by late afternoon she was feeling somewhat better...she actually had slept from about 11am - 5pm, with a few intermittent interruptions by the staff checking on her. I had gone out to let her be...and get some chocolate and juice...no Gatorade yet, have a line on it though.
Went out to the Big Chill again for dinner - her favorite...and she eats well there...so worth the trip.
Day 20 - March 20, 2008 / Thursday
We've been having major internet connection problems...can't hold the connections very long...not wireless, but ethernet so that's strange...but...afterall it is India. Sowhen trying to post the updates...keep losing them cause logs out of the website. Similar issues with our e-mails. Will keep trying - apologize for any delays.
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Dear Faithful Readers and Kasie Followers,
First, let me apologize for the delay. We have been experiencing some technical difficulties over here in India, imagine that. The internet server has been going out regularly and not allowing us to hold onto a signal for any extended period of time....thereby making it rather difficult to up date the web, let alone add pictures. Just getting an email open or sent has been a chore. we've reported the problem on NUMEROUS occassions. First “fix” was a guy blowing on the ethernet cable and reversing the connection – yeah that didn't work, go figure. Fiddled with that most of Friday. Kasie was able to get on MySpace last night (Sunday March 23) for a little bit...and added some photos...but then she again lost the signal. No one on the entire floor could use the internet last night...and as you are all aware it's pretty much a lifeline home for people, to blog, IM, email, webcam or update websites, extremely frustrating for all.
Signal back up this morning (Monday March 24) for a little bit; but then gone again. Mentioned it again to Mr. David today and he was going to call someone in again.
The other issue we've had, or rather I've had – um, yeah Delhi Belly. I guess since Kasie has all those “baby stem cells” in her system now, my system felt neglected ad opted to pickup something of it's own. Needless to say I've been sick as a dog since Friday...and I thought Giardia or Kidney Stones were painful (yeah, and having experienced both...not so much). In fact, those don't even come close to the ”alien babies” that seemed to be hatching in my gut on Saturday night....YUCK...and OMG HOLY F&$%*. And on top of that since Saturday morning I had kind of been feeling better, well we DID go to Agra for the weekend – heck we had to celebrate our birthdays in style at the Taj Mahal...and of course in Arga we had not internet service.
So here's the 411 on what happened towards the end of last week...
Let's see, where did I leave off?
Day 20 – March 20, 2008 / Thursday
She's feeling better - they thought the flu stuff and nausea was a result of the Amoxicillin that had been giving her after the procedure.
But she's super tired; slept like shit apparently cause her legs kept her up all night; they have been having "tremors" - which doctors think good...I do to; nerves are firing...she can't feel them; but they apparently toss her about a bit; no it's not violent like a seizure...but they can tend to "walk" away on her if you can picture what I'm talking about.
OMG – Today, Kasie has moved her foot and wiggled her toes on her left foot. This is actually NOT the first time this has happened since we've been here...but she has been pretty cautious about us posting some of these little milestone's. But the fact that she is now really SEEING (but not feeling) that she is doing it when she concentrates, it's not a shift of weight in her upper body, she's accepting that it's happening and SO excited by it. The movements are ever so slight but they are there. At this point there hasn't been any sensation or feeling associated with her ability to wiggle her toes, move her foot or even move her legs. But the movement IS in and of itself great news and the doctors and PT staff continue to be thrilled with her progress.
The thing she wants people to realize about why she's been a “little” cautious about disseminating her progress that SHE KNOWS everyone back home is so interested in – is that she: a) doesn't want to get anyone's hopes up, b) wants to make sure that what she is experiencing is “real”, and c) that while she jokes she'll be walking off the plane, and indeed she might – with the help of calipers and a walker, it won't be an easy stroll off - it's still not easy for her to walk. She's getting MUCH, MUCH, MUCH (how many Deepak, 8 muches?) better....but it is a very tough and strenuous thing for her. It's not like us just getting up to go for a walk...it is truly exercise for her because of the balance, the weight shifting, having to rely on the walker, being able to hold herself up on her arms ( which I think everyone knows – are bomber guns – except perhaps Deepak who might just be intimidated by them and isn't willing to admit it...) when her legs get tired, etc...
Dinner out at Daitchi – a Chinese restaurant – pretty sure THAT's where the 'hatchlings' came from. No one else at dinner got sick – thank god.
Day 21 – March 21, 2008 / Friday
Morning PT – Kasie is walking GREAT. With her calipers and the walker she walked all the way from the PT room to the stem cell injection room. It's probably a distance of 30 feet or so in all. It wears her out...but god she's doing fantastic. She's remembering to take smaller steps and shift her balance. Shivani is right there behind her, either to help catch the walker if she “stumbles” or to help guide her hips when she starts to get a little fatigued. Have I said it before?... we love Shivani...Kasie would like to bring her home as her personal PT. Shivani doesn't think her father would be too thrilled though.
