Friday night-the end of a crazy day!

We started early and ended late. Per the schedule,it was to be an easy day for a tired couple.Per reality, it was a long hard day! But, we made it and are preparing for bed.

There are no changes in the schedule at the hospital because of the holiday. In fact, the myeloma clinic never closes.So, eight is our showtime.

We are delighted by the Dr's report. It is encouraging to get a progress report that actually indicates progress! Some of our classmates are not so fortunate. Some are too old or sick to endure the full treatments. Some don't have insurance, or enough insurance, or can't get approval out of network, or have just become weary and want to go home and live out their days in familiar surrounds.

Back last century I had a saying as I served as an Eastern Air Lines pilot: Everyone has a story: no one buys a ticket and rides around without a reason. Same here: none of our classmates are here for the fun of it.

Deb's'meds are beginning to kick in and she is getting a deep productive cough. Her infusion bottle is about empty and in a few minutes I'll be grabbing the saline and herparin needles to clear her port that connects at her heart. It's still scary for me!

Dr. Nair gave us our reports. The philosophy here is to use the team approach with the Dr monitoring our progress via the great online data system, the APN's (advanced practice nurses) coordinating with the Doc to make sure his orders are carried out, and the nurses seeing us everyday to issue meds and do labs.


Deb is having more and more trouble swallowing so today the APN re-issued some of the prescriptions so less pills have to be swallowed and the meds will come via IV. I had just completed a pill sort for the next seven days, wouldn't you know it?SO,I have to go back thru and pull some pills.

My system is to take the Doctors orders and use small zip-lock baggies for the four daily support pill times. There are also pain med pill times which occur nine times a day.So, that's thirteen pill pops scheduled plus occasional special needs.


Then the nurses get a shot at Deb.They have all sorts of goodies to throw her way!

Our Thai classmate is not doing so well. She is too frail and old for the max treatment but her mind is so sharp! I enjoy conversing with her.

Antoinne, the seven foot tall size eighteen shoe driver told us tonight that he would be leaving in a few weeks.He is heading to an entertainment position in The Magic Kingdom in Orlando. So, many of you may get to meet Antoinne but not recognize him in costume. He has a powerful deep voice. Perfect for a haunted castle,etc.

We meet a very emotional lady/daughter here on their first day. I tried to help steer them right.They will be staying at the Markham House where we are.

Israel and son John were with us several times today. I helped them arrange a very early pickup in the morning. John and I had a short discussion about the section of the Law he and his dad are studying. John pointed out that as Jews they honored the Sabbath and he and his dad were studying the Hebrew OT to learn their limits on employees working on the Sabbath who are not Jews.He said the law did restrict them. Israel is starting to collect stem cells tomorrow and Sunday. I wonder what the Law says about collecting stem cells on a Sabbath?

Another classmate is a short, hunch-backed 58 year old man from Dallas, Tx. He is a prosperous businessman and has his own Beech King Air 200 airplane. He was getting picked up here tonight and flying home tonight, returning tomorrow afternoon. He said he loves football and had been negotiating his treatments with the cancer doc so he could fly to a college game he wanted to see. The doc said that doctors who negotiate with patients end up with dead patients. Point was taken.

This weekend there will be many activities but Deb and I will maintain our exciting hotel-hospital-hotel routine. It's one step above house arrest I suppose! At least we are beginning to talk about coming home! When we return, it should be much easier since we will know the players, the place, and the plot. Hearing Doc tell us someday that Deb is in remission will be sweet words indeed!

For those waiting on an answer or post from Deb, the chemo brain and shakey hands don't allow her to do much except absorb meds and needles. She does read them but doesn't answer many.


Thanks everyone for your support as we travel this road. We appreciate each of you! Come to our 120th birthday party later this year and celebrate all our lives.

Blessings and especially for veterans and families of veterans!

Vern