No place like home

Thank you for praying. Today was a good day. The blood collection, was for white blood cells, not platelets. And idk what a platelet even is actually. I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV. :)

Anyway, since all this started we have found out that David doesn't have the easiest veins to find. Today was no different. But thankfully the nurse was really good and able to start the IV's on the first try. It took about 3 hours to draw the blood, extract the white blood cells and replace the blood. That was about 3 episodes of Criminal Minds on the TV in the room. So that was all good. The technician did say sometimes for whatever reason they have to repeat this procedure for the lab. Let's pray not.

Then we had some lunch and sat outside in the beautiful weather.

The appointment with the Oncologist was scheduled for 2:30. The 'on time' board outside the office said the wait time was less than 30 minutes. You might think that means we would see him no later than 3. Silly. No. So I really don't know what it means except maybe someone should change the sign.

We went into the office/exam room about 3:30. Talked with the nurse about general stuff like do you have any pain and what meds are you taking?

Then we waited. The chairs outside the office are better than the ones in the exam room btw.

The research nurse came in about 4. We had a good visit with her. She explained everything about the protocols and procedures as well as the drug and possible side effects. And we asked lots of questions.

David will take the drug everyday for 4 weeks. Then take 2 weeks off. Then we go back to MDA to get the first vaccine and begin the cycle again. If he has problems tolerating the drug we can call for help or advice. It is possible that they alter the dose or time off if needed. The main side effect is usually gastrointestinal. And fatigue.

Dr. T came in about 4:30. He told us an abbreviated version of everything the nurse, Marisa, told us. And okay, bye. Maybe less than 30 minutes is the actual time you will spend with the doctor? It's fine. We like him. But we really like Marisa!

By now it is well into Houston rush hour. It was what you would expect. How do people do that on a daily basis?

We made it safely home about 10:00 pm.

Please pray for:
1. Minimal side effects/no drug complications
2. No further white blood cell collection needed
3. No spreading of cancer. Shrinkage!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers, notes, hugs and love!