Where did the week go?

Friday: July 20, 2007

At some point during the week we went to see the latest Harry Potter movie. Highly recommend you see at the theater. Excellent as always. Last night at midnight the new book came out. Today we'll be picking up a copy of new book.

More Poking, Drilling and Prodding: The week has been filled with a dentist and many doctors' appointments. Several pre-SCT (stem cell transplant) tests were done. Bright and early this morning, we had to be at the cancer center for Tony to have his Bone Marrow Biopsy. Fortunately, they inject a magic potion of morphine and adavan (sp?), to help ease the pain and calm the nerves. Worked like a charm!

Tests, Tests, Tests: Following several hours in the cancer center, we made our way through the maze that is Ruby hospital, WVU Health Sciences and Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center.... to the Cardiology department where Tony had an Echo cardiogram and Doppler imaging done. From there, he was wheeled across the hall to the pulmonary folks, where they put him through a whole series of lung related tests. One presumes all these tests will come back giving Tony the "all clear" for the SCT.

The Outpatient/Inpatient Debate: While waiting for an IV to be inserted and labs drawn I had an opportunity to speak with Pamela, one of Dr. Craig's right hand women.... We talked a bit about this "outpatient" issue I'm having a difficult time with. Pamela was wonderful! She did what I'd hoped someone would do all along... She listened to me.... and she gave me her input, answering the nagging questions I had.

The current thinking behind patients being treated as outpatients:

1. Patients tend to do better at home, mentally and physically.
2. There's no way to insure a patient won't be exposed to something IN the hospital, while their immune system has been zapped into non existence. While undergoing a Stem Cell Transplant, one of the greatest risks involved is infection, due to the extremely compromised immune system.
3. Insurance companies are beginning to prefer outpatient over inpatient.
   

I guess we're doing this huge thing from home, with occasional, if not daily, visits to the Cancer Center. I'll try to begin coordinating the volunteers and work out a schedule. Somehow I'll manage school in the midst of it all, though I have to admit I did look into deferring for a year. Unfortunately the school would not accommodate my request, and with one not knowing how long Tony will be able to work, or when his new contract issues will be sorted out, we didn't think we could risk me putting it off another year.

Thursday: July 19, 2007- Yesterday Tony had a full body bone scan (X-Rays, etc) and met with the surgeon who will be surgically inserting the "Port". Of course, the doctor also rattled off all the potential problems that could occur, like.... accidentally puncturing a lung.... or accidentally puncturing the heart.... etc, etc, etc. Geeeee, sounds exciting!!!???

Side Note: I found an interesting website while searching for some information regarding ports. There's a gentleman in Alabama going through chemo treatments. He and his wife are professional photographers, so they're documenting the cancer treatment process. You might find it interesting, if you'd like to learn something about what life is like for a cancer patient. CLICK HERE to visit his website.

TONYSITTING UPDATE:

CARETAKERS' CLASS:

For those of you who offered to help out, there will be a Caretaker's Class scheduled on July 30th from 1:15pm-3:30pm. Everyone able to attend will meet on the 9th floor of Ruby Hospital, in the lobby just as you get off the elevator. Tony and I both plan to attend, and I'll be taking a lot of notes.

If you'd like to attend the class and need directions, CLICK HERE to view/print the DETAILED map I've created. If you like, simply put your cursor over the image at the link provided above. Right Click on the image, then go into a blank MS Word document and right click your mouse again. Select Paste. Then, view or print the map as often as you like.

The map includes directions to the Cancer Center, and Ruby Memorial.

I've put together a new day-to-day calendar and will post it at the church. To date I have one full week covered: September 10-14th. Please fill in your name and number where you can volunteer your time, asap. For those who may live out of town, we'll have a place for you to stay. Email me if you'd like to help.

I've updated last week's attempt at information and calendar.

CLICK HERE to view.

There's also a different calendar layout, which may help you

coordinate with your own calendar a bit easier.

CLICK HERE to view.

We can't tell you enough how much we appreciate your help. The coming weeks aren't going to be the easiest to get through, but with your help, I know we'll manage just fine.

Saturday: Annual Ribfest

Today was nothing less then heavenly outside. The sun was shining and there was a gentle cool breeze in the air. Almost felt like autumn. Well, today was the Annual Ribfest, sponsored by our parishes' favorite non-profit organization... Scott's Run Settlement House. Tony and I had never been to Mylan Park, and now we can clearly say we've missed out on a lovely place to be. The park was filled with folks there to sample the ribs, enjoy the .... ummm.... "music"... take in the sights, and spend a day out with family and friends.

We purchased our ribs, visited with friends, strolled around some of the vendor booths, then headed off to run errands. Though the ribs were good eating, tonight (sans gall bladder) I'm reliving more of the afternoon then I would like.... heartburn! ick!

It's gone past midnight... must get some sleep. Night all! PitterPat