Elsa back in Hospital, Filipa climbs Volcano

Elsa is back at Brigham and Women's. She has been fighting an infection and finally she was told to go to the hospital yesterday, because the infection was not going away. Just a minor set back that will soon be overcome. She had been suffering through pain and fevers, so it is good that she is back where they can take care of her and set her back on track towards recovering.

The emergency room was quite a happening place last night. There was a woman who was in bad shape, but had a great attitude. She adopted a dog from Puerto Rico. There was a man (see my drawing) whose ear was bitten by his dog. He had the piece that was bitten off on ice for the doctors to sew it back on. The dog is supposedely the most wonderful pet (according to him), which leaves me wondering what he did to make the dog bite him.

Meanwhile, I just spoke to Filipa. She was at the top of Fogo's Volcano.

Her and my sister Kiki left early this morning, 5:30 am their time, to Chã das Cladeiras and climbed the volcano. They are still at the top. The journey up and down takes 4 to 5 hours. I am so very glad she did this, as it will be a memory not to be forgotten.

A Bica for Elsa

Ola mama!
I miss you so much!
I'm glad you're going home today, I wish I was there with you.
I saw the pictures of u and Maya, I'm jealous!

Yesterday I went fishing with Vovo Celso and his friend Ze Carlos.
 I caught the biggest fish out of the three of us!
It's for you!!! (Vovo Celso said it's called a Bica)

I loooveeee yooooouuuuuu!!!!!!

going home?

This morning I woke up feeling like myself again, so I took these photos.

My stay at Brigham and Women's Spa, I mean, Hospital, has been longer than usual because I was (am?) undernourished and weighing 34 kilos (77 pounds)...

But something is telling me that I am leaving today!

Sunday Love

No, there is nothing wrong. It's protection so Elsa could take a shower.


In between movies and meals, a nap or two to replenish energies and enjoy Maya's company.

Feeling better.

I did not come to the hospital yesterday. Picked up Maya at Zaza's and spent the day fixing the house. Maya and I had lunch at Chipotle, in Mansfield, and then after fixing the house we went to dinner at a Japanese restaurant, in Providence (Razan) and had ice cream at Three Sister's. Maya had a scoop of Dirty Garden Mint Chip. It was yummy, according to her. We then took a walk along Blackstone Blvd and then visited Borders books.

Today, we came to see Elsa. I took this picture of her and Maya.

Patient refuses.

When I came in today, Elsa was in a very good mood. She had discovered "patient refuses," the command word when she does not feel like acccepting what the medical team wants her to have, such the nasty hepburn shots and insulin, just because she was one point over the lower limit.

As Bob Marley would sing.

Get up, stand up, refuse the hepburn shot.
Get up, stand up, don't accept the insulin.
Get up, stand up, say no to the hospital.
Get up, stand up, patient want no more pain.

She has been walking and drinking broth and liquids. Her surgeon said she could start solid foods tomorrow if she wants. She wants.

I made a drawing of Elsa's infusion pumps.

july 28 Wednesday

Elsa is doing much better. They have removed the nasty NG tube and put her on TPN (total parenteral nutrition). Basically this means she is being fed by IV. She needs nutrition and is not able to eat, so they are doing this to give her some calories. She also started taking sips to regain use of her GI track.

She sends her love to all.