We sure do not know what tomorrow brings..
I checked my phone before taking the garbage down to the garbage room and there weren't any messages. Upon my return there was a message from Bob saying that he was going to be discharged today. He had been told around discharge would be around 12:00pm but I wasn't to hurry!!! I wanted to hear all of this first hand so I hurried. I was at he hospital by 10:00. Then we played waiting. We were on our way home at 3:10pm. However we spoke to a number of professionals over that time.
Bob does have pneumonia. The stem cell transplant doctor and the team are thinking that the steroids had masked it. When the chemo drugs were stopped, well no more masking!!!! Bob says the prednizone also masked pain as he has a lot more bone pain now. Bob needs to be more healthy as we were told any pre infection would be ----like almost deadly. Bob hasn't had a fever for 24 hours. We came home with a round of antibiotics, no chemo,metforman and a couple of others. Bob stayed wired, the CVC line can apparently stay in for a year???? My only concern was when the nurse gave me a package containing emergency supplies if anything happened to any part of the CVC line. We also got the official rain shield for shower time. Uggggggg.
We needed to talk with the social worker before we could leave. We shared with her about our belief in Jesus and even tho she can't say anything she said enough for us to think she is a believer. Her name is Lori and she introduced us to the green sleeve. Every one in AB needs to have a green sleeve!!!! We wear very little green so we obviously don't have one. Bob had been asked to bring in his will. CREEPERS, but what is needed is the personal directive. Today Lori explained what they want and need. Our wills have our personal directives so we will copy the directive before Bob goes in again. Upon leaving tho, we were given our own green sleeve. It is on our fridge now. That is where EMS would look for it. Every time you are hospitalized the green sleeve goes with you. Comforting.
We see Dr. Bahlis on Tues (18) at which time we may have a new transplant schedule?
We are both very tired as this is draining emotionally. I can only handle so much adrenalin. However we do have peace about everything that happened. Everything that happens to us---good or bad passes through God's hand. He must be allowing these things for a reason beyond our comprehension. Part of the BIG picture. So very thankful for the prayers of many people.
Isaiah 55:8&9 says: "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'................
Bob and I are choosing to believe that God has everything in His Hands and in His control.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
SIDE-LINED
Yesterday (Mon. 10) got off to a great start. Bob had the CVC (Central Venous Catheter) line put in and was up on ward 57 Special Services building by 10:30. We met a couple who are going through the same procedure but with the wife as the patient. She also has another illness that puts her at risk but is also treated with stem cell transplant. It is really heart wrenching to see so many sick people with cancer. The ward however seems very positive. These nurses are sooooo young and are just running. However, once a nurse comes into the room you have her full attention and all the time you need.
Over the weekend Bob had the shivers, sweats, and a fever. It was in a sort of pattern and lasted approx. 2hrs. We, in our wisdom, thought he was having a withdrawal from all the meds. This same thing happened over noon hour on the ward. This put everyone into a tail spin as any kind of infection leading to fever does not go with stem cell transplant. Bob had blood taken, blood culture, urine culture and urine samples, a chest x-ray and an extremely thorough going over by the transplant doctor. The chest x-ray showed something on one lung that wasn't there at last x-ray, a week ago. The doctor thought it could be the bandages that were covering the line. They will x-ray in a couple more days to check that out. However at this point it is just to risky to do the transplant so it has been set back and has no new timeline. We are grateful this all happened before transplant. If it had happened post transplant it could have been blamed on the transplant and then who knows the results? as it may be treated differently.
I thought that was enough drama for one day but we weren't done yet. Once the decision was made to treat this as a bacterial infection, for now, Bob was hooked up with the antibiotics through one of those three ports on his chest. Way better than being poked. Bob decided to walk around the room with the pole--not really pole dancing at this point. It is a double room with only one bed so a fair bit of room. We hadn't been told whether Bob could leave the room yet and as you know me I am a rule follower. Bob turned and the front of his shirt was wet and I know he hadn't had the tap on. We started to look and the port fell out of the line to his chest. I ran to find a nurse. Bob clamped the line---not even sure how. We praise God that He gave Bob that nudge of protection. When a nurse and I came into the room there were splatters of blood all around Bob. She checked the line and called for help. I, in my wifely duty, wet towels and cleaned the mess. Starting with the blood on Bob's chest then down to the floor. Bob and both nurses had to put masks on and I sat in a far corner hiding from the whole scene and asking God to protect Bob. The nurse asked who had clamped the line. Bob said he did and she replied good thinking. As I look at it now I am convinced God's angels took Bob's hand and put it in the right spot. Once everything was back to "normal" we were told that a workplace file was being processed as that should never have happened. If there is fault to be laid it is in the radiology dept that put the line in and one of the ends was not proper. This line ends by the heart so should an air bubble have gone through Bob would have died. That is my understanding. Once again we thank God for His protection. Bob could have been sent home with a faulty line or gone into chemo or?????????
