What You Need to Know

Don's health has taken a recent turn for the worse. The blast or leukemia cells in his blood have gone up to the point that they are probably a marker for a return of the acute leukemia. His other blood numbers are dropping so low he had two transfusions this week. All of this has compromised Don's immune system — actually his immune system has been destroyed. Infections wreck havoc with Don's body due to his illness. Germs can and do kill persons with leukemia. Please be vigilant on Don's behalf. It is imperative that we limit his exposure to any type of bacteria or germs.

If you think you might have recently been exposed to an illness, please call Lisa at 549-9988 and discuss this with her before your visit. It would be better for us to find you a replacement for your scheduled time than to risk passing on an illness to Don. Please be especially mindful of this if you have been in contact with a lot of children such as at a day care center or school.

If you are going to be "lending a hand," we ask the following:

Please avoid contact with cats, birds and gardening prior to coming over. Although dogs are not as dangerous as the others, please limit your contact with them as well and please do not bring your dog with you.

Shower and put on clean clothes before your scheduled visit

When you arrive at the house:

You will probably be greeted by a barking black lab. This is Rose, and she will not harm you. Please just come on in to the screened porch area. Freddie will be home and we will be listening for you, but may not be able to come to the door.

When entering the porch area, please remove your shoes. You can bring clean socks or slippers to wear in the house. The floors are cement and tend to be a bit chilly.

You may want to consider using the restroom right before you wash your hands.   Remember, you must hold your position for the full time until your relief arrives.

If Don needs to use the restroom during your visit, he can maintain his hand on his neck or take a break for no more than ten minutes.

Come on in to the house and go on in to the kitchen on your right. Please wash your hands and arms to your elbows (think TV medical shows), spray hands and clothing lightly with alcohol-water mix which will be provided.  

The person currently with Don will help you position yourself comfortably. Throw pillows will be provided to prop your arm or position yourself. Don will most likely either be in a recliner or lying on a blow up bed in the living room. A drawing of the correct hand positions will be placed on the wall.

Although Don will be able to talk, visit, read or walk around. He may not have the energy to do much. Please do not expect Don to hold a conversation with you during your visit. Don will let you know if he has any needs during your visit and Freddie will be home to assist Don with these needs.

We know that anyone coming over cares a great deal about both Don and Freddie. In Don's current state, we must ask that you refrain from hugging, extra touching or shaking hands with him. Again, it is a concern about infection, not affections.

Consider bringing the following with you:

• A friend
  If you wish to bring a friend to trade off with you during the visit or just to keep you company, please do. Of course if you have a friend who would be willing to schedule their own visit, please let me know.
   
• Movies
  It will be difficult to read a book since both of your hands will be on Don. However, please check with Don during your visit before starting the movie and please bring a positive movie.  
   
• Coffee or other beverages
  Water will be provided.
   
• A cushion to sit on
   
• Headset for listening to music