R1 D15. Life During Week 3

So far, this is what we've learned about the 3 weeks of the first round of chemo.

• Week 1- It isn't fun being in the hospital for 5-6 days, but at least someone is there to help you and guide you through everything.
• Week2- The Dark Side. Painful, exhausting, lonely, emotional. Mike spent most of this week wondering when better days were going to come.
• Week3- Brighter days are upon us. Even if they're only temporary---until they're permanent.

I've also learned in these 3 weeks how amazing our communities are. So many people have stepped up and stepped in to help us. I had journaled about being nervous to transition to KC. A dear friend from my junior high and high school days contacted me about a Hematologist that works at KU Cancer Center North campus. She works there and said that she feels like he's the best and she offered to help us get Mike set up with him. We originally thought that he had his inpatients stay at KU Med, but it turns out they go to KC North Hospital. I called Dr. Mundis' office and had them send the referral. The North campus is much closer to us, as is KC North Hospital, than the south campus & St. Joseph Medical Center. The switch was easy and our new doctor is going to come in on Friday ( his day off ) to see us. My friend that works there had talked to him about our situation before all of this, so he already knew our story. He told her that he would see us because "We take care of family." My heart is so full of gratitude towards her and also Dr. Sirridge. Sometimes you might think that growing up or living in a small town isn't the best thing in the world, but  I can definitely say that it IS THE BEST. Small town people take care of each other when times get hard. We don't wait to be asked to help. We just step up, step in, and pour on the love. We are so humbled by this in all the ways we've experienced it.

So, we go in Friday to meet Dr. Sirridge, who also happened to do his fellowship at Mayo. We will get everything squared away to get ready to be admitted to KC North Hospital next Tuesday for Round2 of Chemo. Mike's starting to feel pretty good, so he doesn't want to think about getting tied back down as an inpatient. So we won't think about it. We will enjoy the nice days, the sunshine when we get it, and the comfort (and chaos) of our own home.

Yesterday Mike's dad took him to the Atchison Hospital for his PICC Line care and to have his lab work done. Everything went great, and Mike enjoyed getting out of the house. So much so, that he wanted to ride with me to take Lucy to dance class. While she was in dance we just drove around. We went by some farms and I gave him a tour around town, just in case he'd forgotten where things are since he's been stowed away in our house or a hotel/hospital in Minnesota. In the evening one of his friends picked him up and they checked on some of the farms that he'll need help with this spring. When he got home, he was in the best mood. He told me how good it felt to get out and visit with his friend. I am so glad he did, too. He has needed to get out of the house and just feel a little normal again.

We enjoyed a delicious meal from a friend last night. I'm worried that Mike will get used to this amazing cooking and expect me to cook just as well when this is all over. I can't thank you all enough for offering to bring meals for us. Even if you are putting my culinary skills (skills??) to shame. This morning another friend picked Mike up to go "farming". I don't know how many times a farmer has to drive by a field, but I think it must be a lot. :) They had breakfast and caught up on whatever things guys catch up on. By the time he got home he was really missing me. Just kidding. He was missing his recliner. He got reacquainted with it this afternoon. I think the busy day yesterday and this morning was a little more than he's used to. So he rested and took it easy today and I got to work on taxes. Lucky me. :)

Let's hope for more good days this week. Right now, we're considering any day at home, surrounded by the excitement that comes with 3 kids and a crazy puppy, to be pure bliss. Especially when you're kicked back in a recliner.

XOXO

Robin