Day -7

We are at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and they have finally started Ken's procedures. We got here at 7:30 this morning, they drew blood and then spent 2 hours talking to doctors here and calling doctors in MCR. They at first weren't going to start Ken today since he had been in the hospital. But the green light came thru for us and they decided to start. Ken is sleeping now while they do a 2 hour saline solution drip. The nurse is suppose to come back in an hour or so and train us more on what to expect, but she gave us a preview. After his 2 hour saline/potassium drip, they will start the chemo for another 2 hour drip. She said that one simulates drinking alcohol. Kind of like going to the bar and having 3 margaritas or martinis. She said it may or may not affect you. Some people experience the hangover without the fun. He may be light headed and dizzy. Since Ken is a lightweight drinker, I bet he is wobbly as well. This could be interesting. We are just glad that they didn't have to delay. We are ready to get this over with.
Yesterday was an exhausting day for both of us. After getting Ken home from the hospital, I continued to pack and get things ready. At 5:00, I realized I couldn't finish alone, so I called in a few friends to help. Thank you to Stephanie Kemp and Terry Williamson. You were live savers. They helped load the car, finish packing and move all the furniture around so the carpet cleaner can come in. I felt great about getting it all done. We said our goodbyes, gave hugs and got in the car. We didn't even get out of the drive way and Ken asked if we could go out to eat. He had been wanting a salad and wanted to go to Olive Garden for spaghetti and salad. How could I turn him down. He won't get salad for 3 months. So at 7:30, we were going to dinner. It is a good thing, because while we ate, I was able to relax a little before the drive to Denver. And we went over the list of things we brought and realized we forgot a few things. Gave us a chance to stop home and pick them up. We also were joined at dinner by Linda and Ed Carpenter. It was nice to see them and visit for a bit. We didn't get to the hotel till 11:00, I unloaded the car. Luckily they had bellhop carts and it only took me 2 trips. Ken is on a 5 lb weight limit again, so he wasn't much help. I was completely exhausted and sore by the time I crawled into bed at midnight. I'm still sore this morning.
At least we made it here and all is well. I just have to go "home" and get organized, to our new home. Weird to think we will be in that little apartment for 5-6 weeks. It is smaller than I remembered. But it will do. At least it is clean, or it will be by tonight.
Our days will all be numbered now. The day Ken gets his Stem Cells, next Monday, is called day zero. They count backwards thru the days before, so today is day -7. Tomorrow will be day -6 etc., till his new birthday, day 0. Then we could up, day +1, day +10, etc. Till day +45 when he will be stronger. So, happy Day -7. Ready or not, here we go.