Deb at McClards BBQ in Hot Springs, Ark

Our friend Paul recommended this as his favorite home town food. It was very crowded and one of the waitresses has been there over 50 years! I don't know how she keeps going!

Deb felt good and we took the ride to Hot Springs and back. The area is heavily forested and Deb loved seeing all the trees. You may not know it, but Deb's father LT McIntyre ran a sawmill and later sold sawmill equipment as the southeast sales rep for Frick Equipment. Deb grew up playing in sawdust. Since we got married, Deb can smell the sawmills from miles away and loves to see them.

We ate BBQ and then rode the old strip in Hot Springs that once was the entertainment center of the US until Las Vegas and Atlantic City sprang up. It's dilapidated now and the crowds are small. We drove up on the mountain and had a great view of the area.

Coming back, we passed a gemstone store on the side of the highway. Another thing you may not know about Deb is that she and several friends make jewelry using semi-precious stones. Of course, Deb has made virtually nothing since last year. Well, that did not keep her from looking at all the stones. Arkansas has many gemstones: in fact, it has diamonds.

I was surprised when I showed Deb a sample card of small labeled gemstones. It probably contained about 50 samples. Deb could name all but one! I was so impressed!

Further on, a teenage girl was selling fresh tomatoes and veggies from a roadside stand. We bought field peas, okra, peanuts, and tomatoes. I cooked them for supper. Ummm good!

By the time we got back to Little Rock and drove the highways around town, Deb was shot and asked to be dropped off at the apartment while I took the rental car back.

Now, full of veggies and after a nap, Deb is sitting quietly and reading her emails. Several letters and a package were here when we got back. Thanks friends!

Tomorrow starts the Dr visit and port installation. Then chemo. So, today might be the best Deb feels for a while.

Blessings all

Vern

Tuesday evening

We completed all tests needed before we begin chemo later this week. It was a long day and because of the meds Deb took for the tests, she is wiped out and I just put her to bed at 7:30.

Tomorrow is rest. As of right now we have no scheduled events. If that holds, I may rent a car so we can drive around our area a little. We have not explored Little Rock at all since we've been coming out here. We have had very little down time in our Ark visits.

Blessings all!

Vern

Classmates reunited

Both Deb and Iva Jo return for treatment after two weeks at home

CONTACT INFO (re-post for convenience)

This blog does not allow a normal email address format. Therefore, please add the 'at' symbol for the.

Remember, no spaces in an email address. We check emails multiple times a day when able.

Vern Darley= vern at mindspring.com

Deb Darley= deb.darley at gmail.com

Chief Angel Cassy Sims= cassysims at gmail.com

++++++++++++++++++++

Our temporary address in Little Rock in case you want to send a card to Deb.

Deb Darley
c/o Markham House Suites
5120 West Markham
Little Rock, AR 72205

PET scan ongoing

After fasting,Deb had a radioactive shot ,then drank a special drink, waited an hour for it to be absorbed throughout her body, then started thru the scanner for about an hours scan.

It was tough lying on the hip that earlier today had a bone sample and marrow samples removed.

Oh well, nobody said it will be fun!

Next step tonight:feed Deb!

Hospital gift shop item

Several days ago Deb and I were entertained by the gluttonous backyard squirrels. Today we saw this tiny item and had a big laugh!

New bling to celebrate completing painful bone marrow test

Heading out mon am

Sunday evening

We are mostly unpacked and went to our appointment for labs to get ready for a busy week. We just got a call from the nurse who gave us a script for potassium. It's very low.

We had a visit in the clinic with classmates Patty and Pat Patterson. Patty is having real back problems that Deb's type treatment of cementing the crushed vertebra won't fix.They are looking for solutions.

After the clinic time, we went to Kroger to stock up for the coming days. Deb is probably not going to feel like it later.

So, we hit it hard at 7:30 in the morning.

More later.

Vern

In the bath

Evelyn's latest pix!

Getting settled in Arkansas Sun afternooon

We arrived per schedule in North Little Rock at 10 am CT and saw Calvin waiting with the limo and Elmo the line boy ready to fuel Gracie for the return trip. Because of winds and a little wx near Birmingham, we took 2.5 hours to get here today. Smooth all the way at 8000'.

