Deb is cheerful and doing well this morning after a tough evening up until 2 am when the dust settled some and she finally got some rest.I got up early and left her sleeping while I did the laundry. There are machines one floor below us.
Across the way from us is the breakfast room where the myeloma patients gather for a continental b'fast. Morning chit-chat is unusual in that various meds and stages of treatment are the topic instead of the local ball team and fishing results.
There are some lonely people here. Most folks have a caregiver friend or relative, but some have to hire a sitter or gut it out alone.
One such fellow is an older Jewish brother downstairs. He is from Brooklyn,NY and is alone. Today I reached out to engage him in conversation while I was doing laundry. He needed to do his clothes but did not know how to run the machines. I helped him and showed him how they work. We talked about all sorts of topics from the security of Israel, the peace talk process, and how many conservative Christians were friends of Israel. He's obviously very lonely. You might add him to your prayer lists as one who really needs a friend.
We are about to head over for lab tests. Deb is taking a cat nap.She is having some hallucinations seeing and hearing imaginary people.Drug affects?
We do Labs every day. Some days twice. Results of meds and blood chemistry are key elements in our treatment and drive the schedule: not personnel or equipment availability. This is a remarkable place!
Vern
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday evening
No time to put out any news this morning. Deb had a miserable night which means I did also!
Remember, 'when momma's not happy, no one's happy!' It's TRUE!
The change from one pain killer to another is really dragging her down. At bedtime last night we tried to get her into her bed that she's been sleeping in the last few days. When she was flat on the bed and pillow, she began having muscle spasms in her back in the region where vertabrae were most recently repaired. Her face turned bright red, and her breathing almost stopped. We had to get her up ASAP. We tried a number of other ways to no avail. So, she slept in a chair. Tried that lately?
Today she had a bone marrow test. I assisted in keeping her calm while two techs did the painful bloody procedure. Basically,they get a sample of her pelvic bone and the bone marrow inside it. Deb was so courageous in enduring it.
After the chemo that she took today takes affect, she will get another bone marrow test Saturday. She took one several weeks ago prior to any meds to establish a genetic baseline, one today to genetically monitor the affect of the last chemo, and of course,the test Saturday will be recorded.That way, an automated chemo injection kit will be loaded with a customized cocktail of various drugs that she will carry about for 4-5 days. It is motorized to provide automated unattended injections thru the three prongs of her port cut into her neck vein. Can't wait! 'The bag!'
Today we had a consult with our super-nurse who is overseeing Deb's chemo program. She consulted with Dr. Nair about the back spasms last night. In order to look for any possible new back fractures, he ordered another xray.Otherwise, the pain will be attributed to the cancer. They feel that Deb will begin to feel better after the chemo has killed the cancers cells off. Unfortunately, many other cells including Deb's immune system will be killed in the coming days. She will be incredibly vulnerable to infections.Therefore,we have all manner of sprays, wipes, masks,etc.
Tonight I have some very small zip lock baggies that I have to sort out and label for meds. There are so many which will be given in the next 2 weeks in specific times and numbers that my heads spins trying to sort them out. There are four periods per day to take meds and some quantities are up to ten each. We had to sign agreements with the manufacturers of some which were shipped directly for us.
In watching the dedication and intensity of these medical providers here,I can see how some would lose themselves in medicine and not have a life outside the clinics and hospitals.In fact, the head of the whole cancer program has one outside interest he allows himself: a bright red motorcycle. It seems to always be here in his reserved parking spot. Supposedly, the board of directors here have begged him to dump it, but he insists it is his one 'normal' activity he allows himself and enjoys.
Vern
Remember, 'when momma's not happy, no one's happy!' It's TRUE!
The change from one pain killer to another is really dragging her down. At bedtime last night we tried to get her into her bed that she's been sleeping in the last few days. When she was flat on the bed and pillow, she began having muscle spasms in her back in the region where vertabrae were most recently repaired. Her face turned bright red, and her breathing almost stopped. We had to get her up ASAP. We tried a number of other ways to no avail. So, she slept in a chair. Tried that lately?
Today she had a bone marrow test. I assisted in keeping her calm while two techs did the painful bloody procedure. Basically,they get a sample of her pelvic bone and the bone marrow inside it. Deb was so courageous in enduring it.
