THE BIG DAY...
Mood:  quizzical
Now Playing: Dad checks in
Topic: Update
Casa Schierman in Chaska hosted Uncle Al and Dad last night, as my wonderful girls put out the proverbial Red Carpet for our overnight guests. After unpacking and deciding on who stays in which kids' room, we meandered over to the new Ruby Tuesday for a bite to eat. Note to self: wait longer to visit a restaurant so wait staff and cooks don't use us a guinea pigs for training...

Arrived at the U of M on time (caravan style), got through their 'orientation' process (with an intake nurse who didn't fully appreciate our witty sense of wry humor), moved Dad's stuff up to his room (holy crap, how much stuff does one man need? does he think he's staying a month or something?!?), had lunch with State Rep Bud Nornes (whose wife was there recovering from surgery), and left him in good hands (and spirits).

His direct phone into his room: 612-273-0214

His Room #: 4-321

PLEASE NOTE, that if you do plan to visit him that the BMT floor has VERY strict rules and enforces them with very large Romanian nurses named Helga and Lars. Seriously, if you have a cold, don't go. If you have used FluMist, don't go. You must wash up upon entering the floor. You must wear a mask on the floor if you have been around kids who have had recent immunizations. You cannot bring in flowers or food. You cannot wear your coat into a patient's room. There are lockers in the Family Lounge to store your personal belongings rather than bringing them into the room. The floor is filled with people whose immune systems are either non-existent or slowly rebuilding - an open sore, a nagging cough, or even an eye sty could be enough to put any of these brave souls on death's door... Please err on the side of caution - even though Dad will appreciate visitors over the next month or so, be vigilant and don't put him in harms way - he's been through enough already, right? If you have specific questions or concerns about a visit, just call the nurses station (phone number listed in the previous blog posting).

Chemo starts tomorrow. Say a prayer...