We don't understand all of this, don't know what will happen tomorrow, but once again I will say PTL we know Who knows tomorrow.
I was encouraged this morning by: Col. 1:11 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father." well actually, all of 1st Colossians.
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.
Over the weekend Bob had the shivers, sweats, and a fever. It was in a sort of pattern and lasted approx. 2hrs. We, in our wisdom, thought he was having a withdrawal from all the meds. This same thing happened over noon hour on the ward. This put everyone into a tail spin as any kind of infection leading to fever does not go with stem cell transplant. Bob had blood taken, blood culture, urine culture and urine samples, a chest x-ray and an extremely thorough going over by the transplant doctor. The chest x-ray showed something on one lung that wasn't there at last x-ray, a week ago. The doctor thought it could be the bandages that were covering the line. They will x-ray in a couple more days to check that out. However at this point it is just to risky to do the transplant so it has been set back and has no new timeline. We are grateful this all happened before transplant. If it had happened post transplant it could have been blamed on the transplant and then who knows the results? as it may be treated differently.
I thought that was enough drama for one day but we weren't done yet. Once the decision was made to treat this as a bacterial infection, for now, Bob was hooked up with the antibiotics through one of those three ports on his chest. Way better than being poked. Bob decided to walk around the room with the pole--not really pole dancing at this point. It is a double room with only one bed so a fair bit of room. We hadn't been told whether Bob could leave the room yet and as you know me I am a rule follower. Bob turned and the front of his shirt was wet and I know he hadn't had the tap on. We started to look and the port fell out of the line to his chest. I ran to find a nurse. Bob clamped the line---not even sure how. We praise God that He gave Bob that nudge of protection. When a nurse and I came into the room there were splatters of blood all around Bob. She checked the line and called for help. I, in my wifely duty, wet towels and cleaned the mess. Starting with the blood on Bob's chest then down to the floor. Bob and both nurses had to put masks on and I sat in a far corner hiding from the whole scene and asking God to protect Bob. The nurse asked who had clamped the line. Bob said he did and she replied good thinking. As I look at it now I am convinced God's angels took Bob's hand and put it in the right spot. Once everything was back to "normal" we were told that a workplace file was being processed as that should never have happened. If there is fault to be laid it is in the radiology dept that put the line in and one of the ends was not proper. This line ends by the heart so should an air bubble have gone through Bob would have died. That is my understanding. Once again we thank God for His protection. Bob could have been sent home with a faulty line or gone into chemo or?????????
We don't understand all of this, don't know what will happen tomorrow, but once again I will say PTL we know Who knows tomorrow.
I was encouraged this morning by: Col. 1:11 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father." well actually, all of 1st Colossians.
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
TIME
I was invited to join Bob and his co-workers for a luncheon. This luncheon was to honour Bob and wish him a speedy return to work. The work that this crew went to putting the lunch together was amazing. Lots of good food and a special time to greet those I knew and meet new staff. The contractors who were on sight came down for lunch as well. I was so touched by how highly all of these folks think of my Bob. Their kind words will be a salve for both of us for many months. The staff each brought a gift for Bob, to help pass the time over the next 3 months. Bob will become a champion at sudoku,wordfind, crossword puzzles. He will be encouraged by words of John Ortberg. He has a new devotional to read each day. A magazine entitled Get Rich at Home. Bob has new music to purchase on line as well as a card for online books. The model plane will be fun for Bob to put together. There are also 413 Motivation Stickers!!!!! "Good Job, Well done Etc." I can use them for ? --lots of pee, good eating, finally a solid poop!!! who knows as we aren't sure of what will need motivating. ;-}. The Landscape crew bought Bob a BIG eagle which is totally touching. On his desk Bob has Isaiah 40:31 which pointed them into the eagle direction. All of this covered in a warm fuzzy blanket to keep him warm. How blessed Bob is to have each one of these folks in his life. Which in turn means I am blessed too. ;-)
Bob's brother Gerry and Gerry's wife Claire took a few days away from their jobs to make a trip out west. They camped in Okotoks for 2 nights. On the second night (Fri) our family was able to all be out there for a neat evening around the fire. Mike and Cori and their 4 kids along with Tim and Barbie and all 4 of their kids made the effort to be out and spend time with us and G&C. Way to many marshmallows roasted and consumed!!!! Barbie and 2 of her kids spent the night out there in a tent. Kuddos to them. However when we arrived to go for breakfast with Gerry and Claire, Gerry had already helped them pack up and the kids were gone. I'm thinking that morning comes early when you are camping!!!!!
On Saturday Mike and Cori and kids spent the afternoon with us. We spent some time in the park but way to many wasps for a picnic so we finished eating in the condo. Lots of playing with the 3 little ones.
Hated the fact that Sunday arrived as that meant the weekend was almost over and reality was going to kick in. Our families came to church with us and then we headed to Tim and Barbie's for a bar -b -que lunch. Mike prayed for his dad, which means a lot to us. It really was a great visit. THE highlight had to be the water balloon fight. Once the little guys caught on it was crazy, they loved getting Uncle Mike, Hannah and Colton soaked.