After the chemo that she took today takes affect, she will get another bone marrow test Saturday. She took one several weeks ago prior to any meds to establish a genetic baseline, one today to genetically monitor the affect of the last chemo, and of course,the test Saturday will be recorded.That way, an automated chemo injection kit will be loaded with a customized cocktail of various drugs that she will carry about for 4-5 days. It is motorized to provide automated unattended injections thru the three prongs of her port cut into her neck vein. Can't wait! 'The bag!'
Today we had a consult with our super-nurse who is overseeing Deb's chemo program. She consulted with Dr. Nair about the back spasms last night. In order to look for any possible new back fractures, he ordered another xray.Otherwise, the pain will be attributed to the cancer. They feel that Deb will begin to feel better after the chemo has killed the cancers cells off. Unfortunately, many other cells including Deb's immune system will be killed in the coming days. She will be incredibly vulnerable to infections.Therefore,we have all manner of sprays, wipes, masks,etc.
Tonight I have some very small zip lock baggies that I have to sort out and label for meds. There are so many which will be given in the next 2 weeks in specific times and numbers that my heads spins trying to sort them out. There are four periods per day to take meds and some quantities are up to ten each. We had to sign agreements with the manufacturers of some which were shipped directly for us.
In watching the dedication and intensity of these medical providers here,I can see how some would lose themselves in medicine and not have a life outside the clinics and hospitals.In fact, the head of the whole cancer program has one outside interest he allows himself: a bright red motorcycle. It seems to always be here in his reserved parking spot. Supposedly, the board of directors here have begged him to dump it, but he insists it is his one 'normal' activity he allows himself and enjoys.
Vern
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday night, Culinary surprise, and Prayer Needs
I called our small group tonight. I think they passed the phone around the group. I was able to hear everyone clearly. I realize that I just rudely interrupted them. I trust they will forgive me. It was so wonderful to me for get a touch of home. I miss them. They are such a delightful group of people and I am so happy that they welcome Vern and me.
Trey and Stephen love cooking. They got it from their dad. Tonight was that wonderful organic salad, organic corn-on-the-cob, and the BEST tilapia. Too Good! Too Good!
I have been on time released fenytanyl patches that had to be replaced every three days. They are convenient and keep my pain in good control and I really love the ease of pain control. But, and it's a big but, I am allergic to the adhesive and the skin underneath is burned. Areas up and down by arms, legs, etc. are covered with various levels of burns. The burns do not heal quickly.They are about 3" x 4".
This allergy is genetic. My late father and now my brother Tim can only use silk tape. This problem complicates things for me also. A very short time using their cover left a circle of clear water blisters on my skin that took two weeks to recover. I returned to Little Rock armed with this information but not the solution. The alternative materials must be replaced DAILY and that will damage the skin also.
{note from Vern-There is a device called a Cook port that is cut into a major vein in the neck that is actually stitched to Deb's flesh. It divides into three separate tubes that allow meds to be put into Deb's vein just above the heart. Since it is so close to the heart and subject to a deadly infection, it is treated very carefully. That's why Deb gets no showers until this thing is removed.}
Yesterday the wonderful Infusion nurse developed a way to the 7-day patch. So, today when the dressing had to be replaced we used her method. Vern and I left with the instruction to call if we noticed the skin getting redder or itching. Everything was fine until after the infusion center closed. It is not much but it is there. I took a Benadryl and are asking you to pray that this works. Or if it doesn't, that my skin will not be damaged.
I am having a procedure tomorrow morning for which I would appreciate your prayer, but I am getting very sleepy. Since Vern proofs these for me I need to give it to him.
Much love.
Deb
Trey and Stephen love cooking. They got it from their dad. Tonight was that wonderful organic salad, organic corn-on-the-cob, and the BEST tilapia. Too Good! Too Good!
I have been on time released fenytanyl patches that had to be replaced every three days. They are convenient and keep my pain in good control and I really love the ease of pain control. But, and it's a big but, I am allergic to the adhesive and the skin underneath is burned. Areas up and down by arms, legs, etc. are covered with various levels of burns. The burns do not heal quickly.They are about 3" x 4".
This allergy is genetic. My late father and now my brother Tim can only use silk tape. This problem complicates things for me also. A very short time using their cover left a circle of clear water blisters on my skin that took two weeks to recover. I returned to Little Rock armed with this information but not the solution. The alternative materials must be replaced DAILY and that will damage the skin also.
