Tuesday-Trey heads home after meeting Dr van Rhee

Trey wanted to meet Dr. van Rhee while he was in the states and today he was able to meet and get to know him. Dr van Rhee is from Holland and Trey has visited his hometown. Dr van Rhee told Trey about his education and all the places he has lived. He said that Little Rock is the longest domicile he's had and he really likes it here.

In discussing Deb's care and the Natural Killer Cell experimental program Deb is entering, Dr van Rhee assured Trey that he and the team would give Deb the very best care they could.

The waiting room is an interesting place. Everyone who feels good wants to hear others stories and tell their own. As you know, Deb's Multiple myeloma  centered on her seven broken vertabrae in her back. Deb went to multiple medical folks before angel Chuck discovered the cause of her troubles.

One lady was telling her story about how her myeloma showed up on her head as a bad sore grew. Her doctor diagnosed her trouble as an infected hair follicle. After some time she got other medical help who discovered the myeloma. She has a large metal plate on her skull replacing the skull portion that was eaten away by the myeloma.

The fellow sitting across from her had a similar story except his myeloma was in his large leg bones. Because the bones were damaged, he has metal rods in his legs now.

The next fellow had a huge neck brace because his neck bones were destroyed.

Lot's of hurting classmates here who have a multitude of injuries.

 Deb and Vern in the waiting room

Anyone seen my glasses?

 Trey enjoyed sitting with Deb in the chemo cluster. He has a lot of medical knowledge and was a super helpful caregiver in keeping Deb supplied with ice and juice.

Vern and Trey

Although the weatherman said it was only 100 today, our porch thermometer recorded its highest ever temp. It was at the top of the markings: 120 degrees! It felt like it too!

After Trey left Deb took a nap. When she woke up she was starving and wanted only mashed potatoes and green beans-mixed together! That has been her comfort food of choice for this whole cycle. Deb's taste preferences rotate and keep me hopping!

A friend called tonight and we had a long talk about our situation. Deb and I are extremely grateful about the situation we are in. That sounds strange, doesn't it?

We are not happy about myeloma. But our situation makes us so grateful. We have insurance. We have transportation. We have the condo and our home in Georgia. We have supportive family, friends and church, as well as Vern's workplace. We have an air conditioner that works. We had mashed potatoes and green beans-mixed together!

Many classmates do not have these things. There are folks here, most 10-15 years older than us, who are living in campers, motor homes,  and we have even heard of one in a tent! Many have insurance that will not allow infusers, and certain drugs, and force the treatments to be scheduled in non-optimum ways.

Yes, the myeloma stinks, but we realize our situation could be even worse. We are so grateful for God's provisions and we appreciate each of you and the many ways you encourage us in this journey.

Tomorrow ...more of the same? Starts at 9 am. But tonight we have 5 infusers to hook up thoughout the evening. Deb is being treated as if she has CDIF until her tests confirm it. She has symptoms and the APN wants to ere on the side of caution.

Blessings!