Krista, Deb's sister, has the reporting task today:
A nurse friend told Deb that her "port" is a gift. Others have said it would become her best friend. Well, it is time to put this friend to work. And if all goes as planned, that friend will be the port of entry for Deb's chemo beginning this Tuesday. (Pending results of blood tests done today.)
Let me back up a bit. Not sure exactly what happened here at the Hoksbergen's this A.M. since I left to take care of my broken-ankle-daughter Becky and her 20 month old son, Drake, in Grand Rapids. But I can share highlights of what happened in the afternoon.
At 1 pm Deb and her entourage convened at 1000 East Paris for her Chemo Counseling Appointment with Amber. Stan, Mieke, sister-in law Nancy, and I gathered to hear what they had to say and, especially, if her ulcers, discovered yesterday, would delay the start of chemo. We waited patiently to the very end when Amber asked if we had any questions and Deb whispered the "W" word...WHEN???? We were thrilled when Sept 6 was identified as the potential start date. Deb still does not know which protocol she will be assigned to, but hopes to find out tomorrow. Once that is determined she will have a schedule to build her calendar around for the next 5 months (approximately.)
Before that good news was shared, we heard all about side effects, meds, diet, and everything else you might want to know about chemo...and more. Deb shared her photos from the EGD procedure of yesterday. She also signed on the bottom line to become the first patient in her doctor's practice to join this specific clinical trial. She is the 292nd person in the world to enroll.
The best message that was delivered was: "Live your life." They will not give Deb a lot of restrictions.
Sounds good to her!
P.S. It was such fun yesterday to see Deb have a warm reunion with all her wonderful co-workers up on the BBC (Boven Birth Center, Holland Hospital.)
Yeah for tuesday!!!! Praying that your blood test results were what they need to be today to move forward! Now I need to see you soon...
ReplyDeleteAre you free any time Sat or Monday? Let me know - Love, Niki
So glad the "when" was answered, hoping your blood tests come back well & the meds can start doing their work next week! Thx for stopping today, drake just luvs having a crowd to watch his dance moves. Luv...Becky
ReplyDeleteThanks aunt Debbie for my tractor & baylor/bailer (sp?), i just can't get enough of them. But momma says that they need to stay in the basement, cause for some reason she has this idea that I like to throw things down the stairs, not sure where she got that impression. Hope to have another visit together soon:) xoxo drake
That is good news.....hope to see you soon........ :)
ReplyDeleteGreat to have a start date! Are you on a bland diet now? Can you have "milkshakes"?
ReplyDelete