{note from Vern-There is a device called a Cook port that is cut into a major vein in the neck that is actually stitched to Deb's flesh. It divides into three separate tubes that allow meds to be put into Deb's vein just above the heart. Since it is so close to the heart and subject to a deadly infection, it is treated very carefully. That's why Deb gets no showers until this thing is removed.}
Yesterday the wonderful Infusion nurse developed a way to the 7-day patch. So, today when the dressing had to be replaced we used her method. Vern and I left with the instruction to call if we noticed the skin getting redder or itching. Everything was fine until after the infusion center closed. It is not much but it is there. I took a Benadryl and are asking you to pray that this works. Or if it doesn't, that my skin will not be damaged.
I am having a procedure tomorrow morning for which I would appreciate your prayer, but I am getting very sleepy. Since Vern proofs these for me I need to give it to him.
Much love.
Deb
Poem from a friend-Cancer is so limited. . .
Cancer is so limited. . .
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot eat away peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot reduce eternal life,
It cannot quench the spirit,
It cannot lesson the power of the resurrection,
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot eat away peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot reduce eternal life,
It cannot quench the spirit,
It cannot lesson the power of the resurrection,
Wed afternoon-pain is the word
Deb is transitioning from one pain med to another and is in real intense pain right now. In fact, she has been doing the Lamaze breathing she used when in labor and delivery so many years ago. The nurses have talked to her several times offering suggestions. Pray for new meds to kick in and do their job.
Today's two learnings:
1> Chemo nurse said to Deb that 'you will feel like we have drug you thru the eye of a needle, but we will get you thru it.'
2> Another learning to remember: 'Drink water: the Doctors will do what it takes to save your life even if it kills your kidneys; it's up to you to save your own kidneys.Drink so you don't have to add dialysis to your life in a few years'
Today's two learnings:
1> Chemo nurse said to Deb that 'you will feel like we have drug you thru the eye of a needle, but we will get you thru it.'
2> Another learning to remember: 'Drink water: the Doctors will do what it takes to save your life even if it kills your kidneys; it's up to you to save your own kidneys.Drink so you don't have to add dialysis to your life in a few years'
Weds am
We went to bed a little early last night due to the fatigue of the long stressful day. Just in case anyone thinks we are on an extended vacation of some sort; we are NOT having fun!
Deb awakened me by getting herself up out of bed this morning. She normally needs a hand getting up and down.This morning she was a chow-hound; eager for breakfast. Normally that's my role. So I had to feed her promptly and she ate more today than in the previous 3-4 days combined. Could it be that getting her transfusions literally have poured renewed energy into her? Seems so! PTL!
Deb's courage amazes me. If the tables were turned and I was having to endure what she is going thru, I think I would be a wimpy patient. Deb has such depth of character, endurance, courage, and a positive outlook.She is constantly reaching out and ministering to those who are serving her.
Today is tests and chemo by IV at 11:30 am
Vern
Deb awakened me by getting herself up out of bed this morning. She normally needs a hand getting up and down.This morning she was a chow-hound; eager for breakfast. Normally that's my role. So I had to feed her promptly and she ate more today than in the previous 3-4 days combined. Could it be that getting her transfusions literally have poured renewed energy into her? Seems so! PTL!
Deb's courage amazes me. If the tables were turned and I was having to endure what she is going thru, I think I would be a wimpy patient. Deb has such depth of character, endurance, courage, and a positive outlook.She is constantly reaching out and ministering to those who are serving her.
Today is tests and chemo by IV at 11:30 am
Vern
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
'The Plan'
Dr Nair outlined our plan based on tests and data available so far,subject to change.
Initial treatment approx 6 months until probable remission
Consisting of 5 cycles of 3-4 weeks and 2 stem cell transplants. Three -four week breaks at home.
Today began an induction chemo cycle of 7 primary chemo drugs. 5 are by IV and 2 by mouth. Their affects should last about 3 weeks. We have labs everyday.Then we will have a stem cell collection.Then we come home and have a break.
The next cycles give a transplant of stem cells twice.then we enter a maintenance time with initial 3 month interval returns to Little Rock for tests.If those work,we go to checks every 6 months,then Annual,and eventually every three years.
That's the big plan summarized,subject to change.
Gene arrays are done to give precise data about how each med impacts the cancer cells.
Deb's case is higher risk,but Dr Nair said aggressive treatments usually give the same positive results as lower risk disease gives. They do not use staging here since they rely so much on gene analysis,but if they did,Deb would be a stage two case on the international scale.
