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| Mama and Papa Mouse, who have accompanied us on so many adventures, London and Paris, Savanna and Chicago, and many points in between. Perhaps they have seen more luxurious hotels, but probably none so expensive. |
We checked into the hospital at 8 AM this morning and with
Emily’s help moved all of our stuff into room 720, the same room Don was in for
the stem cell collection. We call it the Penthouse Suite because it has a view
accross the city to the north and east. It took a short time to put clothes
into the closet, Sami’s bed in order, and set up our technology. We met Dr. Keith
Leneir, one of three transplant doctors who will be overseeing Don’s transplant.
George, the Charge Nurse; Geraldine, the “Bedside Nurse;” and Roxanne, the
Nurse Practitioner were all in and out with orientation, information, and treatment. Sarah,
the Transplant Coordinator, and Emily, from Admisions came with foms to fill out
and sign. We have settled in nicely. It is almost cozy.
As I write this, at 2:00 PM, Don is chewing on
ice (a cold mouth greatly reduces the chance of mouth soars), watching an
episode of Faulty Towers on NetFlix on his computer, and getting his first
go-round of Melphalan, an IV chemo. This is day one of two days of the "high-dose chemo." The infusion will last a little over an hour.
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| Looking Northeast. Sam's bed in the corner, easy chairs and a couch. |
The important question was answered by the doctor. “Does the
extended up-front treatment (normal is four months, Don was at it for 10
months), and the postponement of the transplant effect the out come of the
treatment? The answer is, “No, the only important element is that the up-front
treatment reduced the cancer level to a certain place, and since that outcome
was reached, neither the length of time it took to get there, or the
postponement of the transplant reduces the likelihood of a complete remission
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| Our living room, library, and theater |
We have an exciting evening planned of movie watching. Sami
is going to try to sleep in her inflatable bed the hospital tonight, after a
run home to feed the kitties and get the mail.
Over-and-out from room 720
5 comments:
OK, Good to see how Day One went. All best wishes for Day Two to go just as well. Thanks, Sami for the report. Go Don!!!! XO, Marsha
Interesting report about this new chapter unfolding in your [plural] adventurous saga. You are almost scripting a behavior to emulate for those of us who have yet to confront a major medical challenge. But then, isn't that appropriate for you Scripters? Thank you for sharing. I'm comforted by reading about the professional ways you are being treated and by seeing your comfortable accommodations. Best wishes to the both of you through the nights and days ahead. Bro' Sam I am . . .
What a Room With A View you have and nice that you can stay there with Don Sami. Computers have certainly improved hospital stays-that daytime TV is deadly. I see that the library now offers access to a site for streaming movies & television shows.
Erwin and I wish Don all the best and a speedy recovery! Lea
Wow! Looks like a very cozy room. Good luck and keep us posted!
Thinking of you! And love you lots.
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