Weds-Artshow with your Chemo!

The whole lobby of the Rockefeller Center was full of artwork by/for/about cancer patients. Deb, who is a very good artist, enjoyed looking these prints over. Here you can see her new yellow hat made for summer operations: like the 105 feeling outside today!

We had a long session at the Jones Eye Clinic checking out the eye damage the cancer/chemo might have caused. Deb got a fairly good report after excellent care by 2 docs and a tech.

Then back to the MRI area. Passing by the grand piano in the lobby we enjoyed chatting with one of the volunteers who comes every day to share their talents. The sound of that grand filling the twelve story atrium is...well, grand!

On another note, some of you saw the pix of the pix  of the seabird in the marshes of Glynn, which is a poem by the poet laureate of Georgia Sidney Lanier. At least one dear reader thought we had named the Bird in the photo 'GLYNN'. Guess I need to edit my posts more carefully!

Finally we were done and could get away from the UAMS campus. Deb was hungry, so we tried a local spot we had never been to before. We always wondered what a purple cow tasted like, so we found out! Just like a black or brown one!

Tomorrow we start with the 5:15 am PET, which is another nuclear test where Deb will be injected with another radioactive substance and get 'to glow' for the machine. Now can you understand why Deb always has a certain glow about her? Her complexion has a half-life! (a radioactive term) That quality is never mentioned at most cosmetic counters.


Another of our prayer angels sent us this blessing. Would you join him in prayer for us tomorrow? Thanks!

This prayer from Ephesians came to mind today as I prayed for you....

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the angels and saints  to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."


Tomorrow afternoon we meet with Dr van Rhee to map out our next adventure. Wonder how it will turn out?

Blessings!

Tuesday Tests plus a test for You!

When we finished the first MRI we went to registration to pick up our paperwork. We met new classmate there from Arkansas-Norma Jean and Rick. Norma Jean has multiple myeloma.


Next stop-blood tests. Today was a record. They pulled twenty tubes of blood. The purpose is to qualify Deb for the experimental program she's been invited to consider-the Killer Cell program. More on that Thursday afternoon.

The lab is where the 24 hour urine samples are turned in. These containers are like pink elephants in the room-hard to miss in spite of the attempts of classmates to carry them around in all sorts of disguises.  One classmate told us a funny story about how they were flying out of a commercial airport and were at the ticket counter when they sat their jug down to do paperwork. They were using a department store gift bag to haul the jug in. It was stolen while they were at the counter. They had a huge guffaw thinking about the thief's surprise when he looked at his haul!


We look for humor anywhere we can find it!


Deb has been out of the house very little the last month so when we had a few extra minutes before our next event , she headed to the hospital gift shop to look for a cooler hat. The one she brought is better suited for winter operations.

She found one for me also!

Finally we headed to the nuclear medicine area for the MUGA test. This test determines Deb's heart health. Remember this symbol? 

We bumped into a favorite nurse who has cared for Deb many times, Shelia. She is the nurse for the Gamma Knife system I've described before. Today she was working in the MUGA  area. She had some very encouraging things today about the Killer Cell program. We need to hear more of that!

They took a 21st tube of Deb's blood and mixed it with a radioactive  solution. After about a half-hour, they gave the blood back to Deb and took her to the big machine to photograph her heart.

While Deb was lying still and quite bored, I read an email from my cousin Debby Wilson. As I read it to Deb she began laughing and I had to stop or the test would be a bust since she was jiggling around so much.

Deb makes a salad in own condo kitchen

Today was the PET scan day.  Deb had to fast many hours for that test. She was hungry all afternoon since one of the side affects of her meds is hunger. The hospital called and moved the test back to 8:30 pm tonight. Later, they called and said the PET machinery needed repairs and they moved the PET Scan to 05:15 am Thursday morning. We see Dr van Rhee at 4 pm Thursday.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, we have a 7 am MRI. Then registration paperwork, blood tests, urine, an EKG, then Nuclear Medicine for a MUGA test (Cardiac Output Study). 

Weds we start off at the Jones Eye Institute to determine how much damage the cancer and chemo have done to her vision. Her hearing has been drastically affected and she has exotic (and expensive)  hearing aids. Later Weds  there are more MRIs of her Bone Marrow Blood Supply bones.

And that brings us back to Thursday for the PET and consult with Dr van Rhee!