So,that's the course we are on,
Vern
Initial treatment approx 6 months until probable remission
Consisting of 5 cycles of 3-4 weeks and 2 stem cell transplants. Three -four week breaks at home.
Today began an induction chemo cycle of 7 primary chemo drugs. 5 are by IV and 2 by mouth. Their affects should last about 3 weeks. We have labs everyday.Then we will have a stem cell collection.Then we come home and have a break.
The next cycles give a transplant of stem cells twice.then we enter a maintenance time with initial 3 month interval returns to Little Rock for tests.If those work,we go to checks every 6 months,then Annual,and eventually every three years.
That's the big plan summarized,subject to change.
Gene arrays are done to give precise data about how each med impacts the cancer cells.
Deb's case is higher risk,but Dr Nair said aggressive treatments usually give the same positive results as lower risk disease gives. They do not use staging here since they rely so much on gene analysis,but if they did,Deb would be a stage two case on the international scale.
So,that's the course we are on,
Vern
Tuesday noonish
Morning labs.Getting fluids and transfusions as we write.Infusion center very comfy and pleasant.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday evening: Introducing Dr Nair and nurse Gina
Monday has been a long active day. Deb had a long talk with Dr Nair. We took lots of notes. Dr Nair laid out our treatment plan. Deb got a triple port cut and sewn into her large vein next to her heart. We got most of the meds to be used in the coming weeks. We got a color-coded calendar with the complex intake schedule of meds on it.
I'll try to update and explain it. As I better comprehend it, I'll come back and edit.
Basically, we are in an intensive six month battle for Deb's health and life. It's not easy nor is it simple.
Gina: the Holy Spirit tatoo on her wrist is a reminder about the one she serves
There will be chemo and meds given at the hospital and then there is a med plan Deb and Vern have to manage according to a coordinated color coded schedule. We have to be on our toes!
Monday morning
Up and at 'em, Adam Ant!
Or so the cartoon used to begin.
We have been preparing for the meeting with Dr Nair to go over our numbers,outlook,and ask our page of questions. Then we get a triple port installed on Deb's left front shoulder area for chemotherapy.
Deb is very pensive as we consider this week and the unknowns of it.She had several q&as with some nurses this am.
Her spine repairs really did well and her mobility is up and her pain levlels down.PTL !
Last night we had thunderstorms that boomed and rained hard. Being on the top floor made it especially noisy with heavy rain.
More later
Vern
Or so the cartoon used to begin.
We have been preparing for the meeting with Dr Nair to go over our numbers,outlook,and ask our page of questions. Then we get a triple port installed on Deb's left front shoulder area for chemotherapy.
Deb is very pensive as we consider this week and the unknowns of it.She had several q&as with some nurses this am.
Her spine repairs really did well and her mobility is up and her pain levlels down.PTL !
Last night we had thunderstorms that boomed and rained hard. Being on the top floor made it especially noisy with heavy rain.
More later
Vern
Sunday, May 9, 2010
CONTACT INFO (re-post for convenience)
This blog does not allow a normal email address format. Therefore, please add the normal 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
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
Staying in Touch-by Deb
I trust you are having a wonderful Mother's Day. Vern really did surprise me with the gift. A book in the red gift bag and a couple of emails I got earlier today prompt my comments.
As I said Vern gave me a variety of really fun books. Friends to the End is a book of animal pictures and comments about the value of friendship. You smile, laugh, and wonder at the insight and how he ever got those pictures. It is a great page-turner gift book by Bradley Trevor Greive (who also wrote The Blue Day Book).
I got an email from a friend who was stranded in an airport in Europe due to this last ash "attack". She kindly asked me if I wanted to know the mundane details of her life since she thought I was in such a difficult situation by comparison. My answer to her was yes, of course I do.
It really made me think.
First I am out here in Arkansas and will completely lose track of what is going on in the lives of family and friends if you don't tell me. Without knowing what is happening to you my world is pretty limited to Vern, myself, and this thing. That's a pretty small world and it makes the THING way too big. I appreciate the emails and posts from all of you. Reconnecting with people is always wonderful to me. Your concern and care for us is humbling. I treasure every contact and all the prayers for us. Please feel free to tell me details about you. I can pray for you as you are praying for me.
Finally, I got a couple of breezy emails from friends just talking about stuff and I realized how important the mundane stuff of life really is. In fact it is life most of the time.