Homeward we came to pack and get ready for tomorrow. Bob shaved his beard off. He thought if he just let it fall out he would end up eating a lot of it!!!!!! We are as ready as we can be. We don't know what tomorrow holds or any days in the future but we are so grateful that God knows the future and will see both of us through. So I am thinking that we obeyed the doctor's orders and had a great weekend.
Thank you for praying.
Bob's brother Gerry and Gerry's wife Claire took a few days away from their jobs to make a trip out west. They camped in Okotoks for 2 nights. On the second night (Fri) our family was able to all be out there for a neat evening around the fire. Mike and Cori and their 4 kids along with Tim and Barbie and all 4 of their kids made the effort to be out and spend time with us and G&C. Way to many marshmallows roasted and consumed!!!! Barbie and 2 of her kids spent the night out there in a tent. Kuddos to them. However when we arrived to go for breakfast with Gerry and Claire, Gerry had already helped them pack up and the kids were gone. I'm thinking that morning comes early when you are camping!!!!!
On Saturday Mike and Cori and kids spent the afternoon with us. We spent some time in the park but way to many wasps for a picnic so we finished eating in the condo. Lots of playing with the 3 little ones.
Hated the fact that Sunday arrived as that meant the weekend was almost over and reality was going to kick in. Our families came to church with us and then we headed to Tim and Barbie's for a bar -b -que lunch. Mike prayed for his dad, which means a lot to us. It really was a great visit. THE highlight had to be the water balloon fight. Once the little guys caught on it was crazy, they loved getting Uncle Mike, Hannah and Colton soaked.
Homeward we came to pack and get ready for tomorrow. Bob shaved his beard off. He thought if he just let it fall out he would end up eating a lot of it!!!!!! We are as ready as we can be. We don't know what tomorrow holds or any days in the future but we are so grateful that God knows the future and will see both of us through. So I am thinking that we obeyed the doctor's orders and had a great weekend.
Thank you for praying.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Always Evolving-------REBOOT
One quote that Bob really likes from the Red Green Show is "I am a man, I can change".
These trips to Tom Baker and all the interactions with the various professionals give one pause to change. We had decided that Bob would stay in the hospital and not take passes. OF COURSE we did not really understand what a pass meant. Truth be told that, as of this hour, we are still not sure. Our thinking has evolved though, to accept that perhaps we will try out this "pass thing". We have been encouraged to try it when one is offered. Bob will only get them if everything is in order, as far as blood work, temp etc. They may be for only 2hours or 4 hours or maybe overnight. This encouragement came from 3 very different people. The one gal was with her mom and they were on a 4 hour pass. They were not leaving the hospital grounds but were "free" for 4 hours. The patient had her mask on her face, a cap on her bald head and off they went. She was so encouraging to Bob---well to both of us that we decided that maybe there was something to this pass thing. I believe that it has a lot to do with the mental health of patient and caregiver.
Bob's stem cells were collected in 2009 and we were informed that now a days the cells are stored very differently. Change/evolution of cell collection!------Bob's cells are in smaller bags so he has 5 bags to be given back. Each bag has a preservative in it. This preservative has it's own unique side affect. The new way of collecting cells has the cells in larger bags THEREFORE the patient receives less preservative. So Bob's return of cells will take longer than normal. On Wed. he will receive 2 bags in the morning and 2,perhaps 3 bags in the late afternoon.. Should he be only given 2 bags on Wed afternoon the last bag or #5 will be given Thurs morning.
We think that Bob is having withdrawal. Bob has only been off of the chemo drugs a few days but after 7 years..................????Hard for us to know but he is not feeling well and had the shakes for a while. This was not mentioned............suppose each person is different.
"Strength is not always revealed in a dramatic display: at times, it's demonstrated in determined endurance." C. Stanley
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
FORWARD
Well, it is going ahead for Bob's the stem cell transplant. As this whole situation becomes more real we also begin to understand more of the risks. We also know that this is what needs to be done. We could have postponed the procedure until the protein numbers went higher but we chose to continue now.
Bob had a bone marrow aspiration yesterday. This procedure is hard to watch but Bob doesn't even twitch. He says that it really doesn't bother him. Glad Bob is tough and seems to handle all the physical miseries well. One more round of blood work on Friday and a visit with the pharmacist.
Bob will receive the first of 3 velcade injections (also a chemo drug) on Fri. (7th). He is now off of all the former chemo drugs--today being the first day. Not sure how that will mess him up. Without the prednizone Bob should not be diabetic but he is watching the sugars closely to see what happens. The cumadin (warfarin) is also stopped however they are bridging with Tinzaparin injections (self administered).
Dr. Bahlis also showed concern about the damage to the heart. We already knew this but when push comes to shove -----yikes. The Dr. is going to administer a lower dose of the BIG chemo Melphalan. As Bob's marker numbers are going up they are still not what is considered high-----all in the perception!!!!!! Dr. Bahlis thinks the lower dose will be safer on Bob's heart and will still manage the myeloma.