Vern paddling in the marshes

SInce Deb could finally have some supper tonight, we made an organic salad in her condo kitchen. It was de-lish! It is so good to have a place to call home while we are in treatment. We are beginning to add small touches to remind us of the good times in life. Here are a few large pix we hung. They are from Deb's favorite place on earth-St. Simons Island, Ga. As a teen Deb was counselor at Epworth-by-the-sea, a Methodist campground located near where the John and Charles Wesley were serving the early settlers and Indians while Georgia was still a colony.

View in the marshes of Glynn

When we arrived back in Arkansas our small mailbox was stuffed with mostly junk mail and a few very special encouraging notes. Thanks encouraging angels! 

One of the items in the mailbox was a small book to give Dr van Rhee. It is a bio of Dr Denis Burkitt, an award winning cancer researcher who was a pioneer in the use of chemotherapy and diet. He even has a form of cancer name after him-Burkitt's Lymphoma.  

Dr van Rhee is a noted expert on the Epstein-Barr induced lymphoma. We talked to him last month about the work of Dr Burkitt . He quietly told us that his own father had died of Burkitt's Lymphoma. He was eager to read about Dr Burkitt's work and we plan on giving the book on Thursday.

If you are interested in a wonderful small book on a Godly Christian Medical doctor who made a profound contribution to healthcare get a copy. The title:The Fibre Man, the life and story of  Dr Denis Burkitt by Brian Kellock. It was published by Lion Publishing.

Blessings!

Safely in Arkansas

If you've watched the weather the past few weeks, you noticed it has stormed a lot in the Ga-Arkansas corridor. Today we had storms north, south, and west of our route.

Deb enjoyed the clouds that we were in and out of from western Alabama to Little Rock. She pictured all sorts of things in the cloud shapes. She saw valleys and mountain peaks, and squealed with delight at the sheer beauty of the clouds. I've told her about the aerial beauty many times before but today 'she got it.' That brings joy to my heart.

Birmingham in the distance

As we flew west the weather got worse. We had to perform an instrument approach down to just above minimums. It was wonderful to break out of the clouds and see the runway right ahead of us.

Deb was able to drive LWC to the plane while I refueled it and put it in its hangar. We had lunch then went to the condo. It was extremely hot and because the air conditioner was inop. So, first thing Vern had to put on his trouble-shooting hat and get it going again which took several hours.

Redbird's panel

Testing begins tomorrow. It will be an important week for us.

Heading back to Little Rock Sunday am

In the morning we are heading back for a week of testing. We have had a wonderful month at home.

Many folks are eager to travel, but Deb and I enjoy being home and following our boring routine. It sure beats living out of a suitcase wondering when and if you will ever be home again.

We meet with Dr van Rhee {that's the way he writes it} late Thursday afternoon. We anticipate a very serious decision about what is next for Deb's treatment. We covet your prayers.

Blogging for us is basically describing our daily lives. When there is a lot going on, there is more to write about. When not much is going on, there is not much to write about except the weather. {been hot and wet lately-how about yours?}

You can follow our flight at www.flightaware.com  Use Redbird's N number-N680V.

Blessings all!

It's been a quiet few weeks since we got back from the last Arkansas trip. Everything revolves around Tuesday chemo each week.  Goes like this: Every Tuesday afternoon we go to the local clinic and Deb gets blood tests and a mini-physical with the doc. If her numbers are acceptable, she gets chemo. Then she spends the rest of the week resting and sleeping a lot getting ready for the next week. Very little time outside the home and going virtually no where.

So, how does the very sociable gal stay in contact with her world? Her iPad and iPhone! Here she is getting her daily bedtime call from grand daughter Ellie. They use FaceTime which is a video talk between the two.

For contact with her European grand daughter, she sometimes uses Skype, but mostly the phone.

Here's a photo of our Belgium grand daughter Evelyn strolling thru Brussels with her friend.

So, what's ahead?  This time next week we will be heading back to Little Rock for a week of tests. Then we have a conference with our doc to determine what's next.  Our hope and prayer is that the home chemo would have shrunk the lesions so we can continue with local Georgia chemo. Otherwise, we will be in what is called 'salvage therapy.' That means normal treatment plans are not working and they have to seek something unusual to keep Deb clicking.

Join us in that prayer? Thanks!

Happy 4th of July!

Yesterday Deb had her weekly chemo. Nurse Caroline helps Deb so much!