Kasie's Hindi lessons continue and she is actually learning some things she CAN use out in public, despite “Humble” trying to teach her otherwise. KASIE!
I pretty much laid low in the afternoon and was hoping to feel better to join everyone for dinner – but didn't, no biggie. Marcia and Will took Kasie out to dinner for her birthday and Louie, Jacqui, and Sam joined them...sounds like they all had a grand time. The 2 patients had to 'suffer' through watching the others enjoy a cocktail or two it sounds like....after dinner Kasie when with Lalan (from the hospital) to the airport to pick up Dianne.
Dianne is Kasie's next caregiver. She came a little early so she could join us going to the Taj Mahal this weekend.
Ah, supplies arrive!
There was actually a little trepidation on the hospital staff's part with us going to Agra (the Taj Mahal) on the “HOLI”. HOLI, as explained to us is a festival of colors, when they play with colors, not holy by any means, but a celebration basically of spring...the colors – hmm, easter eggs come to mind. But anyway the staff was concerned that even if we were here, that we should go out on Saturday... so of course there were concerns about travel to Agra, and what would it be like there. Even when booking the car the guy told me that the Taj would be closed on Saturday; but we were determined to go and I explained to him that even if it were closed Saturday, we'd be okay with that since we wanted to spend the night and could always go to it on Sunday. He finally agreed.
Next trick finding a hotel in Agra, on HOLI weekend and a full-moon weekend. Apparently, there is a large influx of people to Agra to observe the Taj by moonlight. But I finally found a place for us to stay and confirmed it...what would it be like though – anybody's guess really. But it was listed in the Lonely Planet – which is ALWAYS hit or miss, and I've had some BIG misses in the past. But I also found this place online and looked okay...so with car/driver confirmed and hotel booked we were ready.
So...
Day 22 – March 22, 2008 / Saturday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KASIE....and yes, I do count chica!
6am departure...and well the drive down to Agra was fairly uneventful, for us – old hats of India. We had a fabulous driver and a REAL car....a full size vehicle that fit us all and the wheelchair and still had room to spare, and it even had a/c; how refreshing. Of course we saw camel caravans, well like 5 at most in row pulling theie wagons or carts along the road...but I guess 5 makes a caravan. So we did the touristy thing in Agra....saw Akbar's Tomb, the Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort. It was hot as Hades on Saturday and getting around not so easy – hmmm...not wheelchair accessible...yeah built centuries ago, go figure. Anyway, we liked our driver so much because he actually came with us – and helped to push and carry Kasie up flights for stairs. Only place we had any real access issues – well of course the bathroom. You know, those wholes in the ground – ah but these were fancy, not. Anyway, Kasie's chair – yeah, not going to fit through the narrow hallway inside the restroom itself, let alone through a doorway to a “stall” so some pig backing of course...hello lady – who speaks English – was probably American to boot, aaugh – could you get out of our way please and let us get to the bathroom instead of telling us how hard it must be for Kasie and then going into the bathroom itself, the western one, not the Indian one – you know – the one WITH the commode and not offering it to Kasie who was on my back...HELLO....UNBELIEVABLE how rude some of the other tourists actually are to Kasie.
And the of course there are all the Indian and Asian folks who love her – and want their pictures taken with her...and hello Kasie this time, I was the rockstar first, haha!
Anyway, I guess I freaked Kasie out Saturday night when the “hatchlings' decided to erupt – and I thought I was going to need to go to a hospital... Anyway, she text'd Will here at the hospital...and of course got everyone here freaked out too that I was going to die....thanks Kasie...but the good thing was that they had a doctor call her with some stuff to get for me and it did help....some.
Happy Holi - oh happy b-day! 
Just rolling along to Agra, a temple and some locals
Kasie & Ajai at Akbar's Tomb 
Kasie and crew
Kasie - what did Geeta say! Dianne you're here one day and you're have her feeding monkeys, you too?! 
Didn't I say our ride to Agra was roomy and had air conditioning... 
Dianne, Kasie & Sonia at the Taj Mahal 
HELLO KASIE - a monument to LOVE
Anyone for a swim...huh, the Yamuna River - the WORLD's MOST polluted river flows right past the Taj.
Day 23 – March 23, 2008 / Sunday
Agra Fort this morning and a return trip to Delhi. Lots of accidents on the road, including one “International Harvester” that must have ruptured it's seams and there was grain and hay all over the road. Motorcycles, cars, trucks....smashed, bashed, on there sides, people laying on the roads....oh how pleasant.