The stem cells were harvested from Bob in 2009. He was on the new drug Revlamid at that time. We are asking God for a miracle of using these cells to heal Bob totally from the cancer. God could heal however He chooses. We are totally aware of that Truth but thus far He, has cared for my husband through the use of medicine and the knowledge of the doctors. Pray with us, that the cancer will be gone.
The TBCC is big on their stem cell patients going home for the first seven days or so, until the white blood counts are zero and the immunity is gone. Manitoba does not do this. Their patients are admitted and stay until the counts are on the way up about 14 days after day 0, or in Bob's case the 12th of Aug will be day 0. With all of the things to be aware of we are leaning to the MB protocal which is acceptable at Tom Baker. If Bob leaves on a pass he would need to be back by 9:00 am and it could be that he couldn't leave until late in the afternoon. The travelling distance for us is long and dealing with the body fluid discharge may not be the best for either of us. Pray with us as we will make these decisions daily with how Bob feels. I also do not need to be anxious about all the "what to do if...." Bob is good with staying. He was in hospital 2 months last time. He says he can handle 2-3 weeks. The latest electronic gadgets mean Bob is able to see his family----all of them, daily.
Psalm 33:22 says "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
Bob had a bone marrow aspiration yesterday. This procedure is hard to watch but Bob doesn't even twitch. He says that it really doesn't bother him. Glad Bob is tough and seems to handle all the physical miseries well. One more round of blood work on Friday and a visit with the pharmacist.
Bob will receive the first of 3 velcade injections (also a chemo drug) on Fri. (7th). He is now off of all the former chemo drugs--today being the first day. Not sure how that will mess him up. Without the prednizone Bob should not be diabetic but he is watching the sugars closely to see what happens. The cumadin (warfarin) is also stopped however they are bridging with Tinzaparin injections (self administered).
Dr. Bahlis also showed concern about the damage to the heart. We already knew this but when push comes to shove -----yikes. The Dr. is going to administer a lower dose of the BIG chemo Melphalan. As Bob's marker numbers are going up they are still not what is considered high-----all in the perception!!!!!! Dr. Bahlis thinks the lower dose will be safer on Bob's heart and will still manage the myeloma.
The stem cells were harvested from Bob in 2009. He was on the new drug Revlamid at that time. We are asking God for a miracle of using these cells to heal Bob totally from the cancer. God could heal however He chooses. We are totally aware of that Truth but thus far He, has cared for my husband through the use of medicine and the knowledge of the doctors. Pray with us, that the cancer will be gone.
The TBCC is big on their stem cell patients going home for the first seven days or so, until the white blood counts are zero and the immunity is gone. Manitoba does not do this. Their patients are admitted and stay until the counts are on the way up about 14 days after day 0, or in Bob's case the 12th of Aug will be day 0. With all of the things to be aware of we are leaning to the MB protocal which is acceptable at Tom Baker. If Bob leaves on a pass he would need to be back by 9:00 am and it could be that he couldn't leave until late in the afternoon. The travelling distance for us is long and dealing with the body fluid discharge may not be the best for either of us. Pray with us as we will make these decisions daily with how Bob feels. I also do not need to be anxious about all the "what to do if...." Bob is good with staying. He was in hospital 2 months last time. He says he can handle 2-3 weeks. The latest electronic gadgets mean Bob is able to see his family----all of them, daily.
Psalm 33:22 says "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
The Evolving of Care and Procedures
Yesterday, July 28, I think that I came close to walking my 10,000 steps. My fitbit tracks these things, alas that device didn't come with me yesterday but I am sure that 10,000 steps would have shown up.
Bob and I spent 7 hours walking the halls of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre with an odd foray into the main hospital. Yesterday was the longest day of blood testing and x-raying that Bob will have prior to the stem cell transplant. We were starting to think that if he survived the day, Bob would be healthy enough to have the transplant. What we found most interesting was how much the approach to this work-up has changed since we walked this route years back. It could be us and our better understanding of things cancer. We came home feeling much better about the process. It is still going to be a tough go for Bob but many of the details became so much more clear.
The dentist visit was so good. An oncologist dentist and what a super guy he is. Bob has now become his patient for at least 6 mo. for anything at all related to the mouth. Dr. Ricky explained all about the mucositis---how painful it will be and how to care for the sores. We must be the only people that didn't know dry mouth means--no saliva!!! We were educated about all of that. Any sign of thrush we get in to see the dentist. Feeling very cared for. The biggest killer is infection and often that begins in the mouth. The last time Bob prepped for the transplant the dentist pulled 2 teeth and said he was ready to go.
When the chemo is being given it has been said that Bob will be given ice chips or shaved ice to help in the mouth. Yesterday we bought one of those sno-cone type machines that shaves ice. Bob is going to work at conditioning his mouth and body to the cold so he can do it well when he is in the hospital. I am going to sprinkle grape juice on my sno cone. ;-} . Once this is all over the grandkids can have it ........