Today I cooked Deb a special 4th of July burger which she enjoyed very much.

We head back to Arkansas around the 16th for tests, a conference with Dr van Rhee, and making a very important decision about future treatment.

In the mean time, son Trey along with grand daughter Evelyn and grand dog Nadia take a stroll in Brussels.

Tuesday-Weds

Deb with her Fayetteville, Ga nurse as she gets her IV's of chemo.The nurse recently recovered from esophageal cancer himself and sat in these same chairs with his peers caring for him.

Yesterday afternoon Deb had three tubes of blood drawn for tests to decide if she was whole enough for the overdue strong chemo she needed. We waited in growing anticipation and were delighted when Dr York came in and said her counts were good enough for the strong chemo.

Now, isn't that strange when you really want something like 'strong chemo?'

Amazing how life has changed and priorities are so different! How are yours changing as you face life's travails?

This morning Deb awakened and came into the sunroom. As she headed into the kitchen for a bite, she collapsed onto the floor. I got her some water and she was able to get up and make it back to bed with my assistance. (The water improves her blood pressure.) At lunch when I went to check on her, she was raring to get out of the house for a ride. What a difference a few more hours of rest makes!

Later in the afternoon our friend Mary came by. Mary lives in Jacksonville, Fl and has been friends since Deb's college days. She is a faithful poster on this blog.

Katka sent us a snapshot of grand daughter Evelyn playing the AFLAC game. Do you know how to play it? All it takes is a duck!

Visiting Deb's mother and brother

Because of spending so much time either out of state, or really puny because of meds, we haven't had much time with family members. Deb is about to hit some nasty chemo Tuesday, so today was the best {least worst} day to make the 2 hour drive to Warner Robins to visit her mother Doris  and brother Tim. It has been months since she saw either.

We checked Doris out of the nursing home and took her to lunch, then for a drive. She seldom gets out and is in a wheel chair. She seemed to enjoy it and when we got home Sunday afternoon, a nap was in order for both of us.

Grandkids and granddogs today

Jon holding L-Oscar, C-Mr T, R-Annie

Click on pix to enlarge

Deb felt better today so we took a field trip to see daughter Amanda and Jon with their children Eliana and Parker. We got to play grandparents for a while. Then we stopped by Vern's parents for a short visit. When we got home it was nap time for Deb!

Deb and Parker enjoy the play center. Parker is six months and weighs 20 lbs. He is about to start crawling

Vern teaches Parker proper nap technique

Two perfect heads

Friday evening

News has been scarce since we've been back in Georgia. Sorry! Thanks for reading anyway!

Deb has spent this week being miserable between the cold and chemo. No company. Today was a change. Deb had several friends drop by and call today. The icing on the cake was when son Stephen dropped by.

Tuesday is the next chemo appointment. Hopefully Deb will be well enough to have all her chemo.

Have a great weekend!

Blessings!

Shocking Invitation

Deb got a call from the Research Nurse at UAMS today that shocked us and put us in a ' what-goes? ' mood today.

Yesterday Dr van Rhee was scheduled to present Deb's case to the entire research and care team at UAMS Myeloma Clinic. Today the doctor had his research nurse call Deb and invite her to become part of an experimental treatment plan. This plan is the same one that one of our closest classmates was enrolled in when she died. We spent time with our friend several weeks before she died and discussed the treatment with her.  We will discuss the possibilities with Dr van Rhee when we return to Arkansas in mid-July. In the mean time, we have many questions we are formulating for that meeting.



Pray for us to have wisdom.

Deb is still suffering from her cold and will be glad when it passes. The limited chemo she had yesterday kicked in today. No fun!

Food angels brought us a great supper tonight. Thanks Food Angels!

Tuesday Afternoon-1/2 the chemo

Today was chemo day in Georgia. First on the docket was accessing the port in Deb's upper chest wall. It has a tube that allows IV's and shots to been placed into Deb's body without wearing out her veins. Can you imagine what your arm would look like if it had multiple IVs and shots each day?

After the access, four tubes of blood samples were pulled. When the results were available, Dr York came in and checked Deb over. He gave her approval for one chemo, but not the bad-boy we were expecting. Deb's white blood count was too low to safely give her that one. We try again next Tuesday.

