She looks like a junkie, jokes Larry :)

Just got off the phone with Florence and Larry, 11:30 a.m. PST. So far, no word back on test results. She's had tests up the wazoo: cat scans, liver scan, a heart scan, multiple bone marrow and biopsy repeats. Larry said the heart scan was called "MUG" or something like that; I'm guessing (after a quick Google search) that it was a Multi-gated Cardiac Blood Poll Acquisition. This test determines how well the heart is working in relation to the rest of the body (this test, plus others, will measure her body's strength for treatment options).

Today the hospital staff will put in a central line, so that Flojo won't have to "look like a junkie," as Larry joked. He even had to take a picture of her arm, she'd had so many wires and tubes. The central line will allow for easier delivery of meds and blood draws, so that Flojo doesn't have to get her viens stuck each time. She's also taking Atavan, which has helped calm her nerves and allowed her racing mind to let her sleep. She took this after Casey died, and knew that it helped her then. She's in minimal pain--only at the bone marrow draw site--plus she's had some oxycodone (Oxycontin).

Other random things: yes, Florence has Larry's insurance. This was a cause for concern, as Fusion closed a few months ago, and I wasn't sure if she chose Cobra or just switched over to Larry's. Currently, Larry is checking into things with their insurance to see if it will cover bone marrow match testing for Florence's siblings, if that is a recommended path. Florence's appetite is good, but the hospital is quite careful about food prep/sanitation as germs are the enemy. Her sandwich comes with no tomato or lettuce; she's not allowed to have strawberries--basically anything that can't be peeled. Sounds like a traveler's diet--if you can't peel it or boil it or unpackage it, don't eat it. She's getting decent sleep, considering she's in a hospital.

Larry is working with the fire department to arrange time off. He's spent the last two nights in a recliner chair in Florence's room, which cannot be comfortable. OHSU does have a sleeping area and cots, but the place is just packed right now and none are available. I just got off the phone with the Unit Manager who promised to find Larry a cot, even if they need to borrow it from another building. Florence said Larry has been a champ and it's great to have not only her husband but someone with over 20 years of EMT experience who knows his way around some of the medical jargon, etc.

Right now they do have some internet access, via Larry's work computer with a phone card (no wifi at OHSU). They are busy fielding phone calls, etc. Their neighbors are going to water plants, check on the house, etc., and at this moment they don't need anything from home. Again, once tests results are in there'll a better idea of what's on the horizon in terms of how long they'll be at OHSU.

What we do know right now is that Florence initially tested positive for an acute variety of leukemia. We do not know which subtype, though. Again, waiting on test results.

As far as visiting goes, here are some guidelines given to me by the Unit Manager:

• Do not visit if you have a cold or other communicable disease or virus, etc. Wash your hands well upon entering the unit.
• NO live PLANTS OR FLOWERS! They could contain bacteria.
• You will not need to gown up, as Florence has been "cleared from isolation."
• Do NOT bring food as she is on a "low bacteria diet."

Here' s a link to OHSU's visiting hours, maps, and so forth: http://www.ohsu.edu/about/directions.shtml

All in all, FLorence is in good spirits and quick to laugh, as always. Send prayers and funny stories her way.