I would like to send condolences to our good friend Carol Ann who lost her mother this past weekend. Bev and I were able to attend her service on Wednesday in Windsor and it was a very nice service.
The only thing guaranteed in life is change. In a previous post, Bev had laid out the time frame as to what we were looking at for the upcoming stem cell transplant procedure. By Wednesday of this week, we had found out that Dr. Myint and the University of Colorado hospital are not covered by our insurance to do the transplant procedure. We have instead been referred to Presbyterian/ St. Luke's hospital and the head of their oncology department. This is the only hospital approved by Great West insurance to do stem cell transplants in the entire state. They told us that PSL had the greatest success rate for this type of transplant. That was good news for me as I would like the greatest chance to survive. They also said U of C hospital and Dr. Myint were good but did not have a long enough track record with Dr. Myint as he had only been there for three years.
So we have contacted PSL and the new doctor and have an appointment with him next Tuesday to see where we go from here. Bev and I were concerned that this change will totally change our schedule, and I might not be done by Christmas. Luckily, the doctor's assistant told us on the telephone that since I have already done my 8 rounds of chemo that the doctor would want to proceed as soon as possible. So now we wait for Tuesday, to meet the new doctor, to find out the schedule, and to take a tour of the hospital.
Linda and Don Kaufman, Mark's parents, have graciously said we could use their condo in Denver while waiting for after treatment once I am out of the hospital. We are assuming the protocols are similar to U of C hospital concerning the procedure and all of the things we need to do to get ready. One of those was to go to the dentist to make sure everything was good and I have no infections. Of course when I went I had a small cavity they had to fill, but the xrays also showed I might have a old infection from a previous root canal. So they sent me to a specialist who did a consultation and now has an appointment for me Monday to work on it. I need to have all work done before I could go into the hospital for the transplant so that there is no chance for any infection. My body would not be able to fight any once the procedure starts. I was also able to meet with my boss and his team and explain my situation. They have been so supportive and understanding, I can't thank them enough. Wednesday evening I was able to meet with my student managers for the first time in weeks. I was able to tell them in my own terms what is coming up and to thank them for doing such a great job while I have been out.
I am starting to feel much better. I think my pneumonia is almost gone, my hiccups have stopped, and most of all the depression I felt last weekend after hearing the news of the transplant has subsided and I am feeling more hope for a successful outcome. I think my outlook has changed due to all of the support I have received from family, friends and neighbors. Of course the news about the new hospital and doctor is a big change. When Bev told me about the change of plans to a different hospital, the only thing I could think of at the moment was "Well, they might have better food!".
Change is inevitable in life. Just when you think you are comfortable, something changes. You have a baby, you might lose your loved one, your job might change, you might move, you might be diagnosed with Lymphoma. I feel so lucky to be alive. I have a sign on our fireplace made by Madison, Kaley and their mom, Stephanie, that says in big letters, Get Well Soon!. I look at that everyday and that is my goal. I have a long road ahead but with God's help, and your support, I hope to be well someday. I am a survivor, and so are you for reading this. God bless you!
Friday, October 9, 2009
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Dear Ken and Bev, I was a participant in the TNT triathlon this past August. I am writing to say best of luck in the months ahead! As an oncology nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital here in Chicago, I am privileged to take care of many patients and their families undergoing chemo and stem cell transplant. Having worked at NMH for just over a year, I have to say that a positive, fighting spirit and great support system (such as you have) is definitely the key in the months ahead. You will be in my thoughts! --Stasia Maley
ReplyDeleteStasia and everyone else that is reading Ken's blog and supporting us. Thank you so much for commenting and giving your wonderful words of encouragement. Ken is so touched when he reads your comments. Thank you for helping me keep him strong.
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