Deb's back is healing so well that she barely needed any help getting aboard Gracie at all. That's a far cry from previous trips which required 3-4 helpers to get her on board.Dave came with us and flew Gracie back to Ga. We saw he just arrived in Peachtree City. There is a website and iPhone app that tracks aircraft on IFR flight plans. You enter the tail number of the plane or other info and it shows where the plane is. It works for airliners, and private planes-see www.flightaware.com
Gracie's N number is N353RV. Friend Walter tracked us here today and called to welcome us to our temporary abode. Thanks Walt!

Walt's daughter is a fireman(firewoman???) in Peachtree City and said we had a big fire at the Windham in Peachtree City last night. We live near there and did not hear a thing.

We are staying in the room that Israel just left-205. It is one floor below the room we had on previous trips-305. The staff says they are fully booked here the rest of the month for patients. Our two stored boxes were brought right up to us.

Deb ate a good lunch and then started a little nap before our 3 pm first stop. We still have to unpack, gets some groceries, and figure out our schedule.

Antoinne was our driver. He has two weeks before he reports to Disney in Orlando. He still does not know what role he will have there in entertainment.

Thanks to all those supporting us. Having a send off team help us load Gracie and pray for us before we take off is so encouraging! Thanks all!

Vern

Arrived safely in Ark

Room 205. There now ptl!

Sent from my iPhone

Friday evening at home

Deb had a great day. Because she has lost 40+ pounds and lost >2" height, she needed some clothing items before we return to Arkansas Sunday morning. Amanda took her on a short shopping trip and before long, the new duds were in the bag!

We do not know how long we will be gone. A perfect session might about 3 weeks. But, based on how Deb recovers from the stem cell transplant, we might be there longer. We do not know. Have you ever packed for an indefinite trip like this?

We are doing lot's of laundry and gathering of stuff for our departure. Once again we will look like the Beverly Hillbillies as we again stuff Gracie. Dave is riding out with us to bring Gracie home to her own hangar.

Again today the clinic called to confirm more tests.

Regarding the critters: three squirrels have been continuing to stuff their faces with the seeds. Since the seeds are back on a table, the chipmunk is waiting under the table. All are truly stuffed!

One is lying flat on the ground with legs spread out, tongue hanging out! Truly a gluttonous critter! Bet his tummy is swollen.

Deb and I have had a lot of laughs from these show offs. We also saw the hawk circling overhead. Wonder what he's thinking?

Gotta run. Time to change loads.

Blessings,

Vern

Thursday evening

Deb has had a good day. Her mobility, mental sharpness, and demeanor are great. Friend Lisa left this morning. Amanda and Jon came down for supper. Deb felt good enough for us to all go to our favorite Pizza joint here in Peachtree City where we ran into friends Jo and Al. Deb has been enjoying the few brief outings she has had.

We both are dreading going back into the hospital environment because we know the pain that lies ahead. However, the hope of a future that is cancer-free is motivational.

Amanda is at the beautiful pregnant stage with delivery in a few weeks. Deb is really sad to possibly miss the arrival. We had planned to be returning from a trip to Brussels to see Evelyn about now and then be with Amanda for her delivery. Both plans are changed. But, if we get thru these treatments, then we can be with both grandchildren in the future and get a chance to really spoil them!

I have been in a planning funk for a few days considering what bills must be paid, the weather for the flight back, duties that must be dealt with at work, insurance forms to be filed,etc. There is a lot to do and I prefer a quiet methodical process, not last minute bedlam.

Tonight we had free entertainment in the back yard. Deb had tossed a seed ring for birds into the back yard. An aggressive squirrel got to it first. A hungry chipmunk would approach it. The squirrel kept eating until the chipmunk was close,then he would turn and chase the chipmunk away. This act repeated itself for an hour. Deb finally asked me to chase the bully squirrel away so the chipmunk could eat. Then the squirrel got enough boldness to creep back up to the seed ring. After awhile we heard the screech of the hawk on a nearby limb. Wonder how this food-chain excitement will end?

We'll miss these shows in the coming weeks!