Deb's been coughing, blowing, and feverish since Saturday. That also means lonely since she was not able to have company. What's the worst thing you can do to Deb? Leave her alone! Which is unfortunately how she spends most of her life.

Sat-Sun-nasty cold

Deb has enjoyed being home to rest and Vern has been busy paying bills, cleaning, putting away, grocery re-stocking, etc.

 Deb came down with a cold on Saturday and it has gotten worse on Sunday. She came to the sun room about mid-morning, ate a bite, laid on the couch and went back to sleep for hours!

But, it sure is good to be home! Even with a cold!

Blessings!

Back in Georgia for a Month

We got back to Georgia mid-afternoon and Deb was starving! So, a quick trip to her favorite pizza palace took care of that.

Friends met us at the hangar and put Redbird away. Thanks airplane angels!

Then, off to Deb's oncologist to present him with the orders needed for the treatment that begins Tuesday afternoon.

It's good to be home!

Doctor's Report

One of Deb's friends made some gifts to pass out to classmates and nurses. Each one is meant to encourage folks that are suffering. There is red coral that stands for blood, fish vertabrae to remind us of the most common bones affected, and the ceramic Hope Dove. Deb was so creative in her wrapping.

We were heading to the chemo clinic to get Deb's port accessed and flushed when the phone rang and the MRI team asked Deb to come back and repeat a DWIBS MRI.

We barely made it to the doctors' appointment in time to wait a few more hours. Would have hated to miss the wait!

Dr van Rhee came in and spent some time checking all the labs and reports. Then he fired up the computer and looked at the latest MRIs and PET scans.He pulled up a new image and posted the last one next to it. He began to smile as he noted that each one of this week's images showed improvement. When he smiled, we smiled!

He then picked up the phone and dictated his report. By allowing us to hear his dictation, he only has to say it once, most of the time. Of course, he gets somewhat technical on us but we get to ask all the questions we want to.

Here's some of what he said:

Lesions: significantly better
M component: Trace only
Light chains: Was 9.7, now normal
Bone marrow: normal
Imaging: considerably better
PET: much better

His plan: one month at home doing maintenance level chemo weekly . Be back in Arkansas for testing in a month.

Take 1.6 Velcade sub
Dex day of and day after Velcade
Cytoxin drip once/month
Plus a boatload of other meds

Meanwhile, he will explore with Deb's insurance plan the possibility of a third stem cell transplant.

I asked if he thought the third stem cell transplant was critical enough for us to begin liquidating in order to self-fund the procedure. He said 'let's try this month on the therapy and then re-test. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.'

He also marked Deb's records to go before the entire staff next Tuesday to discuss her case in detail with doctors, researchers, etc. to confirm that we are on the best track for Deb. That is so encouraging because many doctors are little 'gods' in their own minds and do not want anyone else's thoughts and certainly no questioning. You should hear  the stories we have heard from other institutions! Not UAMS! This is an amazing place!

We got to ask about the meaning of 'Salvage therapy' that he had suggested for Deb. Doc said the term means that 'front line therapy has failed and you must use a secondary therapy.'

So, we are happily returning home for a month of weekly chemo. We have to pick up a load of prescriptions and co-ordinate with the Ga clinic.

Plan is to fly home in Redbird tomorrow. You can follow us on  www.flightaware.com . Use N680V for the N number.

We are emotionally drained after today and look forward to a good rest tonight. We are so grateful for the report.

Blessings All!

Weds-Testing, testing, testing + a gift!

A few weeks ago we posted a photo of a large piece of glass artwork that was on display at UAMS. Miniature versions are available in the UAMS gift shop and some wonderful gift angel sent word for Deb to call on the UAMS gift shop and pick up an unknown gift. Well, Deb went and this is what she was given!

Thanks, gift angels!

It now resides on our Arkansas mantle.

Yesterday was truly a 'testing day'. Deb had to fast for the PET, then had a bite of late lunch, then many hours of MRIs. We walked out about 10 PM central time. Deb was sore from lying still so long!

This afternoon we meet with Dr van Rhee. We hope to have a decisive plan of action. We are praying for remission!

We met new classmates from Alabama, Arkansas and two couples from Tulsa, Ok. We had the two couples from Oklahoma sitting on either side of us and they did not know one another. How amazing is  that?

More news when we get it.

Tuesday Bone Marrow

The nurse that supervised Deb's Bone Marrow Test today is from Macon, Ga!