Anyway, we made it back safe and sound. Upon arrival Kasie got 2 stems shots to make up for missing yesterdays since we had left at 6am, and weren't here for the evening either. All the Sister's and and staff and patients were checking to make sure sure I was okay too. Getting better, but not quite yet. See that, despite all our “complaints” and consternation over the “intrusions'' into the room for BP checks or when Kasie is sleeping....the staff truly does care about the patients – as well as their caregivers. They really are sweet..
After snacking on a slice of cake that Marcia brought us Friday night, mmm chocolate....Kasie went visiting and then returned for 2 more stem cell shots for today...so she's all caught up. Oh and while on the phone with her Grandma tonight - moving her foot again - you go girl!
With Dianne here, I've opted to move out. This tiny little dorm room definitely cannot house 3 grown women. Sorry girlfriend you're on your own....well not really, I'll still be around all week for you....smooches!
the "TAJ" from Agra Fort - yeah, it's not that far away really - like maybe 2 miles tops....but all the haze - yeah that's the air we breath here in India...
Kasie slept well last night...I on the other hand was wide awake all night. Oh well, since I couldn't sleep I spent most of the night catching up on emails...work too, aaugh; and working on adding some photos to the website, catching up on the adventures of the weekend and getting her ability to view movies and videos working on her computer again. She lost that capability when she downloaded Skype....not sure what happened, but she's been having issues with viewing even You Tube since then. Think I got that squared away. And that'll come in real handy the next two days while we're in “detention” at the other hospital for her procedure; give her something today since she'll be pretty much stuck in bed for 24 hours.
This morning when she finally got up and into the shower...knock, knock BP – oh in the shower....okay she'll stop by on the way to PT. Then off to PT and wishing Shivani a very Happy Birthday, she's 24 today. She shared with us, and the rest of the folks in the therapy room an Indian milk treat...a sweet, moist, yet dry “candy” if you will; don't know how to really describe it.
After PT Kasie was trying so hard to get a “booster” stem cell shot to tide her over til she gets her procedure today. Nice try – but denied by Sister Geeta. Then upstairs back to the room to get ready. At the sisters station outside our room, she was trying to work her magic again...Sister Geeta knows her pretty well by now. though...and followed her up to our floor and caught her in the act...and again denied.
We had about an hour before Raj was to show up and take us to the other hospital, so she checked emails, since we don't believe we'll have internet service over there and got our stuff together About 1115am she was ready to go....only 15 minutes late, not too bad for Kasie in the grand scheme of things...have to give her grief...it's only natural. On the way over to the other hospital I asked her if anyone had told her what time the procedure was, because no one had been able to give me a time. She said she had no idea, but since she figured she'd have to lay around for 5 hours anyway like last time (well 3 +, I think) she didn't see what the rush was; but I reminded her the later she gets there, the later they put her in the line up of procedures, which of course means the longer she'll have to stay on Tuesday before they release her to go back to Green Park, oh yeah that.
So we arrive at the other hospital, Gautum Nagar location about 1120am, yup that close, but not an easy walk with all the traffic and construction of the metro that is being put in. Raj dropped us off and in we went, past the building with the Swastiks; and yes that is indeed what they are swastiks – a symbol of the god Ganesh, not some Nazi or even American Indian symbol...here it is something different. And after someone mentioned it to Kasie, we checked into it...and now we do see the symbol all over the place and often with Sanskrit adjacent or nearby.
So we sign in and get up to the room...well this room is larger than the first “detention” session. It actually has two hospital beds, one with the 4 inch vinyl mattress – Kasie's and then another with a 3 inch vinyl mattress, and then there's the futon. The bathroom, not handicap accessible, uh oh – here we go again. But they were able to find a narrow wheelchair on the premises that does fit through the door, so we have that in the room now.
Kasie's starving and wants to eat...but isn't allowed. She TRIES the Kasie eyes on me to get some pizza we brought with us....she had gotten 2 personal pan pizzas last night – 1 for dinner last night; and 1 for today...but guess what – it doesn't work on me dear girl. What if you have to have anesthesia, sorry no food, not even the Twix bar.
About 130pm two of the sisters came into set Kasie up on an IV. They tried and successfully found a vein in her left hand (first try in fact) ...but it was so painful for her and she's been having so many issues with them giving her IV's in her hands lately (the pain and the bruising)...I thought she was going to pass out from the pain and anxiety it was causing her. I had them remove it and explained the problems that she's been having, so they opted to use a vein in her wrist...they told her it'd be more painful...but it wasn't. From here on out Kasie is going to have to be sure to tell them absolutely no to the IV's they want to give her in the hands. And I too will remind them because they just don't seem to listen to her about how painful it is. And that kind of information, if written in her file, doesn't seem to make a difference. Today's original site bruised immediately upon withdrawing it. It was a good hit on the vein, I had watched...but they don't numb it all so, and the needle and stint they use is SO long...it takes up like the whole top of her hand. so it just doesn't work for her in the hand.