The phone rang a few minutes ago and it was the Ark. hospital confirming tests for next week. Our new apartment is reserved and Gracie is gassed and ready to go. So, Lord willing, off we go in the Sunday morning coolness.

Blessings all!

Vern

Deb's kindred spirit friends Cassy and Lisa

Gifts from 2 & 4 yr old Needle girls

Car with hub caps & a bird

Thanks girls!You did such a wonderful job making these colorful gifts for me. I put them with my happy things. Thanks! Deb

Our 2:42 weekly small group

Church Elders anoint Deb with oil and pray for her

In accordance with the command found in the book of James, Deb asked the church elders to pray for her. We had a sweet visit and enjoyed our time together. It is so encouraging to have the support of our church family.

Monday am-High Anxiety

Deb stretched herself yesterday and paid for it evening, night, and this morning.All last week we saw a 'miracle week' as Deb regained strength and abilities. As we have begun preparing to return to Arkansas next weekend, Deb has become fretful and having anxiety attacks. This morning, in her best Tennessee vernacular, 'she ain't worth killin'.

Knowing what procedures are ahead of her, and having had the unexpected 11 days in the hospital has left her in high anxiety that it may happen again.

The medical staff has seen this before and given meds to calm patients who all face these issues, but for some reason this anxiety is worse than normal.

Last night she tried sleeping in our bed, the chair, and the hospital bed. She wandered about the house and circled aimlessly.

We have called a number of prayer warriors and ask for your prayers also.
We are seeing our Dr before lunch today.

Please pray. I've not seen Deb like this before.

Vern

Fathers on Father's day

Sunday Deb was able to take a short field trip to my parents home in Morrow, Ga. We met my sister Kay and her husband Lee who had driven up from Warner Robins to join us for lunch and to wish dad a happy Father's day. Dad turned 85 on May 29, 2010.

Vern

Miracle week-Saturday afternoon

Deb is asleep in her electric recliner after a short trip with me mid-morning. Before sunrise, I ran out to the hangar for some much desired sunrise-flying, leaving her snoozing. I really enjoyed seeing the sun come up and watching the fog over the lakes and rivers; people starting their days.

I had committed a terrible mistake by not filling a pain med prescription on Thursday as planned and when the pharmacy opened, had to make amends. I cut it too close! It's a bad deal to make a mistake that hurts someone else!

Deb wanted to ride in the car with me, so off we went. By the time we got back she was ready for a nap. The at-home chemo-thialomide- has kicked in and the energy she had at the beginning of the week has waned. That chemo is the same drug that left many deformed babies in the '50-60's. Used by pregnant women, it had horrible effects on babies. Used by cancer patients, it has horrible effects on cancer cells!

This has been a hopeful-miracle-week.

>Deb slept in her bed flat-like everyone else- all week
>Deb started easing around the house slowly without her walker
>The sleep talk has eased
>Deb has been alert and able to do more for herself

We see the healing going on and are so happy to be here in our home. There are simple joys watching the birds and squirrels, looking at your yard, seeing the trees swaying in the breeze,etc.

Quiet peaceful refuge. Familiar surrounds.Home!

We are so greatful!

Vern

Evelyn checks out Trey

Friday night family visit

Deb and Amanda
Stephen and Jon

Thursday morning

At our local Dr getting labs. Next is the hospital for more. Then Deb
home and Vern to work.

Deb had a very restful night which has the added benefit of Vern
having one too!

Ten days until we return to Ark

Deb is beginning to feel the effects of the chemo she is taking at home.

Vern

Sent from my iPhone

Weds am

We have been enjoying the quietness and peacefulness of home these few days. Monday, Amanda took Deb to the Dr and the local hospital for the required blood tests that must be forwarded back to Little Rock. Tuesday, son Stephen came down from Atlanta for a few days visit. Deb's brother Tim drove Deb's mom Doris up from Warner Robins for a visit.

Last night was national sort-out-the-weekly-pills night for Vern.

Deb continues to strengthen and her mental clarity is returning. The chemo pills we started Mon night are making her sleepy. Her appetite has returned, aided no-doubt by the wonderful meals some are providing:otherwise, her plate would contain Vern's creations which she's had enough of for a while.