Right now I am about to start what feels like a big battle, I hope one day I am back with a lot more mundane stuff in my life.
I love you guys so much.
Much love. Deb
As I said Vern gave me a variety of really fun books. Friends to the End is a book of animal pictures and comments about the value of friendship. You smile, laugh, and wonder at the insight and how he ever got those pictures. It is a great page-turner gift book by Bradley Trevor Greive (who also wrote The Blue Day Book).
I got an email from a friend who was stranded in an airport in Europe due to this last ash "attack". She kindly asked me if I wanted to know the mundane details of her life since she thought I was in such a difficult situation by comparison. My answer to her was yes, of course I do.
It really made me think.
First I am out here in Arkansas and will completely lose track of what is going on in the lives of family and friends if you don't tell me. Without knowing what is happening to you my world is pretty limited to Vern, myself, and this thing. That's a pretty small world and it makes the THING way too big. I appreciate the emails and posts from all of you. Reconnecting with people is always wonderful to me. Your concern and care for us is humbling. I treasure every contact and all the prayers for us. Please feel free to tell me details about you. I can pray for you as you are praying for me.
Finally, I got a couple of breezy emails from friends just talking about stuff and I realized how important the mundane stuff of life really is. In fact it is life most of the time.
Right now I am about to start what feels like a big battle, I hope one day I am back with a lot more mundane stuff in my life.
I love you guys so much.
Much love. Deb
Sunday Morning-Mother's day
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! What a role you play in our lives! Amen?
This morning when Deb awoke there was a surprise awaiting her in a pretty red bag. She was really surprised because we are always together and she couldn't figure out how I got it here. That's a husband's secret.Shssss!
I fixed her a queen's breakfast of bagel,cream cheese, strawberry jam, apple juice, Canadian bacon, and a banana. She doesn't have much of an appetite, so it takes a while for her to pick at it and get it down. Her anemia needs to be fed!
Mobility has increased since Fri night back surgery.She can get around better (still using the walker). This morning her pain areas were arm bones and breast bone. My theory is that as the worst pain areas are dealt with (i.e. her back), other lessor pain areas will become evident to her.
Lunch today will be the other half of what I cooked for her yesterday, which was ground chuck patties, organic corn on the cob,organic salad, organic squash and onions. It's design was to again feed the anemia as well as taste good. Fresh always tastes good, don't 'cha think?
We have a tiny little kitchen area with 2 burners , a small sink, and a frig. But, it's all we need! The Kroger is accessed by the hotel van.
Deb is napping right now and I have several loads of laundry going. The coin machines are one floor below us but clean and convenient.
It's really a simple life here with a few suitcases of clothes. It allows us much talking, praying, reading time together. We pray blessings on each of you as well as specific prayers for those we have specifics known to pray for. TV has hardly been on at all. Mostly quiet peaceful solitude.
Deb would like to write more but her 'brain is fuzzy', so my role is scribe for now.
Blessings all!
Vern
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Peaceful Saturday-by Deb
Hello, everyone, I know you don't hear from me very often and I am sorry. My brain still seems to be pretty scrambled. Vern told you about Friday's procedures and that my assignment for today was to rest. Just REST. I am so grateful.
Actually Friday I ended up doing a 20-hour fast due to an emergency going in before me. My original time slot was 1:00p.m. but I was the last patient seen for the day. I went in after 6:00pm. When I was taken to pre-op about 2:30 my blood pressure was low and the pre-op nurses really cranked up the IV fluids. That issue could have something to do with the procedure delay. At any rate following the procedure I had to lay completely flat for 2 hours before I could come home. I ate a little in recovery and my blood pressure came back up to its normal range before I left for "home". There is a wheelchair here at the residence inn that I was more than happy to use. So today I have rested.
I can tell a significant difference. I slept in a normal flat bed with a normal pillow last night. I have spent the day between the bed and a recliner in the living room. I can move much better than before. The assignment for tomorrow is rest again. How can this be? But, you will not hear me complaining about it.
I see Dr. Nair around noon on Monday. I have a lot of unanswered questions and the blood pressure issue is one of them. His designated topic is the stem cell production and harvest. Later Monday afternoon I have this triple IV line installed so I can start chemo on Tuesday. I guess that marks the real beginning of the war.