OUCH! Um, STILL OOOOOOOOOOUCH! Ok, that's better.So it took about ½ hour to get that squared away....she became fairly stressed about the whole thing and was extremely anxious when they came into give some additional shots when they wanted to actually give them to her instead of inject them into the IV, Then it was time to go. When we first got here one of the sisters had told me yes that I would be able to go with Kasie today since I had talked with Dr. Ashish. But when the time came, Opie again told me know that management had said no...I asked who and he just he didn't know – but management. Well Mr. David had already been around earlier to check on us, so I saw him in the hall and asked him if he knew anything about whether I could go or not; since he's what I would say the operations/facility (not medical) manager of both hospitals. He said he had never known an attendant to accompany a patient into the operating room and I told him of the conversation I had had with Dr. Ashish. He said he would go speak with Dr. Ashish directly. He came back and apparently it wasn't Dr. Ashish's decision alone to make about allowing me to observe the procedure, so again no chance at seeing the procedure. I asked Opie again about whether I could at least SEE the operating room after they were done with all the patients, or if he could at least take my camera down there and take some pictures for us. He said he'd check after the next procedure they were off to do and he'd let me know. Seeing the rest of the facility, I'm very curious to see the operating room. So we'll see, but at this point I'm not going to hold my breath on it.
It's kind of ironic - I think of how things function medically at home and what we're used to for care and treatment at home; and then I see how thing are here and how nonchalant they are here about so much when it comes to medical treatment....and yet at home, no problem...here problem...weird. But it's their deal, so it is what it is.
Anyway Kasie went down for her procedure at 202pm...and returned to the room a little over an hour later. Poor thing, she is not allowed to really move until 8pm tonight and she can't sit up AT ALL until tomorrow (Tuesday). She can have something to eat in about and hour...which is good because she's been starving since before she went into the procedure. And unfortunately for her, the sisters will have to catheterize her when she needs to void her bladder since she can't sit up until tomorrow, how annoying for her; especially with this crew. But Dr. Ashish assured her it wouldn't be an issue and they were experienced with this.
She's a little drugged up today. They actually DID have to give her anesthesia since she actually felt something when they started...and Dr. Ashish had her wiggle her toes...and she was able to wiggle her big toe and little toe on the right foot before the procedure. Good signs from the continuing stem cell treatment. Apparently though she was still very anxious and her blood pressure was high....so anesthesia. So now Kasie, aren't you glad you didn't eat..might make you nauseous...you can eat at 4pm, only 20 more minutes.
So right now she's watching a movie on her laptop propped up on a pillow on her stomach. The high tech hospital bed is once again propped up with bricks to elevate her feet slightly. In the past 40 minutes the sisters have been in 5 times to “check” on her (can you say hover about and not check anything; so much for her resting – every time she hears the knock her anxiety level increases) and only during one time did they actually do anything and inject some antibiotic into her IV.
Dr. Ashish is supposed to stop by at about 530pm and then again at about 830pm to see how she's doing. So far she's just pretty groggy and not mentioning or complaining about a headache or nausea as is often the case immediately following a spinal tap since a small amount of spinal fluid actually leaks out...also the cause for the antibiotics, so all seems to be okay...good.
Oh 345pm, a sister stops by with a packet of electrolytes to mix with water. So the sister wanted to know about where was her 1 L bottle of water to mix the packet in. Um, hello, what 1 L bottle of water?. Where's the the good drinking water at this hospital and why don't they have a pitcher or something to prepare this stuff for Kasie to drink?. Off the sister goes in search of...hopefully water and 1 L bottle.
Kasie complaining a little bit about not being able to breath....not that she can't breath...it's really more the uncomfortable position she's in...so shifts her weight a little and I straightened her legs for her...better now.
Okay the nurse is back and she had to send someone out to BUY us a 1 L bottle of fresh sealed water.
We'll spare you all the details on the bathroom issues – but suffice it to say since Kasie was essentially at their mercy (until 8am Tuesday morning) since she was not allowed to sit up or really move, the sisters tested her patience and resolve like you wouldn't believe. And yes, I do believe we actually experienced some incompetence on their part!