We also saw a psychologist in the Dept. of Psychosocial resources. Dr. Tsai was also a wonderful lady to talk with. She could be a friend. She will go up and see Bob when he is in hospital. She will be available to me/we anytime we need to talk. We got to share our faith in Jesus with her and how we believed in prayer. To her, our faith is a positive in our lives that helps deal with stress. She is ok with it. (The word of the Lord does not return void). Lovely, lovely lady. The last time we were in this dept. we were taught breathing techniques for relaxing.
Bob thinks he "passed" the heart and breathing part of the prep.
This is the point that the first transplant attempt was stopped. The road of drugs then began.
Bob still has 3 big days. Sat. is the CTscan but we don't think that would stop the process. We have 2 big days next week on Tues and Fri. they are meetings with the doctors, pharmacist, teaching, and touring. We will know on Tues if Dr. Bahlis will go ahead with the transplant. On Fri. Bob will receive velcade infusion, more bloodwork and wait for the Transplant Journey beginning Aug. 10.
It is kinda, sorta ironic that it was Aug. long weekend 7 years ago that Bob had the back surgery fusing T5andT6 together where a tumor had broken his back.
Bob and I spent 7 hours walking the halls of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre with an odd foray into the main hospital. Yesterday was the longest day of blood testing and x-raying that Bob will have prior to the stem cell transplant. We were starting to think that if he survived the day, Bob would be healthy enough to have the transplant. What we found most interesting was how much the approach to this work-up has changed since we walked this route years back. It could be us and our better understanding of things cancer. We came home feeling much better about the process. It is still going to be a tough go for Bob but many of the details became so much more clear.
The dentist visit was so good. An oncologist dentist and what a super guy he is. Bob has now become his patient for at least 6 mo. for anything at all related to the mouth. Dr. Ricky explained all about the mucositis---how painful it will be and how to care for the sores. We must be the only people that didn't know dry mouth means--no saliva!!! We were educated about all of that. Any sign of thrush we get in to see the dentist. Feeling very cared for. The biggest killer is infection and often that begins in the mouth. The last time Bob prepped for the transplant the dentist pulled 2 teeth and said he was ready to go.
When the chemo is being given it has been said that Bob will be given ice chips or shaved ice to help in the mouth. Yesterday we bought one of those sno-cone type machines that shaves ice. Bob is going to work at conditioning his mouth and body to the cold so he can do it well when he is in the hospital. I am going to sprinkle grape juice on my sno cone. ;-} . Once this is all over the grandkids can have it ........
We also saw a psychologist in the Dept. of Psychosocial resources. Dr. Tsai was also a wonderful lady to talk with. She could be a friend. She will go up and see Bob when he is in hospital. She will be available to me/we anytime we need to talk. We got to share our faith in Jesus with her and how we believed in prayer. To her, our faith is a positive in our lives that helps deal with stress. She is ok with it. (The word of the Lord does not return void). Lovely, lovely lady. The last time we were in this dept. we were taught breathing techniques for relaxing.
Bob thinks he "passed" the heart and breathing part of the prep.
This is the point that the first transplant attempt was stopped. The road of drugs then began.
Bob still has 3 big days. Sat. is the CTscan but we don't think that would stop the process. We have 2 big days next week on Tues and Fri. they are meetings with the doctors, pharmacist, teaching, and touring. We will know on Tues if Dr. Bahlis will go ahead with the transplant. On Fri. Bob will receive velcade infusion, more bloodwork and wait for the Transplant Journey beginning Aug. 10.
It is kinda, sorta ironic that it was Aug. long weekend 7 years ago that Bob had the back surgery fusing T5andT6 together where a tumor had broken his back.
Please pray for clear direction for Dr. Bahlis, the continuing great care, that Bob will not be as sick as it seems folks are, that I will have the strength of the Lord to do all the driving, hospital time and care at home.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Evolution/Evolving/Changing????
What is evolution?
This question may conjure up many things in my mind. Did humans come from monkeys??? I don't believe so but the word evolution brings that thought first to my mind.
This past weekend Bob and I were fortunate to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. I know, it hardly seems possible that two youngsters could be married that long. It was a delightful celebration. We drove to Spokane for the weekend. Not to long ago we could be heard saying "no, for any holidays we won't be leaving Canada. What if Bob needed medical attention?" So here we are in Spokane with no idea of what is in the city or how we will spend our time. We did have a place to sleep, booked tho!!!!! Spokane turned out to be fun. We are a bit of history buffs so we had our anniversary dinner in a renovated steam plant. The restaurant is called The Stack. It is also home to a micro brewery, pub and a number of offices. The way this was done leaves much of the steam"stuff" in place and the booths and tables etc are filled in around pipes and dials etc. We were able to walk around most of the whole building reading the plaques that explain the history. There is three stories of cat walks so we could go pretty much right to the top of the building. The food was great and the beer? while the flavor I choose will not become a favorite.
