I'm trying out the washer & drier tonight. It's the perfect activity to undertake while writing to you.
Today, Arnie & I attended a food safety course and a class on "managing your transplant at home" where we learned that bleach will soon be our new best friend. Tomorrow's schedule involves fasting bloodwork, a MUGA scan and an MRI plus a couple of consults to fill the day. This is typical of our time since arrival. The most invasive test thus far has been Arnie's bone marrow biopsy, last Friday. This can be a very uncomfortable test, and the team offers a variety of pain medications and anti-anxiety meds. Arnie prefers lots of local anesthetics to numb the area (backside/hip). The biopsy went very well and the lab tech was impressed with the number of 'spicules' they found. At SCCA, they biopsy the marrow of both hips. After the local anesthetics wore off, Arnie described the sensation like "being kicked repeatedly by heavy boots". He had a bilateral hobble for a few days, so climbing the hills around here was somewhat of a challenge.
We also met with the transplant coordinator last week to get a little more information on the stem cell donor. Arnie's donor is a (wonderful, generous) 20 year old male living somewhere in the U.S. He is a 10 out of 10 match for Arnie and has the same blood type (A). The donor is undergoing some final tests, and if everything goes well, he will donate peripheral blood stem cells on February 19th. The fresh cells will be flown to Seattle that day and given to Arnie. :)
On Monday afternoon, we took advantage of the 'drop-in labyrinth walk' at the SCCA. They use a giant cloth with a painted labyrinth, unrolled on the floor of a meeting room. The volunteer attendant was very excited to hear we had a labyrinth at our home church. In the evening we had a wonderful meal out with David and Sandra Mandzyk. They are very excited about their pending release and return to Canada and spent a good part of the evening passing on tips, tricks and other information they have gathered over the last four months. A driving tour of the city chauffeured by David capped the evening.
I think it's time to clean out the lint basket.
Talk to you soon.
Arnie & Brenda
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2 comments:
Hi Brenda & Arnie,
Thanks for the use of the house last night. It sure was strange staying there without you folks.
Mom brought along a few staples for the boys to help them along the way. Good thing the weather was good and I could drive them up.
I had Eric pass on an extra hug or two to mom so we could send them your way.
Dad's appointments went well today but more of that another time and place.
Glad to hear you had supper with David and Sandra and heard a few tips that will help you along the way. It must be so good to see someone you know who is on a similar journey as you and doing so well.
I remember when mom and dad visited Bob in Seattle and they commented that it was a city for billie goats as everything was uphill. I just thought that was dad talking but obviously not.
Take care of each other. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we send you our love.
Love Mom, Dad, Deb & Suzy
Although I'm an 'unregistered follower', I am an interested, anonymous follower. Sounds like the plan to be tourists for the first couple of weeks hasn't quite panned out.
Not a day has gone by at CHA that we haven't needed some of Arnie's experience and wisdom, but we're managing to fool ourselves into believing that we can think like him. We just look over at Arnie's empty chair and imagine the correct response. We have cleverly managed to avoid technology collapse (so far) - thanks for your efforts over the last few months to get us as prepared as possible for your absence.
Terry Jordan was asking about your status and sends his best wishes. He may blog or otherwise communicate.
Given my ineptness with the keyboard, I may just call the next time.
Love Robbie
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