This test is the only one that Deb really openly dreads. She handles all others like a good soldier, marching boldly forward. But, as a veteran of many bone marrow tests, she has experienced the bad and worst! She truly dreads this one!

We had a good group of classmates in the waiting room this morning including an oncologist from Spartanburg, SC. who is himself a newly diagnosed myeloma patient. We had a couple from Mississippi, one from Alabama, one from Virginia, and one from Chicago.

It is always the same: where's your home? How long have you been coming here? Been treated anywhere else?  Who's your doctor? How did you get diagnosed?

That last question is always the most interesting. Most classmates were mis-diagnosed with something else first because multiple myeloma is so rare. Many doctors are unfamiliar with it. Most classmates seem to have gone a while without treatment because of the mis-diagnosis until their symptoms continue to worsen and force another diagnosis. Broken bones and anemia are common. Back pain is common.

Everyone in the room agreed: they do not enjoy bone marrow tests!

If you want to see the procedure in detail, there are pix and a very graphic description earlier on this blog.

Weds brings MRI's. Many hours in the noisy machines for Deb; some lying on her bone marrow wound. Then PET scans. More lying in noisy machines  and including the yummy radioactive sugary drink.

Thursday afternoon we finally meet with Dr vanRhee for his ideas about Deb's next steps.

Then ???

Monday

Short Report: Deb began her testing this afternoon. We had severe weather warnings and more bad wx coming our way. It sure reduces our stress levels when we are already here for the tests. More to follow.

Back in Arkansas Sat Afternoon

Click on to enlarge

Original plan last week was to try and get the Monday tests moved to Tuesday. The scheduler worked several days last week trying to make the change. No could do!

 So, the next plan was to leave Ga Monday after lunch. The weather maps above show why that would not happen.

So, what's a fellow to do? Come back on short notice on Saturday afternoon to  avoid a ton of heavy rain, lightning, and thunderstorms!

Anyway, here we are! Back in Arkansas! Tests begin Monday afternoon.

When we arrived, Deb asked to drive to the car to the condo. She did real well. Then we went to Red Lobster to celebrate.

Deb felt very good today and is very hopeful that means her chemo has improved her health situation. Guess we will know on Thursday when we meet with Dr vanRhee and a stack of tests.

We came today in the 2 seat smaller airplane called Redbird this time. I finished her  in 2005. Redbird had it's old engine and prop sold off for an upgrade about the time of Deb's initial diagnosis. She sat forlorn and unflyable for several years until the new engine could be overhauled and installed, along with a lot of fiberglass work, paint, etc. The final upgrade was to upgrade the instrument panel. Well, a small group of airplane angels pitched in and got it done! Thanks to all, especially airplane angels Jon, Dave, and Waldo! Thanks guys!

Home Again! [Georgia}

We got back to the Falcon Field Airport about 8:30 pm. We were met by some airport angels. Friendly faces and help unloading is so wonderful!  Thanks, angels!

Pilot angel Dave flew his airliner 5 hours from central America this morning, drove to Falcon Field and prepped Gracie, flew 2.5 hours to Arkansas , and then 2.5 hours back. He surely has a sore bottom and probably does not want to see a plane for a few days. Thanks Dave!

Tuesday-'Buzz' + News

The chemo has been doing a job on Deb's hair. Her pillow has had as much hair as her head. Her clothes were covered. So, being very brave, she had me take her to a walk-in hair cuttery after we left the clinic. The gal first started buzzing with a number 4 cutting guide. Deb stopped her and said cut it closer. Here she is modeling her new doo.

Deb was born with thick straight hair best styled in a precision cut. After the last chemo, it came back soft and curly. So, any bets on how it will come back this time?

Today was supposed to be a 'see the doc at 10am, then go home.' It turned out to be a long hard day and the doc we were scheduled to see did not show so we got to see a new doc. Then we were sent over for labs because in order to remove a line, the platelets have to be 50. The nurses seriously doubted that Deb could muster a 50 based on where they were yesterday. They ordered matched platelets so they could give her the IV so the line could be pulled. They gave Deb the pre-meds for the IV. We waited. And waited. Eventually at about quitting time the labs came back and Deb's platelets were..exactly 50!

So, out came the central PIC line! Cleared to come home! PTL!

So, how does the staff get meds from the pharmacy to the twelve floors of the Rockefeller Building?
With a computerized dumbwaiter system! It automatically shuffles the bins of drugs off at the correct floor. Cool, huh?