Vern's been back at work.

The loving and kind response of fellow associates and friends continues to be overwhelming to us.Thanks everyone!

Our yard was dressed up by some yard angels while we were absent and has never looked better to us. Thanks all you yard angels!

With that improvement, the yard has attracted several new residents who have enjoyed the solitude of no humans for a month. A family of opossums is seen in the wild area. Two medium sized hawks have also been our joy. They sit and watch us watching them: Kissinger would have described it as 'Peaceful co-existence'.

Thursday brings more medical tests.

Blessings all!

Vern

Sunday morning

Two big events: first shower and first time in church in months! Bet you didn't appreciate your's as much as Deb did!

Deb is still very weak and was concerned about going to church. I parked at the front door and we sat at the back. A number of folks saw me and asked about how Deb was. I would point at her and suddenly they would realize that was her in her orange as-yet-un-named blingy hat. The Lord blessed us with four special blessings+ :

1-A guest musician from Chicago sang a praise song about how faithful our God is to care for us: we were punching one another with each verse because the singer was describing how God had cared for each of our needs so perfectly! We could truly enter into the worship!

2-The message today was from the middle chapter of Acts (15,16,17)and described how Paul, and others learned that our plans sometimes do not work out as we want or think they should because the Lord has another better plan. Christians must be flexible if they truly follow Jesus. Often times we will not understand why things are harder, less successful, under opposition,etc. That's all part of molding and shaping us into the image of Jesus. It's having the mind of Christ!

3-The standing ovation welcome everyone gave us! Deb just did not have the strength to personally greet each one of our friends.

4-The church has a shared garden space on some of the back property. As we were getting into the car to leave, friends gave us a large bag of veggies which are to be our lunch and supper today! I'm working hard to feed Deb fresh organic as much as we can.

Blessings all!

Vern

Saturday evening

It's been a quiet peaceful day in our quiet home. After spending a month in a small one- bedroom place we feel like our house is a huge castle. FOUR burners on the stove AND an oven! Counter space galore!

Deb slept again in our bed last night without the 3'x3'x12" angled pillow. FLAT! First time in many months.It seems that the back repairs are healing and Deb is much more comfy. She has been motivating around the house. She is still very tired and we have to remember the prescription-REST.

Amanda spent several hours here and has a July 19th due date. Guess where Deb and I will be July 19th?

While I ran errands Amanda and Deb had a Skype video conference with Evelyn, Katka, and Trey.

Blessings!

Vern

Friday at home

It's been a restful day for Deb. That is the prescription for the next two weeks. Last night was the first night since about Feb that Deb slept in her own bed. She's slept in three different recliners and a hospital bed until last night. The six back repairs have certainly helped and she is much more mobile than before Arkansas. Do not get in the way of that walker or you will get run over!

Work has been non-stop for me since we got home. Mountains of mail, arranging with our local Doctor for the 3 tests per week that he will send to Arkansas, etc. Lots of to-do's!

I go back to work Monday and Amanda and friends will be helping Deb. We couldn't make it without everyone's help! Thanks!

Until we go back to Arkansas, I suspect these updates will become more routine and perhaps even more boring. The action will definitely pick up in two weeks because we will be having the first of two stem cell transplants and chemo,etc.

Thanks for hanging in there with us!

This message was approved by Deb!

Vern

At home! PTL !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tired but happy!

Sent from my iPhone

When Gracie taxied in to the hangar, we had a contingent of friends to help us unpack and greet us. Thanks to all who helped. Can't imagine being in a lone-ranger mindset, but many folks are that private. I always thought I was until Myeloma happened!

Amanda drove us home. We stopped at Partners Pizza for our lunch. It sure is good to be here!

I've unpacked and sorted umpteen loads of laundry. Picked up a load of mail.Went to the pharmacy. Talked to our chemo supplier. Talked to the Clinic Scheduler and agreed to be back in Ark a day early because we have to start treatments a day earlier to get everything in correct sequence and availability. Hate to loose a day at home but that's what we must do.

I would have never dreamed that we are so cared for by everyone! Thanks for helping us along the way!