BTW, I am allergic to adhesives. The patches I use for pain leave me burned. I have a clear water blister in the one little space the nurse was unable to protect with paper tape before she put on the clear adhesive cover to protect the open port. There will be some type of protection that is to stay on my skin as long as the IV system is in place. Please pray there will be an alternative covering since it will be on for at least 3 weeks.
I am so grateful to finally be about to medically address the cancer. I appreciate your prayers for its effectiveness and my ability to tolerate the medication. I would love to be able to tolerate the chemo without getting sick. God alone knows and He will be with me regardless.
Much love to you all. Thank you for all the cards and "goodies" arriving at our door in Arkansas.
Deb
Addendum by Vern
Infection becomes enemy number one. With multiple entry points on Deb's spine and a port on her right shoulder that has a tube into the vein right above her heart, and on Monday getting a triple port on her left shoulder area, Deb is vulnerable to infections. That's one reason the tratments are done out-patient; so we can isolate ourselves in this little apartment. I have all sorts of antibiotic cleansers and stuff here to clean up our personal space. So,pray we will successfully protect Deb from infections as the treatments are about to kill her immune system.
Vern
Actually Friday I ended up doing a 20-hour fast due to an emergency going in before me. My original time slot was 1:00p.m. but I was the last patient seen for the day. I went in after 6:00pm. When I was taken to pre-op about 2:30 my blood pressure was low and the pre-op nurses really cranked up the IV fluids. That issue could have something to do with the procedure delay. At any rate following the procedure I had to lay completely flat for 2 hours before I could come home. I ate a little in recovery and my blood pressure came back up to its normal range before I left for "home". There is a wheelchair here at the residence inn that I was more than happy to use. So today I have rested.
I can tell a significant difference. I slept in a normal flat bed with a normal pillow last night. I have spent the day between the bed and a recliner in the living room. I can move much better than before. The assignment for tomorrow is rest again. How can this be? But, you will not hear me complaining about it.
I see Dr. Nair around noon on Monday. I have a lot of unanswered questions and the blood pressure issue is one of them. His designated topic is the stem cell production and harvest. Later Monday afternoon I have this triple IV line installed so I can start chemo on Tuesday. I guess that marks the real beginning of the war.
BTW, I am allergic to adhesives. The patches I use for pain leave me burned. I have a clear water blister in the one little space the nurse was unable to protect with paper tape before she put on the clear adhesive cover to protect the open port. There will be some type of protection that is to stay on my skin as long as the IV system is in place. Please pray there will be an alternative covering since it will be on for at least 3 weeks.
I am so grateful to finally be about to medically address the cancer. I appreciate your prayers for its effectiveness and my ability to tolerate the medication. I would love to be able to tolerate the chemo without getting sick. God alone knows and He will be with me regardless.
Much love to you all. Thank you for all the cards and "goodies" arriving at our door in Arkansas.
Deb
Addendum by Vern
Infection becomes enemy number one. With multiple entry points on Deb's spine and a port on her right shoulder that has a tube into the vein right above her heart, and on Monday getting a triple port on her left shoulder area, Deb is vulnerable to infections. That's one reason the tratments are done out-patient; so we can isolate ourselves in this little apartment. I have all sorts of antibiotic cleansers and stuff here to clean up our personal space. So,pray we will successfully protect Deb from infections as the treatments are about to kill her immune system.
Vern
Saturday am: I woke up to a taller wife!
Bet you men can't top that one!
When I helped Deb up this morning, she was taller! Now, neither one of us are tall compared to most folks, so I 'm speaking in a relative manner to each other.
Last night there were three more spine repairs which basically consists of expanding the crushed vertabrae back towards their original size and shape, then filling in the gaps with a special cement. So, Deb really did regain some of her lost height and is taller this morning than she was yesterday morning.
When we got back to the room, the mailman had been here and left a small package and some cards which brightened Deb's face as she heard from some of you. (address here posted in CONTACT INFO on the right hand column of this blog.
This morning Deb dressed and we made our first joint appearance in the little breakfast room at the hotel. She picked at a few items, them came back to the room to rest. She will probably rest most of the day. She really had a workout yesterday!
She said that during the surgery she felt everything that the Dr did.
Trey called yesterday and said they were at home adapting to new family life with a baby.We hope to Skype today and see Evelyn in action.
Blessings all!
Vern
When I helped Deb up this morning, she was taller! Now, neither one of us are tall compared to most folks, so I 'm speaking in a relative manner to each other.