Okay Kasie says she feels like maybe she's being a big baby about how she reacts to the sisters and doctors and staff...and how they treat her or are always knocking or hovering or can't answer her questions; but you know what I don't think so. And that doesn't come cheaply from me, because I'm not afraid to tell her when I think she's being a baby. And it's not just that I'm too critical of this stuff, I watch how it is with all the patients...and while some don't voice there frustrations nearly as much as others...it does indeed seem that everyone has experienced at least some level of this. It's also not just that things are different here, and there is a language hurdle, and yes we KNOW how it is after 2 weeks here so just get used to it, etc., etc., etc.; it's that it never ceases to amaze us and frustrate us. It's NOT just merely incompetence...because if that were it, it would be dealt with, I would hope...and it wouldn't be so universal. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before...it's just OMG...and “what” I have no idea actually how to put my finger on it or get this across – you'd just have to see it and experience...to REALLY get it...but it stems from: lack of organization, lack of communication, lack of understanding....just the way they do things is so so half baked, it can be completing infuriating at times....and that of course adds to Kasie's stress levels on a regular basis...because it is never ending for her and it is totally apparent how agitated it all makes her. At least to me, they just don't seem to sense it. There are times of the day that everything is fine...and everyone seems so nice and concerned and then when the barrage of constant “presence” begins it is when we just can't figure out why one visit can't accomplish what they do in five...with knocks every five minutes.
So it's now 427pm, she could eat...will they bring lunch? They asked about it for 2 solid hours before the procedure, knowing full well should couldn't eat then, and knowing she was hungry and wanted to eat when she was allowed, at 4pm., Yes there's the pizza, but saving that in case lunch or dinner are not to her liking.
Oh the guy brought the water bottle...only 15 RPS...now where's the packet and that sister?
So Kasie and I had already been talking about how freaked out and scared she was when she got down to the operating room. And how that despite thinking she could have done this trip on her own if no one had been able to come with her, she said she doesn't think she would have been able to handle it. I asked her what it was that scared her and she said “it's way old school, like being on MASH and the old big lights and I kept thinking about OMG they were going to be sticking me in the spine...” uh yeah all 'scary things when presented separately when facing medical treatment half way around the world from home...and then put them all together....no wonder the poor thing stresses herself out so much. She's been wondering “how did Amanda have such a good attitude through all this....I'm a pretty danged happy person...but this is insane...” Kasie 404pm 3/17/08
The constant barrage of actually not having the full complement of information presented at once, or at least in a way that follows some semblance of order would surely make life easier for Kasie here in Delhi. The “go with the flow” attitude is not even one of the options, and even it it were, it can only take you so far...and then you need answers to your questions and situations that arise. And I surely don't think it's just Kasie...because we DO ask the questions...but it seems more often than not, no one has the answers – even to the small simple things. It's very much that everyone needs to check with someone else...but they don't always come back with an answer.
Hmm, still no lunch, imagine that...so it IS time for her pizza.
Ah, lunch arrived, 5pm...without a drink, go figure; so had to go in search of that.
Lots of just laying around...more of the same....and guess what...still the same. She's not going anywhere...well except for the continued slipping down the mattress and getting her head caught up in the bars that make up the headboard. Wouldn't have anything to do with that vinyl mattress with sheets on it and the elevated angle of the bed, now would it? So I keep having to pull her down to the foot of the and watch the “slide.” She's looking forward to 830pm, when she's allowed to at least be able to reposition herself and lie on her sides.
Dinner arrived about 730pm....ooh Kasie psyched on the baked potato. Um, this hospital no amenities or acutriments....so that means no butter or salt and pepper even....who knew...so went out and asked for some butter and they brought it, but of course charged us 20 RPS for it. Sheesh.
Our favorite doctor, Sudeep Sherma – can you say tall, dark and handsome, sha – wing (oh we've been watching way too much Wayne's World)...but seriously a hottie in any country, the NEW Dr. McDreamy, for sure...but we only get to see him at this hospital...more procedures Kasie....come on girlfriend, help a sister out. Uh oh, she's rubbing off on me. Anyway he stopped by to check on Kasie. He was very pleased that she has no heaviness in her neck and hasn't had a headache or been nauseous. Dr. Ashish should be around in a while to check on her also, after he finishes up with another patient.
Site of Lumbar procedure.Guess what's next...more of the same...watching TV, reading, bed sliding, yaking...um not much else.
Must be shift change, cause the guy came by to pick up the dinner plates, 2 new sisters came by to set up some stuff and check on Kasie and also the night doctor, Dr. Mukesh, just stopped by to introduce himself and say hi and see how she was doing and to let us know if she needs anything tonight to call for him.
