Day 44 Next to last

 

We go together 

Our kind of togetherness

It was David’s and I’s pleasure to once again go into MDA together. It was a mini-celebration as 1) we were able to walk through the doors of MDA together, 2) David had his next-to-last radiation treatment, 3) I for my follow up appt with Dr V in regards to my PV, and have labs drawn, and 4) David and I’s appointments were aligned such that we were able to eat lunch together in the cafeteria inside MDA. It really is these small moments that mean so much to us. We both are grateful for all the doctors and staff at MDA.

cafeteria time

David had his radiation on the 1st floor at the same time I had my labs drawn on the 8th floor. We finished up with our respective appts, and enjoyed sharing a lunch together. We were both thrilled that he now has 1 radiation treatment left tomorrow! He will also have a follow- up appt with his radiation oncologist and a nutritionist call (to review his nutrition well being). 

After lunch, I went back up to the 8th floor for my appt with the blood cancer and MPN (myeloproliferative neoplasm) specialist, Dr Verstovsek (Dr V). There I would receive the lab results from pre-lunch. 

And as the good news train moves down the track, I am told my numbers are staying steady and no treatment is needed today. Even though I am “severely” iron deficient, that’s the optimal goal for polycythemia vera patients, as it discourages the bone marrow from creating more blood, hence eliminating the need for blood-letting (phlebotomies). And even though my platelets are high, it’s part of the gig, too. Overall, I’m what they consider “stable” right now, and happen to be one happy girl. My next check will be next month, but this time, back with my hematologist oncologist in McKinney, Dr Athar. 

Time to skeedaddle 

As the Tuesday night sky dims and the stars come out to play, we scurry around like little mice in the house, gathering up our things. If all goes well tomorrow, we will be dismissed from school. To celebrate, we head out to dinner at a (new to us) fav Mexican food restaurant. I eat, while I watch David push his food around on his plate. He tried bites of literally everything. Nope, nope and nope. Flan? Surprisingly, another nope. Back home we go to the apartment. 

The celebration was nice, and although apprehensive about the fact of whether or not he’ll be released tomorrow (I give it a 86% chance) because if for any reason they want him to stay, we don’t want to get our hopes up all the way. Just most of the way. 

Either way, we are about 99% sure it’s his last radiation, as he’s been told that. But just in case, we are awaiting the stamp of approval from Dr Rosenthal tomorrow - and then we know we may go. 

It’ll take us not-that-long to pack up the truck and get on the road towards Dallas. If David is up to it. If they say we may really go. We are ready! 

Nuggets from this experience 

Several things come to mind that I won’t miss:

1) It’s been a long a$$ time since I’ve had to walk my dogs on a leash for them to go potty and pick it up. I’ve been so spoiled being on the farm, and that The Littles have free range in life, like all the animals do. 

2) No more covid screening questions e.v.e.r.y day for David. No more parking passes. No more new masks ever day (although I could probably make a fortune selling used masks, if there was a market for that.)

3) The shower at the apartment. I’ll leave it at that. Let’s just say I could go all week and not shower, and it wouldn’t bother me. And probably not David either as he can’t smell me.

What will I miss? 

1) The food in Houston like Nikos Nikos and Tiny Boxwoods (thank you, Dr P and Danielle) was amazing. We didn’t eat out a lot, but when we did - it was yummmmmy. Uber Eats brought us food (thank you, Dr Waheed)

2) The warm climate - even in winter. Well, except for that one week......

3) MDA staff. They are first class, without a doubt. 

4) Sharing this experience with David. It was one of a kind. And although not an optimal thing to have to go through, the blessings were plentiful. Learning to pick my hards, feeling endless gratitude, and watching David move through this cancer treatment head-on like a Ninja blowing through the obstacle course as if it’s child’s play. #showingcancerwhoseboss

Fo Reel

As we enjoy this moment, this evening, and the memories, we reflect on the last 44 days with awe and amazement at what people can endure. Moving, life changes, cancer treatments, being away from home, away from family and friends - all show us that everything is possible with God. He carried us, no doubt. He comforted us. He saw us through. Go through = grow through. We grew spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Now, He will take us home. 

And for you, my pretty

Where do I start? Oh yeah, with......

There was no doing this - without you ALL 💛💚💙 Words cannot express how fortunate we are to have made this journey with you. ❤️ Thank you for your words, your thoughts, your presence, the cards, letters, love gifts, and care packages. The greatest gift is you - and your generosity is overwhelming. Anyone going through rough waters needs the safety and support of their lifebuoy (that’s you).

I don’t want to hurry today, because I know better. But I just can’t help thinking of what all tomorrow will bring. 

Bring it on,

Cyndi