Joe was back at Hopkins this week and I stopped in to see how he was doing.  It was my first time seeing him since just before Christmas.

When I initially arrived...his room seemed peaceful.  Angie (Joe's Mom) was curled up on the couch, doing her best to grab a few winks. 

I felt bad for stirring her...but she indulged me (as always) and made me feel welcome.

...catching me up on the roller coaster ride on the home front.

...and making me realize that good help is truly hard to find -- especially when it comes to looking out for Joe.

How could any parent truly rest?

Shortly after I got there, it felt like I opened the door to a clown car....as nurse after nurse, specialist after specialist...popped in to see Joe or Angie or both.

Questions.

Measurements.

Readings.

Signatures.

An MRI revealed mixed results that (I'm guessing) will likely require further imaging. 

His platelets were low.

The combination of these factors ultimately meant no chemo for Joe.

He needs time to get his counts up.

Fortunately they were able to get transport back home before the snow.

I'm hopeful for brighter days on the horizon...