On the first day of married life together we ate in a pancake house. Sooooooo... Bob found a pancake house for us to have breakfast at called:........Frank's Diner!! Bob told me that the reviews were really great so off we went. Well, this diner is a renovated train car. The plaques once again explained the history of the car. There was a fairly long counter, some two people booths, and three, six people booths. The wait was about half an hour for us but some folks were going to wait almost an hour----we were early!!!! Great food, great service and very cool surroundings.
We did not know that Spokane is the smallest city to host an EXPO. The Expo 1974 was held in Spokane. There is a one hundred acre park in the centre of the city where the fair was held. This park has been left as a legacy to the city. We took the "little train" ride around the park. The tour guide explained all of the various parts of the park. Canada"s pavilion was on an island. We left them a totem pole!!!! It was most interesting and some very beautiful buildings remain.
A gondola (redone and made longer) took us out over the river and the hydro dam that the city uses for power. The gondola was also given by a country,( the name of which I cannot remember), to Spokane (not the new gondaolas!!!).
I will get to evolution, patience, my dear.!!!!!!!!
Then I rode on the carousel that was left by Germany for the city. This was part of the German pavilion and I think the beer gardens------41 years ago!!! It is a beautiful, carousel, well kept and goes fairly fast for a grandma.
We also walked through a three story Nordstom store just to say we did!!!!!!!!!!
More heritage sites were part of the days events but I don't want to be a bore. ;-}
We talked about a large number of things over the weekend but a lot about how our lives have evolved. We talked about how we have evolved as individuals from those two young people who got married to who we are today and how we interact together. The dictionary says that evolution is: a process of slow change and development. I believe that!!!!
For Bob and I this evolution played out on the trip home. We have GPS, his name is Mordecai. Mordecai showed the way out of the city of Spokane and theeeeeen we turned him off as now, we knew the way. "Of course the terrain looks different, we are going the other way. Oh yeah we didn't see Silverwood, that was on the other side of the highway, it was raining when we came...of course it looks different, I don't believe we drove through all this construction, must have, uh oh we aren't suppose to be in MONTANA. Where are we??? Turn Mordecai on and he can only say: turn around, turn around-----not helping Mordecai." So we were as calm as can be and thought we have gone to far to turn around on the Interstate 90. We landed in St. Regis, Montana. Mordecai was asking us to take a very similar route back, only through some serious looking mountains on roads less travelled. The lovely lady at the gift shop provided us with a free paper map (I know, I know who uses paper maps?) We voted against Mordecai and also chose not to go into Glacier Park but north to Kallispell and Whitefish all the way north to Hwy 3 (in Canada) and the ice cream stop. It was a long journey, instead of getting home around 3:00 we got home at 10:00pm. Our evolution is that this became fun and an adventure, not an anxious wife or a husband who was ticked off.................evolution. We also learned that the Flathead Lake area has a micro climate that grows cherries!!!!
Evolution also occurs as I learn from the many life situations Bob and I have walked through and walked alongside other folks in their journeys. I have learned to trust the Lord, truly believing that everything passes through His Hand before an event happens to me or those I love. My relationship with God is a very personal, intimate one. I know that Bob's relationship is also very intimate. The Lord is only interested in who we are as people, as followers of Jesus. It becomes important then, how we react to life, how and who we trust with life situations. Bob and I are choosing that our desire is to bring honor to the name of Jesus and to trust Him in this cancer walk we are on. We do not want to be bitter, angry, ungrateful or try to lay blame. We are grateful for the years that have already been added to Bob's life. We are so thankful for the employment, benefits and the people in the company that Bob works for. We are thankful for God's leading when I made the decision to leave my job at the preschool. I wasn't totally sold on any one reason but knew leaving was what I needed to do.
Evolution also came to our thinking about one of the first line procedures in treating multiple myeloma cancer. That would be stem cell transplant. We heard about it and prepared for it early on in this journey. Bob was disqualified for the reason of a heart attack which we believe he suffered during the time he was in immense back pain, prior to the back surgery. Over time we decided that this procedure was just to horrible for Bob to undergo. Bob had the regime of the first line drugs and lived with the side affects. The first line drugs have now run out and Bob's numbers are once again on the up swing. The stem cells have already been harvested. As we listened to Dr. Bahlis and Dr. Neri's presentation this time, we understood everything much better, some things they have changed to hopefully make the transplant more acceptable physically. Bob's age is also on the up swing. Right now Bob is in reasonably good health and the transplant is the BEST option. It will give him at least a couple more years and in the mean time there are more drugs in the development stage. One of these drugs is noted on FB today from a friend of ours--Gloria---who also is battling multiple myeloma. I shared that write up on my FB page. I copied, below, some of what is written. This is the type of research that gives hope. God in His mercy gives these doctors and researchers more and more glimpses into the amazing bodies He created.