The Doctors assignment was for Deb to REST in preparation for the next phase of treatment. So, short calls/visits please.

We came back with tests which we must get done and send back to the Myeloma Clinic. So, even though we are at home, they are monitoring us. If something does not look right, they will call us back. Pray that does not happen.

Blessings all!

Vern

Deb on the way home

She is sitting in first class!

The Big Picture for June-July 2010

Today was our 'short day.' Those are always deceptive and end up making us so weary!

So, we went for labs and they were overwhelmed, so we went to a 1 pm Dr Nair appt which started at 2:30. He removed some bandages and sent us back to the chemo lab to have the remaining port removed. Because Dr Nair cleared us to go home for about 2 weeks, we had to meet with a nurse to understand which labs we have to get at home and how to handle them.We had to do applications for some powerful meds we will use in the future,then met with the master scheduler to lay out our treatment plan. Then we found out that Dr Nair never sees patients on Weds., but came in just so we could go home.

So, we have a raft of paperwork and a dizzying to do list.

The plan as of now:

June 27-return to Little Rock
June 28,29-xrays,tests, bone marrows,PET scans, MRI's,blood tests,etc
July 1-Dr Nair 1:30pm
-install port in neck for chemo
July 2 thru 6th-chemo
July 7-Stem Cell Transplant
next 1-2 weeks-labs and monitoring transplant
Then home for 3-5 weeks

Return and repeat for second and last stem cell transplant

Vern

Homecoming plan for Thursday

Lv Markham House 8:30 CT Thursday
N Little Rock Airport 9am
Load Gracie and Takeoff about 9:30CT
Enroute 2:15-2:30 depending on weather and winds aloft
Arrive PTC 12:45-1 est

Sent from my iPhone

Weds noon

In the waiting room for blood tests and port removal. Dr Nair appt at
1 pm to find out if we can come home.

Just chatted with Israel and son Jacob. They are in more testing.

Deb slept all night at the apt. No one awakened her in the middle of
the night like in the hospital;least of all me!
She is weak but doing well.
Update to follow when we get the word on home or not.
Vern

Sent from my iPhone

Dismissed from hospital!

Dr Al Qaisi

Tuesday noon

Still waiting to be released from inpatient hospital to outpatient. Dr
is doing paperwork now. Suppose we will go back to apt this afternoon.
Have noon appointment Weds at cancer clinic, then 1 pm Dr Nair. If
that goes well, perhaps come home thursday.
All subject to wx, etc

Vern

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday-dressed,packed,raring to go!

Waiting on Dr release, meds, appt in cancer clinic.

Deb has been 'in reality' for several days wanting to understand how
she got here, details,etc. Her awaking question to me was 'did she
really have cancer, or was it all a dream?'

Nurse Ebony

Monday noon report

The Dr just left and said that Deb had collected 25.5 million stem
cells and if she is ok tomorrow, she will dismiss her from the
hospital. Then we get an appointment with Dr Nair and if he is happy,
we come home for a few weeks. Sounds great to us!
Vern

Sent from my iPhone

Monday am

Deb seems to have come alive and is now aware she has been very sick.
Until today she thought we had only been here three days. Today she
asked how she got here, why, and what happened. She is certainly doing
better today!
Vern

Sent from my iPhone

Practicing

Deb is highly motivated to do her breathing exercises and walk so she
can go home. She is still very weak but her determination is strong.

Sunday noon

It's been a quiet day in Little Rock. Nothing much quieter than a hospital on a weekend.

Dr Nair just left. He is beginning to prepare us for departure. Several drips were changed back to pill form. He said Deb must have 2 more days of one strong anti biotic before he can do a final exam and release her.He said we should be home late in the week, which will not be soon enough!

Her lower lungs still need about two more weeks to be healed up.

Deb and I took a long walk around the hall using her walker. It tired her out and she is down for a nap.

It will be good to be back home!

Vern

Sunday morning walk

Dr Nair is making his rounds now. Hope he has good news.

Razorback stadium being remodeled.center horizon

Dr Nair visits in the hospital

Based on the latest lab results, 90 percent of cancer cells have been killed.PTL!!!!!!!!