At about 950pm Dr. Ashish and Dr. Sherma both came by and checked in on Kasie. Dr. Ashish is extremely pleased with Kasie's condition. He is thrilled that she hasn't had any headache, stiffness, heaviness, chills or nausea. He said she is remarkable in that they have only had one other patient go through the lumbar procedure and not have at least some of those side effects to some degree...she's a superstar! Her thighs have had some 'tremors' just as a result of laying in one position for so long and they were essentially “stretching” out, so no problem – except that she felt like she couldn't keep them on the bed.
Next set of sisters...uh yeah...EVERY time new ones come on and in to take care of Kasie, it's like starting from scratch...a) they don't pass on the info to the next shift; b) they try to re-invent the wheel despite Kasie being PERFECTLY clear on what she needs and how she needs it; which of course frustrates the hell out of her since it's a constant “re-training” and she just doesn't get it – why don't they get it....yeah...not gonna happen.
Pretty much the same through the night....fairly hot room even with the cyclone created by the ceiling fan. Neither one of us really slept.
So at least I was sure she wasn't getting tired of just lying about and trying to sit up – at least not too many times...KASIE! No she actually did really well
DAY 18 – March 18, 2008 / Tuesday
This morning turns out there was an AC unit in the room...behind the curtains...but when the sisters turned it on it was SO loud that even though Kasie and I were sitting right next to each other we couldn't hear over the clanging noise...she said it sounded like a limb was caught in it..nice Kasie.
Anyway, up and out of there fairly quickly...without even seeing the doctor. Sisters came by about 830am and said after an injection of antibiotics and the removal of her IV we'd be going back to Green Park. Sure enough we were back by about 10am.
Exhausted and in need of showers. Then off in search of Dr. Shroff, who acually wasn't in today. Kasie on a tour showing off the pictures of us on the Lucky the elephant, and catching up with the staff and other patients. She actually does like the staff...as long as she gets to interact with them on her terms...but when we're in the room, it's like her sanctuary and the knocking to come in, well I guess you could say it's an intrusion.
We did soe people watching out front of Green Park...there are some folks who apparently are just living on some elevated wooden frames on the other side of the street...how odd. According to David (manager) who saw us out there...he said they don't get run off because there are just so many people who actually live on the streets like that, because there are simply so many people in India, it'd be impossible for the police to try and do anything about it.
Then a stroll and roll to McD's for lunch – fish filet and veggie wrap...unbelievable.
Oh and boy was it hot today...she's got some weather in store for her the next month and a half. Back to the room...emails, naps...what else...yeah not much really except for the regular traffic flow surrounding her when she's in the room.
By the way, thanks to all you faithful who are checking in on the site....Kasie is so psyched that there is so much interest in how she's doing. She really appreciates it.
DAY 19 - March 19, 2008 / Wednesday
A very quiet day by comparison to others here in India. Kasie not feeling, she woke up complaining of feeling nauseous, also achy and flu-like.
She made it down to PT a little late and Shivani didn't push her too hard since Kasie wasn't feeling well, still a little nauseous and also a little whoozy. We talked to Dr. Neelan about how Kasie was feeling and he said probably just a result of the procedure the other day, but would let Dr. Ashish and Dr. Shroff know...and that she should go up to the room and just rest.
After PT and her stem cell shot we headed back up to the room and both Dr. Ashish and Dr. Shroff stopped by to check on her. They took her off the antibiotic, probably contributing to her upset stomach feeling. Dr. Shroff said she probably hasn't been eating enough, and I can attest to that - not a fan of the hospital food. So she got the order to eat more, especially chocolate and ice cream...no, seriously she did. The sugars - to help perk her up; I'm also in search of Gatorade now for the electrolytes.
She needs to take care of those "baby" stem cells and feed them, whatever they want...and eat, eat, eat....and hydrate! And of course if she's tired - sleep, whether it's during the day or night.
Anyway, by late afternoon she was feeling somewhat better...she actually had slept from about 11am - 5pm, with a few intermittent interruptions by the staff checking on her. I had gone out to let her be...and get some chocolate and juice...no Gatorade yet, have a line on it though.
Went out to the Big Chill again for dinner - her favorite...and she eats well there...so worth the trip.
Day 20 - March 20, 2008 / Thursday
We've been having major internet connection problems...can't hold the connections very long...not wireless, but ethernet so that's strange...but...afterall it is India. Sowhen trying to post the updates...keep losing them cause logs out of the website. Similar issues with our e-mails. Will keep trying - apologize for any delays.
