Jeanne and the Demon Spawn, Day -3

This is Jeanne walking laps on the BMT Unit. In her tired and annoyed moments, she has been refering to her children as "Demons of Cheeriness" (DoC) during their attempts to boost her spririts. The DoC also have photoshop.

Due to their low immune systems BMT patients have to stay inside the unit. There is a small sign near the nurses station that explains 15.8 full laps equals a mile, but you have to do a few extra if you walk the shorter laps that pass the fish tanks.

Jeanne is feeling quite tired but is still walking a mile a day. Today is the last day of the chemotherapy and the transplant is still on for Tuesday.

Day -6

Here is a photo of Jeanne and Josina this afternoon. During a BMT the day of the actual Bone Marrow Transplant is considered Day Zero. Since it is six days until the scheduled transplant, that puts us at Day -6. Jeanne is doing well today.

If anyone wants to send a card or letter she can receive mail at Harper Hospital. We will also bring any mail sent to her home, of course. Send mail to

Jeanne Raisler
Harper Univeristy Hospital
10 Webber North BMT uit Room 7
3990 John R
Detroit, MI 48201

Update and Food Information

Jeanne completed her second day of Chemotherapy last night, and is doing well. Today starts more drugs to prepare her body to receive the new bone marrow cells early next week. Jeanne's spirits were raised by more visitors yesterday. Some of the medicines make Jeanne tired, so it would be nice to call (either Jeanne's hospital room or Josina at (313) 408-7076) before dropping by for a visit to make sure she is up for it.

Many people have offered to make meals for Jeanne, and we now have more complete information about her diet while in the hospital. As a part of the BMT, she is receiving medicines that seriously suppress her immune system, so to avoid any potential food born infections there are some precautions. She can only eat foods that have been well cooked, properly stored and prepared in a sanitary way. This is called a Neutropenic diet.Click here for a comprehensive list of acceptable and non-acceptable foods and preparation and storage standards. If you are interested in making a meal, please contact Josina (Jeanne's daughter) at (313) 408-7076 or email jraislercohn (at) gmail (dot) com to arrange scheduling.

Jeanne Entered The Hospital Today, Visiting Info

Jeanne was admitted to the hospital today, and with the help of her family moved into her room. We decorated the walls with photos, poems, and beautiful prints from Jeanne's trips to southern Africa. Her room has a large window which gets nice light. Today began the low intensity chemotherapy that is part of her Bone Marrow Transplant regime, which is designed to stun her immune system to allow for a successful transplant. Jeanne is feeling optimistic, and had her first surprise visitor this afternoon.

Visiting and Phone Information

She is in Room 7 on the 10th floor of the Webber Building at Harper Hospital. (10 Webber North) Her room phone number is 313-745-6650. Feel free to give a call!

She can also receive visits every day from 10am until 8pm. Visitors are welcome of course. Harper Hospital is located at 3900 John R St, Detroit. There is a parking lot for visitors located at the intersection of John R St and Alexendrine St W, and the entrance to Harper Hospital is right next to the parking garage.

You can get a visitors pass at the welcome desk, and the elevators are just past the desk down the hall. Take the elevator to the 10th floor, and enter the BMT unit though the sliding glass doors and come on down to Room 7.

Jeanne has limited access to the computer at this point and is not checking her email. You can leave comments on this blog and we will be sure they get to her.