In the one-year study, UCLA researchers analyzed the effects of an experimental drug called compound 11 in myeloma cell lines. They combined it with another drug, bortezomib (Velcade), which was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in 2008 for use in the treatment for lymphoma. Results showed that the drugs working in tandem targeted a specific protein to stop cancer cells in the bone marrow from replicating, and eventually causing them to die.
“Compound 11 will prevent the transmission of the Myc RNA into Myc protein, and prevent the Myc protein from being synthesized in the multiple myeloma cells when those cell lines are being stressed by the drug bortezomib,” said Lichtenstein, a UCLA professor of hematology and oncology. “Though this research is only in the preliminary phases, we hope that it will eventually lead to human clinical trials and the development of new treatments for this devastating disease.”
We really needed to get back from Montana as the appointment with Dr. Bahlis was this morning!!!! Our special weekend away included lots of talking about this option and praying that the Lord will lead each step.
Sooo in our evolution of thinking, the process of Bob having a stem cell transplant has begun. Bob will need to pass all of the tests that will take place in the next weeks. Plans need to be made tho, so Bob will finish work on Aug.7 and start on short term disability and then if needed long term disability down the road. The central venous catheter will be put in on Aug.10. The large dose chemo (melphalan) will be given on the 11th, Bob will also receive 2 doses of velcade. Blood cells transplanted on the 12th. He will be able to come home until his blood counts disappear and then will be in the hospital, pretty much in isolation. This will also be his sickest time. Potentially he could come home by the end of the month depending on the recovery of the blood counts. Until Dec. Bob will be avoiding germs and resting. Infections of any type are the biggest worry. We are not sure what this will look like but Bob is thrilled he will not need to go to a mall or do any Christmas shopping. At first for sure, no germs from other people or other homes. We will be travelling once for sure but perhaps 2x a week to Tom Baker during this time. Fresh flowers, fruit baskets are not allowed in the hospital for sure. They suggest cards, pictures and non latex balloons.
Please add Bob and me too! to your prayers. We will see Dr. Bahlis on Aug. 4 at which time we will know for sure if all of this evolution-----of planning----- will take place.
This question may conjure up many things in my mind. Did humans come from monkeys??? I don't believe so but the word evolution brings that thought first to my mind.
This past weekend Bob and I were fortunate to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. I know, it hardly seems possible that two youngsters could be married that long. It was a delightful celebration. We drove to Spokane for the weekend. Not to long ago we could be heard saying "no, for any holidays we won't be leaving Canada. What if Bob needed medical attention?" So here we are in Spokane with no idea of what is in the city or how we will spend our time. We did have a place to sleep, booked tho!!!!! Spokane turned out to be fun. We are a bit of history buffs so we had our anniversary dinner in a renovated steam plant. The restaurant is called The Stack. It is also home to a micro brewery, pub and a number of offices. The way this was done leaves much of the steam"stuff" in place and the booths and tables etc are filled in around pipes and dials etc. We were able to walk around most of the whole building reading the plaques that explain the history. There is three stories of cat walks so we could go pretty much right to the top of the building. The food was great and the beer? while the flavor I choose will not become a favorite.
On the first day of married life together we ate in a pancake house. Sooooooo... Bob found a pancake house for us to have breakfast at called:........Frank's Diner!! Bob told me that the reviews were really great so off we went. Well, this diner is a renovated train car. The plaques once again explained the history of the car. There was a fairly long counter, some two people booths, and three, six people booths. The wait was about half an hour for us but some folks were going to wait almost an hour----we were early!!!! Great food, great service and very cool surroundings.
We did not know that Spokane is the smallest city to host an EXPO. The Expo 1974 was held in Spokane. There is a one hundred acre park in the centre of the city where the fair was held. This park has been left as a legacy to the city. We took the "little train" ride around the park. The tour guide explained all of the various parts of the park. Canada"s pavilion was on an island. We left them a totem pole!!!! It was most interesting and some very beautiful buildings remain.
A gondola (redone and made longer) took us out over the river and the hydro dam that the city uses for power. The gondola was also given by a country,( the name of which I cannot remember), to Spokane (not the new gondaolas!!!).
I will get to evolution, patience, my dear.!!!!!!!!
Then I rode on the carousel that was left by Germany for the city. This was part of the German pavilion and I think the beer gardens------41 years ago!!! It is a beautiful, carousel, well kept and goes fairly fast for a grandma.
We also walked through a three story Nordstom store just to say we did!!!!!!!!!!
More heritage sites were part of the days events but I don't want to be a bore. ;-}
We talked about a large number of things over the weekend but a lot about how our lives have evolved. We talked about how we have evolved as individuals from those two young people who got married to who we are today and how we interact together. The dictionary says that evolution is: a process of slow change and development. I believe that!!!!