Two issues to resolve prior to hospital release:
1-breathing and pneumonia remnants in lower right lung lobe
2-stabilizing heart

Both are improving. A new heart med is helping heart.Continuing meds, and lung exercises,and rehab are helping 2

So, the plan seems to be early next week release from hospital.Home for 2-3 weeks, return for repeat.

Para influenza and a bacterial infection were the cause of the pneumonia

There will be a total of five rounds of chemo before we are graduates of the program.

Although Deb has had significant weight loss, we would recommend Jenny Craig over chemo.

Vern

Daria visits from Georgia

Vern' s first cousin Daria visited from Georgia.She and husband Bruce Hargis are in Branson for a family reunion and since she was in the neighborhood,decided to drop by. (. 3.5 hours each way)

Years ago Vern and Deb visited Daria in Oklahoma City when she was in the FAA controllers school.

Vern

Sat am

Deb is doing much better this am. While she napped I ran over to the
hotel and got a shave and shower.

Israel's other son Jacob came down from Jersey for a few days. Israel
collected 5 days and got about 14 million stem cells. He is wiped out.

We are waiting on the Dr to make rounds to find out our next step.
Hope he prescribes some Georgia on our minds!
Vern

Friday evening

The cardiologist just left and thinks Deb is just reacting to the abuse from chemo and meds. He is adjusting some meds and asked her to sit up and see how her blood pressure and heart react. He talked as if she would be able to be released to the cancer clinic if she does well.Then,if they are happy, perhaps we can think about heading home soon.
Vern

Friday afternoon update

The room has been a three ring circus most of the day. Finishing a transfusion now and then an angiogram ?? I think they said .Deb was craving peanuts so I chased some down. She is now restricted to the bed so no strolls down the hall until they sort out this heart deal.

So- for my lunch I explored the facility a little after leaving my cell number with the nurse.

I ate lunch in a remote spot and had catfish,turnip greens, black eyed peas and hush puppies. Sure beat the funky sandwiches downstairs made on slices of jalopena cornbread instead of regular bread.

Tables were scarce so I shared a table for lunch with an older gentleman who was a WWII navy vet.He served on the light cruiser USS Savannah. He was in the engine room. He got hit by a German torpedo near Italy and almost sunk.After VE day, they took the un needed combat arms sailors home to the US and made about ten round trips ferrying GIs back to the states. He said they later sailed into the city of Savannah where the citizens thru a street party for the ships company.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Savannah_(CL-42)

Since the war he has been a rice farmer in S Arkansas. His son has taken over the family farm now.

Then I walked across the street to the medical school bookstore.I couldn't find anything on my reading level, so I came back to the room to be with Deb.

Note echo in progress

There are some smart cookies in medicine! As I people- watch here, I obverve a lot of fairly simple folk coming for treatment. It is so amazing how the very sharp and caring medical staff serves them.What a blessing that the capable serve the needy in this economy.

We had a Canadian nurse. She said that in Toronto where she was when socialized medicine became the law, they closed numerous hospitals in an attempt to not allow people into hospitals that did not need to be there.

Deb is napping now and having one of her strange conversations.

Hope you have a great weekend. You know where we will be!

Vern

Portable chest xray

Taken in her room to check for heart issues

Friday morning-heart troubles

Deb has been wearing a wireless heart monitor for a week or so. Periodically she has been setting off alarms in the heart monitoring center.When that happens, a rapid response team runs in.right now they are back.There is an EKG running now. A Dr just responded also. So, what is happening ????

Mystery, but it must be resolved before we can leave.

Deb has also been unusually aggitated for no apparent reason.

Her cancer treatments are on track. Now we need her other functions to cooperate.

Standy by for updates.

Vern

++++++++++++++++

Update 1

Dr says EKG is ok. Suspects that collection has greatly stimulated blood cell production which may be causing troubles.

Deb is being restricted to the bed and no walking until the heart settles down. Three steps fwd, two backwards.

Cardio doc coming to look at her.
Portable chest xray has been ordered.
Exam underway.

