Tuesday morn

Sorry about the lack of an update last night. I was bushed!

The short note about the blood-clot tests is about Deb's left foot swelling up so she had to wear sandels because none of her shoes could go on her jumbo left foot. Today and early in the morning we do that test.

Right now we are listening to quiet worship music and having b'fast. I just gave Deb the morning pills, and her normal pills, and the 'heavy' pain pill.The chemo pumps are doing their thing. Oh, and to add to the caddy's load-the big red urine sample bottle and toilet seat 'hat'.

Deb was commenting on how blessed she is because in spite of the heavy chemo 24/7, she hasn't had the worst kinds of chemo reactions. She is mostly very tired, 'chemo-brained'(think not bright, even funny), and hallucinations.She just had a visit from Amanda here in the room. As far as I know,Amanda is at home in Atlanta.

Look out everyone! You may be our guest at any time courtesy of the drugs!

When we finally got back to the room last night, I got Deb supper and settled into her chair and then I grabbed the hotel van to Kroger for some grub.I shared the ride with another of our 'Classmates.'(that's what Deb and I call fellow patients/caregivers)

Yoopa Pranish (u-par) is Thai. She is eighty and has Myeloma. Her husband (86) and granddaughter (32 but looks 15)are here with her. Yoopa seems to be the caregiver for the other two. Yoopa was in a talkative mood and we did Kroger together. She is so tiny-80 pounds!Her British style English is perfect.

She and her husband left Thailand 40 years ago to move to Washington where he worked at the World Bank. Now they live in Palm Beach,Fl. but regularly visit home(Thailand) to visit her mother (102) and aunt(106).
Yoopa is an avid golfer and said before the cancer she played at least 18 holes a day.

Many of our classmates are on walkers and wheelchairs; many are wearing face masks and dragging bags of meds,etc around with them. The hospital complex has teams of transporters at every building. If you dial their number, a young guy/gal with blue shirt will suddenly appear with a jumbo-sized wheel chair and navigate you to the desired next stop. Most stops also have blanket warmers and snacks available for the patients/caregivers. First class!

A number of you have asked about flying out to visit. Right now is just not a good time to visit since Deb is either in treatment or subject to a no-notice schedule change and is napping or groggy most of the other times. We do not go out to eat. We are not good company and while we appreciate the requests for visits, it would be better for us to have phone calls,mail, or emails at this point. Maybe later on the visits.

Deb just said, "I appreciate your prayers; I need them; I feel them."

Soon we complete this round of chemo, and then the hard times hit, Please continue praying.

Vern