For Bob and I this evolution played out on the trip home. We have GPS, his name is Mordecai. Mordecai showed the way out of the city of Spokane and theeeeeen we turned him off as now, we knew the way. "Of course the terrain looks different, we are going the other way. Oh yeah we didn't see Silverwood, that was on the other side of the highway, it was raining when we came...of course it looks different, I don't believe we drove through all this construction, must have, uh oh we aren't suppose to be in MONTANA. Where are we??? Turn Mordecai on and he can only say: turn around, turn around-----not helping Mordecai." So we were as calm as can be and thought we have gone to far to turn around on the Interstate 90. We landed in St. Regis, Montana. Mordecai was asking us to take a very similar route back, only through some serious looking mountains on roads less travelled. The lovely lady at the gift shop provided us with a free paper map (I know, I know who uses paper maps?) We voted against Mordecai and also chose not to go into Glacier Park but north to Kallispell and Whitefish all the way north to Hwy 3 (in Canada) and the ice cream stop. It was a long journey, instead of getting home around 3:00 we got home at 10:00pm. Our evolution is that this became fun and an adventure, not an anxious wife or a husband who was ticked off.................evolution. We also learned that the Flathead Lake area has a micro climate that grows cherries!!!!
Evolution also occurs as I learn from the many life situations Bob and I have walked through and walked alongside other folks in their journeys. I have learned to trust the Lord, truly believing that everything passes through His Hand before an event happens to me or those I love. My relationship with God is a very personal, intimate one. I know that Bob's relationship is also very intimate. The Lord is only interested in who we are as people, as followers of Jesus. It becomes important then, how we react to life, how and who we trust with life situations. Bob and I are choosing that our desire is to bring honor to the name of Jesus and to trust Him in this cancer walk we are on. We do not want to be bitter, angry, ungrateful or try to lay blame. We are grateful for the years that have already been added to Bob's life. We are so thankful for the employment, benefits and the people in the company that Bob works for. We are thankful for God's leading when I made the decision to leave my job at the preschool. I wasn't totally sold on any one reason but knew leaving was what I needed to do.
Evolution also came to our thinking about one of the first line procedures in treating multiple myeloma cancer. That would be stem cell transplant. We heard about it and prepared for it early on in this journey. Bob was disqualified for the reason of a heart attack which we believe he suffered during the time he was in immense back pain, prior to the back surgery. Over time we decided that this procedure was just to horrible for Bob to undergo. Bob had the regime of the first line drugs and lived with the side affects. The first line drugs have now run out and Bob's numbers are once again on the up swing. The stem cells have already been harvested. As we listened to Dr. Bahlis and Dr. Neri's presentation this time, we understood everything much better, some things they have changed to hopefully make the transplant more acceptable physically. Bob's age is also on the up swing. Right now Bob is in reasonably good health and the transplant is the BEST option. It will give him at least a couple more years and in the mean time there are more drugs in the development stage. One of these drugs is noted on FB today from a friend of ours--Gloria---who also is battling multiple myeloma. I shared that write up on my FB page. I copied, below, some of what is written. This is the type of research that gives hope. God in His mercy gives these doctors and researchers more and more glimpses into the amazing bodies He created.
In the one-year study, UCLA researchers analyzed the effects of an experimental drug called compound 11 in myeloma cell lines. They combined it with another drug, bortezomib (Velcade), which was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in 2008 for use in the treatment for lymphoma. Results showed that the drugs working in tandem targeted a specific protein to stop cancer cells in the bone marrow from replicating, and eventually causing them to die.
“Compound 11 will prevent the transmission of the Myc RNA into Myc protein, and prevent the Myc protein from being synthesized in the multiple myeloma cells when those cell lines are being stressed by the drug bortezomib,” said Lichtenstein, a UCLA professor of hematology and oncology. “Though this research is only in the preliminary phases, we hope that it will eventually lead to human clinical trials and the development of new treatments for this devastating disease.”
We really needed to get back from Montana as the appointment with Dr. Bahlis was this morning!!!! Our special weekend away included lots of talking about this option and praying that the Lord will lead each step.
Sooo in our evolution of thinking, the process of Bob having a stem cell transplant has begun. Bob will need to pass all of the tests that will take place in the next weeks. Plans need to be made tho, so Bob will finish work on Aug.7 and start on short term disability and then if needed long term disability down the road. The central venous catheter will be put in on Aug.10. The large dose chemo (melphalan) will be given on the 11th, Bob will also receive 2 doses of velcade. Blood cells transplanted on the 12th. He will be able to come home until his blood counts disappear and then will be in the hospital, pretty much in isolation. This will also be his sickest time. Potentially he could come home by the end of the month depending on the recovery of the blood counts. Until Dec. Bob will be avoiding germs and resting. Infections of any type are the biggest worry. We are not sure what this will look like but Bob is thrilled he will not need to go to a mall or do any Christmas shopping. At first for sure, no germs from other people or other homes. We will be travelling once for sure but perhaps 2x a week to Tom Baker during this time. Fresh flowers, fruit baskets are not allowed in the hospital for sure. They suggest cards, pictures and non latex balloons.
Please add Bob and me too! to your prayers. We will see Dr. Bahlis on Aug. 4 at which time we will know for sure if all of this evolution-----of planning----- will take place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)