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Dear Faithful Readers and Kasie Followers,
First, let me apologize for the delay. We have been experiencing some technical difficulties over here in India, imagine that. The internet server has been going out regularly and not allowing us to hold onto a signal for any extended period of time....thereby making it rather difficult to up date the web, let alone add pictures. Just getting an email open or sent has been a chore. we've reported the problem on NUMEROUS occassions. First “fix” was a guy blowing on the ethernet cable and reversing the connection – yeah that didn't work, go figure. Fiddled with that most of Friday. Kasie was able to get on MySpace last night (Sunday March 23) for a little bit...and added some photos...but then she again lost the signal. No one on the entire floor could use the internet last night...and as you are all aware it's pretty much a lifeline home for people, to blog, IM, email, webcam or update websites, extremely frustrating for all.
Signal back up this morning (Monday March 24) for a little bit; but then gone again. Mentioned it again to Mr. David today and he was going to call someone in again.
The other issue we've had, or rather I've had – um, yeah Delhi Belly. I guess since Kasie has all those “baby stem cells” in her system now, my system felt neglected ad opted to pickup something of it's own. Needless to say I've been sick as a dog since Friday...and I thought Giardia or Kidney Stones were painful (yeah, and having experienced both...not so much). In fact, those don't even come close to the ”alien babies” that seemed to be hatching in my gut on Saturday night....YUCK...and OMG HOLY F&$%*. And on top of that since Saturday morning I had kind of been feeling better, well we DID go to Agra for the weekend – heck we had to celebrate our birthdays in style at the Taj Mahal...and of course in Arga we had not internet service.
So here's the 411 on what happened towards the end of last week...
Let's see, where did I leave off?
Day 20 – March 20, 2008 / Thursday
She's feeling better - they thought the flu stuff and nausea was a result of the Amoxicillin that had been giving her after the procedure.
But she's super tired; slept like shit apparently cause her legs kept her up all night; they have been having "tremors" - which doctors think good...I do to; nerves are firing...she can't feel them; but they apparently toss her about a bit; no it's not violent like a seizure...but they can tend to "walk" away on her if you can picture what I'm talking about.
OMG – Today, Kasie has moved her foot and wiggled her toes on her left foot. This is actually NOT the first time this has happened since we've been here...but she has been pretty cautious about us posting some of these little milestone's. But the fact that she is now really SEEING (but not feeling) that she is doing it when she concentrates, it's not a shift of weight in her upper body, she's accepting that it's happening and SO excited by it. The movements are ever so slight but they are there. At this point there hasn't been any sensation or feeling associated with her ability to wiggle her toes, move her foot or even move her legs. But the movement IS in and of itself great news and the doctors and PT staff continue to be thrilled with her progress.
The thing she wants people to realize about why she's been a “little” cautious about disseminating her progress that SHE KNOWS everyone back home is so interested in – is that she: a) doesn't want to get anyone's hopes up, b) wants to make sure that what she is experiencing is “real”, and c) that while she jokes she'll be walking off the plane, and indeed she might – with the help of calipers and a walker, it won't be an easy stroll off - it's still not easy for her to walk. She's getting MUCH, MUCH, MUCH (how many Deepak, 8 muches?) better....but it is a very tough and strenuous thing for her. It's not like us just getting up to go for a walk...it is truly exercise for her because of the balance, the weight shifting, having to rely on the walker, being able to hold herself up on her arms ( which I think everyone knows – are bomber guns – except perhaps Deepak who might just be intimidated by them and isn't willing to admit it...) when her legs get tired, etc...
Dinner out at Daitchi – a Chinese restaurant – pretty sure THAT's where the 'hatchlings' came from. No one else at dinner got sick – thank god.
Day 21 – March 21, 2008 / Friday
Morning PT – Kasie is walking GREAT. With her calipers and the walker she walked all the way from the PT room to the stem cell injection room. It's probably a distance of 30 feet or so in all. It wears her out...but god she's doing fantastic. She's remembering to take smaller steps and shift her balance. Shivani is right there behind her, either to help catch the walker if she “stumbles” or to help guide her hips when she starts to get a little fatigued. Have I said it before?... we love Shivani...Kasie would like to bring her home as her personal PT. Shivani doesn't think her father would be too thrilled though.
Kasie's Hindi lessons continue and she is actually learning some things she CAN use out in public, despite “Humble” trying to teach her otherwise. KASIE!
I pretty much laid low in the afternoon and was hoping to feel better to join everyone for dinner – but didn't, no biggie. Marcia and Will took Kasie out to dinner for her birthday and Louie, Jacqui, and Sam joined them...sounds like they all had a grand time. The 2 patients had to 'suffer' through watching the others enjoy a cocktail or two it sounds like....after dinner Kasie when with Lalan (from the hospital) to the airport to pick up Dianne.
Dianne is Kasie's next caregiver. She came a little early so she could join us going to the Taj Mahal this weekend.