Stone used in Little Rock

While Deb napped I went for a long walk. This stone is so pretty! Good to get out in the fresh air!
Vern

Hospitalist Dr visit

The Dr just left after telling us that although Deb is doing great, her pneumonia battle will most likely keep us here until sometime next week. We are disappointed because we were mentally packing our bags, but realistically, Deb is extremely weak and cannot stand without a helper beside her. The Dr mentioned that a few days ago they were concerned that she would not be able to collect and she was able.

So, we are very happy at her progress, but will be sooooo glad to be home for a while.

Enjoy your circumstances: they can turn on a dime!

Vern

Back in the room

Stem cells collected,back in the room, now waiting for the hospitalist dr to sign off on the heart and pneumonia.Then we can get the plan from Dr Nair for a return to Ga to get a break....much needed!

Deb is very tired and we are so grateful to have passed a huge milestone in this battle.

Vern

"the life is in the blood"

Deb's precious life- giving stem cells being collected as I write.
Vern

The machine

The actual harvest in progress

Alert: Starting second stem cell now!

Got 13.4 million yesterday! 20 million total enough for multiple
transplants

Vern

Sent from my iPhone

View out our window.....

As we wait our second stem cell collecton. Deb had a good night.
Vern

Arrhythmia !

An irregular heartbeat is an arrhythmia. Deb's got one to add to her trophy case.

As I said before, classmate Bubba was visiting and telling about the woes of Deb's classmate bud Ima when the transport arrived to take us down for collection. Deb has so much compassion for others, I think it upset her more than I realized.

Deb has been wearing a heart monitor for several days while fighting the pneumonia. It is a remote unit that sends the signal back to a monitoring station in the hospital.

When we got back to the room from collecting, Deb was growing increasingly agitated for no apparent reason. A few things I did to help resettle her back into the room seemed to really set her off. Suddenly three nurses came flying into the room and wanted her to lie down because the heart monitor had reported arrhythmia.They confirmed it with another electronic unit.

Now,several weeks ago a previously unknown murmur had been found. Otherwise,Deb has never had any heart troubles.

Anyway, they wanted Deb in the bed resting for the day. So,I have headed out for the Markham house for a much needed shower,nap, and change of clothes while Deb gets a relaxer pill and rests without my rowdiness for awhile. After supper I'll head back over for another night on the lumpy couch.

When I left, we were scheduled for the other stem cell collection first thing in the am.

I was very fascinated with the machine that was pulling the stem cell collection from Deb's cath. It circulated all her blood 2-3 times thru the unit, and put back what it did not need. It deposited the thick red stem cell material-about a half-cup to my eye-into a blood bag to be sent to the lab for withdrawal and freezing.

We saw Israel. He looked bad today as he came in for a collection. He could hardly walk.

It's an adventure! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Hope to have a better report soon. As usual, you loyal followers will be the first to know.

Vern

Collecting stem cells now!

The nurse said Deb's blood numbers are really good. We will collect for 90 minutes today and again tomorrow.

We are so happy! This is the day we have worked so hard to get to.

Before we came down for this,classmate Iva's husband Bubba had been with us visiting in our room.Iva has been getting the run-around,fell and hurt herself, and has had Dr changes. Pray for Iva. She is so discouraged. They are from Mississippi.
'

Deb-Today's The Day We Start!!!!!!!!

It's almost noon on Wednesday. I have been told that I am next in line. I still have pneumonia but the treatments can run concurrently. Thank you for the countless times you have prayed for me. The Holy Spirit has allowed me to the warmth of your prayers and filled me with hope and gratitude. I am waiting for the call.

Mention of two draws were made depending on my condition and appointment.

Thank you,
Deb

Resting after a long walk

After a hard day, we rested for awhile, then walked the halls. Deb is
doing better but is still very fragile.

The previous picture of me was Deb's retaliation for all the pix i
shot of her.
Vern

New port in, back in hospital room

Stem cell collection schedule unknown.we are ready.

Sent from my iPhone

Alert: going to get new port installed

Possible stem cell collection this afternoon or tomorrow

Sent from my iPhone

Deb says"awsomely wonderful"

The actual breakfast

Deb has real trouble swallowing so they chip up ham and she makes a
bread jelly ham sandwich

Tuesday morning-breakfast of champions!