Last night there were three more spine repairs which basically consists of expanding the crushed vertabrae back towards their original size and shape, then filling in the gaps with a special cement. So, Deb really did regain some of her lost height and is taller this morning than she was yesterday morning.
When we got back to the room, the mailman had been here and left a small package and some cards which brightened Deb's face as she heard from some of you. (address here posted in CONTACT INFO on the right hand column of this blog.
This morning Deb dressed and we made our first joint appearance in the little breakfast room at the hotel. She picked at a few items, them came back to the room to rest. She will probably rest most of the day. She really had a workout yesterday!
She said that during the surgery she felt everything that the Dr did.
Trey called yesterday and said they were at home adapting to new family life with a baby.We hope to Skype today and see Evelyn in action.
Blessings all!
Vern
Friday, May 7, 2010
Friday night (continued)
We had a wonderful nurse in the recovery area. Eric spent 21 years in the Army in combat arms, then became a nurse. He served as a company commander in Irag and hails from Los Angeles. Thanks for serving us today, Eric!Got Deb dressed and in a wheelchair around 9:45 pm. She is very weak and needed great assistance. The shuttle van picked us up. Got her to the room, PJs on, and now she's in bed asleep. She said she felt every action on her back.
Now time for me to unwind a little after a long day and make a sandwich and watch a spin thru the news.
Goodnight all! Thanks for praying!
Vern
Friday...in back surgery
We arrived for our noon appointment. Deb is finally in surgery to repair more of her spinal fractures. I am still in the waiting room.
Vern
8:10ct. Deb just came to recovery. Repaired 3 more vertebrae and took a deep sample from the pelvic bone. I fed her some snacks and she was happy. Napping now.
Vern
8:10ct. Deb just came to recovery. Repaired 3 more vertebrae and took a deep sample from the pelvic bone. I fed her some snacks and she was happy. Napping now.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
New pix of Evelyn Sky Darley
See previous posts for address
Deb and I just sat and savored the beautiful photos of our beautiful new granddaughter. We invite you to enjoy them also!
Vern and Deb
Deb and I just sat and savored the beautiful photos of our beautiful new granddaughter. We invite you to enjoy them also!
Vern and Deb
Tomorrow (Friday May 7) + techie info
Tomorrow: One pm Central time, in the Nerorad room, Vertebroplasty and then a deep bone biopsy.
For those of a technical interest, we are dealing with Multiple Myeloma IgA, light chain disease Lambda variety. Still don't know the staging level.
Much to learn about our case. We meet with Dr Nair Monday.
Looking at the folks here for treatment two things are obvious: Deb is much younger and more vigorous looking than most, and, we are literally in a fight for Deb's life. The treatments will take everything we have in us both.
Over and over Deb has said that she wants to fight this and she wants to live.
On the home front, son Stephen was borrowing my car while we are out here and it broke down in downtown Atlanta and had to be towed in.
Blessings all!
Vern
For those of a technical interest, we are dealing with Multiple Myeloma IgA, light chain disease Lambda variety. Still don't know the staging level.
Much to learn about our case. We meet with Dr Nair Monday.
Looking at the folks here for treatment two things are obvious: Deb is much younger and more vigorous looking than most, and, we are literally in a fight for Deb's life. The treatments will take everything we have in us both.
Over and over Deb has said that she wants to fight this and she wants to live.
On the home front, son Stephen was borrowing my car while we are out here and it broke down in downtown Atlanta and had to be towed in.
Blessings all!
Vern
Thursday am
Deb was fasting this morning for tests.When she was able she had a banana she had stashed in her bag. Later Chris the van driver drove us a few miles away to a family cafeteria where we had a nice meat and veggies lunch. Then back to the room for a much needed nap. Today started the relational part of our trip as we began to meet the folks here sharing this adventure as fellow patients and caregivers
We met two lady teachers from Oregon . Then we met a couple from Ft Worth who have horses. The man said right now he wishes he did not have any that must be cared for. We actually met a man from Arkansas!
We hope to draw closer to our neighbors so can mutually help one another.
More later?
Posted from a mobile device.
Vern
We met two lady teachers from Oregon . Then we met a couple from Ft Worth who have horses. The man said right now he wishes he did not have any that must be cared for. We actually met a man from Arkansas!
We hope to draw closer to our neighbors so can mutually help one another.
More later?
Posted from a mobile device.
Vern
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