Ah, supplies arrive! There was actually a little trepidation on the hospital staff's part with us going to Agra (the Taj Mahal) on the “HOLI”. HOLI, as explained to us is a festival of colors, when they play with colors, not holy by any means, but a celebration basically of spring...the colors – hmm, easter eggs come to mind. But anyway the staff was concerned that even if we were here, that we should go out on Saturday... so of course there were concerns about travel to Agra, and what would it be like there. Even when booking the car the guy told me that the Taj would be closed on Saturday; but we were determined to go and I explained to him that even if it were closed Saturday, we'd be okay with that since we wanted to spend the night and could always go to it on Sunday. He finally agreed.
Next trick finding a hotel in Agra, on HOLI weekend and a full-moon weekend. Apparently, there is a large influx of people to Agra to observe the Taj by moonlight. But I finally found a place for us to stay and confirmed it...what would it be like though – anybody's guess really. But it was listed in the Lonely Planet – which is ALWAYS hit or miss, and I've had some BIG misses in the past. But I also found this place online and looked okay...so with car/driver confirmed and hotel booked we were ready.
So...
Day 22 – March 22, 2008 / Saturday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KASIE....and yes, I do count chica!
6am departure...and well the drive down to Agra was fairly uneventful, for us – old hats of India. We had a fabulous driver and a REAL car....a full size vehicle that fit us all and the wheelchair and still had room to spare, and it even had a/c; how refreshing. Of course we saw camel caravans, well like 5 at most in row pulling theie wagons or carts along the road...but I guess 5 makes a caravan. So we did the touristy thing in Agra....saw Akbar's Tomb, the Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort. It was hot as Hades on Saturday and getting around not so easy – hmmm...not wheelchair accessible...yeah built centuries ago, go figure. Anyway, we liked our driver so much because he actually came with us – and helped to push and carry Kasie up flights for stairs. Only place we had any real access issues – well of course the bathroom. You know, those wholes in the ground – ah but these were fancy, not. Anyway, Kasie's chair – yeah, not going to fit through the narrow hallway inside the restroom itself, let alone through a doorway to a “stall” so some pig backing of course...hello lady – who speaks English – was probably American to boot, aaugh – could you get out of our way please and let us get to the bathroom instead of telling us how hard it must be for Kasie and then going into the bathroom itself, the western one, not the Indian one – you know – the one WITH the commode and not offering it to Kasie who was on my back...HELLO....UNBELIEVABLE how rude some of the other tourists actually are to Kasie.
And the of course there are all the Indian and Asian folks who love her – and want their pictures taken with her...and hello Kasie this time, I was the rockstar first, haha!
Anyway, I guess I freaked Kasie out Saturday night when the “hatchlings' decided to erupt – and I thought I was going to need to go to a hospital... Anyway, she text'd Will here at the hospital...and of course got everyone here freaked out too that I was going to die....thanks Kasie...but the good thing was that they had a doctor call her with some stuff to get for me and it did help....some.
Happy Holi - oh happy b-day! Just rolling along to Agra, a temple and some locals Kasie & Ajai at Akbar's Tomb Kasie and crew Kasie - what did Geeta say! Dianne you're here one day and you're have her feeding monkeys, you too?! Didn't I say our ride to Agra was roomy and had air conditioning... Dianne, Kasie & Sonia at the Taj Mahal HELLO KASIE - a monument to LOVE Anyone for a swim...huh, the Yamuna River - the WORLD's MOST polluted river flows right past the Taj. Day 23 – March 23, 2008 / Sunday
Agra Fort this morning and a return trip to Delhi. Lots of accidents on the road, including one “International Harvester” that must have ruptured it's seams and there was grain and hay all over the road. Motorcycles, cars, trucks....smashed, bashed, on there sides, people laying on the roads....oh how pleasant.
Anyway, we made it back safe and sound. Upon arrival Kasie got 2 stems shots to make up for missing yesterdays since we had left at 6am, and weren't here for the evening either. All the Sister's and and staff and patients were checking to make sure sure I was okay too. Getting better, but not quite yet. See that, despite all our “complaints” and consternation over the “intrusions'' into the room for BP checks or when Kasie is sleeping....the staff truly does care about the patients – as well as their caregivers. They really are sweet..
After snacking on a slice of cake that Marcia brought us Friday night, mmm chocolate....Kasie went visiting and then returned for 2 more stem cell shots for today...so she's all caught up. Oh and while on the phone with her Grandma tonight - moving her foot again - you go girl!
With Dianne here, I've opted to move out. This tiny little dorm room definitely cannot house 3 grown women. Sorry girlfriend you're on your own....well not really, I'll still be around all week for you....smooches!
the "TAJ" from Agra Fort - yeah, it's not that far away really - like maybe 2 miles tops....but all the haze - yeah that's the air we breath here in India...
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