Saturday-very interesting!

The boys joined us for breakfast in our room and we began the day with a Skype video call to our first grandchild, Evelyn, who is visiting her other grandparents in Prague, Czech Republic, along with her mother Katka and dog Nadia. Greetings Beda and Bohunka! (The Czech grandparents-Katka's folks)

Then it was time for the clinic...Deb's first official chemo in the new building. After checking in on the kiosk, we proceeded up to the fourth floor and checked in again on that kiosk. We joined the crowd and waited our turn. When Deb's name was called, I explained to the nurse that I was training possible replacement caregivers and asked if we could rotate in since the rules only allow one at a time in the chemo room.

No problem,so Trey started off. He witnessed the check in and lab collection routine, then they needed me to answer some med questions. I had to fess up that I had left some important meds at home and that Gracie partners Dave and Steve were going to bring them Sunday am if they had the weather to fly over. Then they will take the boys back to Peachtree City.

Then Stephen had his turn. Then Trey. Then Stephen. On and on until about 3 pm. Seems like there are still kinks being ironed out in the new clinic operations. The entire UAMC hospital is state run and there is a hiring freeze,so even with the wonderful new facility, there is not enough staff. So, they work longer and harder. Regardless, we are still extremely pleased to be here!

Meanwhile, out in the waiting area, we had a grand old reunion with our classmates. We watched a little golf on the wide screen and chewed the fat over each person's trip home and back and what the docs had said. In our little group were Ga Bulldogs, Mississippi Rebels, Alabama Tide, Auburn Tigers, and Arkansas Razorbacks. Sounds like the SEC is well represented as the fall football season arrives. Fall-102 degrees today?

We got the treatment schedule which looks like an out-process Dr visit on Sept 3d.
That would put our at home date as Sunday Sept 5th if all goes well.

Finally, Deb was released and we caught the shuttle back to our rooms. After a quick break, Deb and I met up with the boys and headed of for the Dixie Cafe for some Southern Cooking. Remember...Trey had not yet had any 'real food.'  The table had mashed taters with skins on, fried okra, country steak with white gravy, pinto beans, green beans, shepherd's pie, collard greens, and cornbread! We stuffed ourselves as Deb modeled something new for us. Can you guess what it was?

Then back to the rooms for power naps as everyone was worn out from the day's excitement. Deb in particular since she had been poked and prodded and filled with wonder drugs.

But wait. Something else wonderful was waiting for Deb. Your Mail! Wow! She was delighted! Thanks all! Please keep it coming. It means so much to Deb. Her hand is too shaky to write, but she loves to open and read. 

So, that's the way it was on August 14, 2010! A day we are so grateful for!

Vern