A local artist has made this large glass artwork as an inspiration for patients. Miniature versions are available as a fund raiser.

So, Gracie the plane is in Peachtree City. Darleys are in Arkansas. So, pilot angel Dave flies in from Central America about 1 pm tomorrow, drives to Peachtree City, then flies 2.5 hours west to pick us up. Thanks pilot angel Dave!

We got a schedule today. It's not what we were expecting. We have to be back in Arkansas late Monday afternoon to begin the testing that Dr van Rhee will need Thursday afternoon to guide Deb in  the next step of treatment.

Our desire would be to get back on a maintenance chemo schedule in Georgia with periodic checkups in Arkansas. The scheduler at the clinic is contacting other patients to try to get a trade so we do not have to be back until later next week.

Blessings! 

Monday Update

Deb's labs came in good today and we have been referred to the doctors in the Myeloma clinic tomorrow at 10 am to see if we can return to Ga for a while. Dr van Rhee is out of state and  the plan is that we would return to Arkansas next week for the whole battery of tests and then meet with Dr van Rhee to determine our course of treatment.

So, stand by for news on that front!

In other news, Happy Birthday to Katka in Belgium! Katka is son Trey's Czech wife and the mother of our grand daughter Evelyn.

Here are some pix they sent us! Click on the pix to enlarge.

Sunday-Numbers Going Up!

Kathie and Rick joined us in the clinic waiting area. Note that Ga Bulldog shirt ! Kathie was super brave to enter the 'hostile' Arkansas 'Hog' territory. Kathie's father lives in Macon, GA and used to hang out at the Darley family home airport-Herbert Smart Airport. Vern's family members probably knew him back in the day.

We parked next to a Bibb County Georgia car today in the parking deck.

Deb left with another bag full of infusers-phosphorus, potassium, and antibiotics-which we started right after lunch-out at Frankie's Cafeteria! Yes- Deb's white count was high enough today to go into a public place! She was so happy to take her mask off.

Plan is to continue getting labs and infusers as needed and get on the test schedule so there will be max info for the doctor to look at as he maps out the road ahead for us. Hopefully all that will occur early this week.

They nurse had Deb's meds all laid out this morning. This helps speed up the day.

The day started up pretty good for Deb and she was in and out of the chemo clinic in a matter of hours. Her white blood count came up tremendously to 2.76.  3-12 is normal. She still needs to avoid crowds and wear her mask another day or so until she is fully recovered. We have three infusers of strong antibiotics to get us through the night. They are giving her gut distress and general miseries. She can't wait to be unhooked from meds. Of course, 'nurse' Vern gets tired of hooking and unhooking them.

The fittings on the lines must be sterile since they connect directly into her heart area. No germs allowed! Alcohol pads are used to clean up a fitting. You scub while you sing Happy Birthday twice. When removing a line you have to flush it with saline then Heparin, which keeps the blood from clotting.

Today we met and visited with a couple of classmates who moved her from Southern France. They were Americans who retired at age 50 in a small town near the Spainish border. After getting treated for myeloma in France, they were eventually referred to the UAMS clinic. After deciding this was the place for them, they moved to Arkansas and bought a place here.

We sat in the cluster with our friends from Chattanooga, the Hietts. The father, who is approaching ninety, is a WWII Army Vet. The son, John, who is  the patient, is a Vietnam Vet who retired from the Navy. His mom is a British War Bride. John's cousin is from Macon, Ga and comes to caregive on rotation.

Tomorrow-8 am in the chemo clinic after a night of infuser changes.

Blessings all!

Friday-Looking Up!

Last night Deb had no fever and slept fairly well. What a blessing!

We got the labs today and found that Deb's immune system improved. The small movement typically indicates good days ahead. The APN talked to us about more tests and an appointment with the doctor next week to plan for future treatment possibilities.

In our minds and dreams, we could see ourselves back in Georgia in a week or so. However, until we meet with the doctor, that is only a dream.

We had a good chat with the new APN who had spent the last 15 years in the local heart hospital helping with heart surgeries. She said that lately she had participated in a heart transplant about every three days and that many of the meds used to prevent rejection of of the hearts are also used in multiple myeloma stem cell transplants.

Deb had a much better afternoon. We have four infusers and a bag of pills for tonight.

Blessings all!