No Soup For You!!! :(
Rocco's platelet numbers started going down last week -a result of the chemo robbing his bone marrow of platelets faster than his body can replenish them.
Not uncommon, they warned us…but certainly, not a good thing because it means all chemo is being withheld because it is dangerous. Until his platelet count goes back up (or goes way down below 20 where he can qualify for a platelet transfusion), we are just here in limbo or in line for “soup” he cannot have.
He feels okay even if he is fatigued from the radiation that (thank goodness) at least is still happening each day. His voice is weaker, but that is temporary. Memory is improving, swelling is down but the earlier euphoria is now replaced with some understandable frustration.
The news isn’t always going to be what we’d like. We are sharing this journey with you including all of it’s ups and downs. It is important for us to keep you informed as much as we can and as long as we feel comfortable doing so. I can completely see why people cut off from everyone and choose to go stealth, but we really feel like you, us, we, are all in this together.
The good news is that at least without a strict schedule for the at home chemo pill, he gets to sleep in and catch up on some needed rest. He is reading like crazy. I am always amazed at how fast he goes through novels. One and two novels a day. Something he used to love to do in the summers years ago.
Winston is already a little rock star!! I mean, ahem… an increasingly BIG rock star as seen in photo of Kendall holding him her jaw (a bit swollen) after her gum surgery yesterday.
And the other shot is Winston sitting next to Jessy (who was his same size only 3 short weeks ago).
We continue to enjoy the great food being made by our dear, talented cheffy friends and the help with occasionally driving Rocco to treatments for me.
Your photos, videos, updates, laughter, messages and posts are our “go to” when we need to lighten the mood, to connect with you and they comfort him.
Thanks for your ideas on our week long get away idea. Some very interesting suggestions are coming in: Stratford, Montreal, Banff, Maine, London, NYC and Sante Fe. Hmmmmmm…..
Friday is coming soon so we are keeping calm with our place in line for that soup.
Love,
Rocco, Denise, Kendall, Jessy and Winston “Chewbacca” Dal Vera
Comments (17)
Sending you guys so much love. How inadequate the word is for all that we feel for you Dal Veras. My heart is so full for you. Know that you are all in our thoughts daily, hourly. We love you so, our dear friends.
He was able to catch his rest and pray God gives a much needed healing he deserves. Thanks for posting the shadows as well as the light.... it makes this journey more real for the rest of us on the other side of the screen. Peace.
If you choose to go to Maine, let me know ([email protected]) - I’m from Maine, my parents and many friends still live there and I’d love to be able to give some recos. It’s the least I could do after all Rocco has done for me. And thanks for all the updates, I’m sure it has to be hard to share, but know that so many of us deeply appreciate your vulnerability in letting us know how you all are doing. RJ
Here's to soup soon, and that it works its super-powers on Rocco. What kind of novels does he like? Maybe we can send some along unless he's on kindle. Everyone at VASTA is concentrating hard on Rocco's recovery, and I'm sending the whole family my love. Blessings to you all. MaryMac
Dear all of you, My heart is with you. And when you need a little 4 1/2 minute uplift, I'm including the link to Sarah's and my new video about her audiobook - not as an advertisement, but as an uplift. I'm adding an extra space to the link so it won't automatically load. Look at it when you choose....and know that I'm carrying you with me! https://youtu.be/vzeZTbz44Ys Karen Ryker
I am filled with warmth for you. I just hang onto the perpetual smile of Rocco's. Love you both. I do.
Many many prayers and much much love to you Rocco. Soup soon and amazing healing energy for you. Rocco you are one of the greatest brightest lights on planet for so many. Denise thank you for keeping us all posted. Your posts keep us connected through thick and thin. Your dogs are adorable!!!
I know from the other end how hard it can be to keep up blog posts, and I hope you have some inspiration in doing so because of my father's blogging of his own fight. I am still so proud of him for being so open with the process. I know you mentioned going away the first week of October or so, but if this latest development should delay your time, perhaps I can catch you. I will likely be in Cincinnati October 14th or so (on a weekend off from working in Evansville, Indiana again). Much love and support wafting your way. Or if you need a connection for a fall hay ride/pumpkin farm east of Cincinnati, I can totally hook you up! I do believe you two visited there with me once before, though I think we did the corn maze not the hayride.
Hi Rocco - Was thinking of you this morning - the beautiful pen you gave me to "write the next chapter" is on my bed stand. I often use it to jot down those thoughts keeping me from sleeping at night. Sending a big hug and lots of love from Geneva!!
Thank you for the update. Although not exactly how we plan, sometimes the meds have to be moved by a few days or a week...I had to remind myself that it was ok, that the meds are still working, just that my body wasn't able to take any more 'soup' on the prescribed day. Hopefully, Rocco will be good to go on Friday, and continue the prescribed meds. Rest, read, eat, sleep, enjoy your family, your doggies (they are so cute!). Know that you are loved by so many people who think of you every day. We miss you and send all of our strength and love and smiles to you! Love, Donna
Love to you both. Denise, don't forget to take care of yourself. I wish I lived closer. I'd kidnap you for a girls day of massage and lunching. Sending healing thoughts to Winston and belly rubs to the adorable Rocco. Wait....switch that (unless you think Rocco would like it). Cousin Terrie
Thank you for sharing your journey. As I read the entries today I kept thinking about one of my favorite poets, Emily Dickinson, writing: “Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm - I’ve heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me. Now, I know she is not everyone's cup of tea, but she's mine (even though I had an British Lit prof who referred to her as the cracked Belle of Amherst), vibrating to a different measure.
Thank you for the updates. I know how hard that can be to keep up with. I have something I'm mailing your way tomorrow. I hope you both like it. (Just a teaser. It'll be there next week!). Much love to you both. I think about Rocco and conversations we've had every single day. I look forward to having more of them. --Cory
Thanks for the update Sis! Winston has doubled his size since we saw you just a couple of weeks ago. Oh My! Back up the truck load of dog food. Rocco...We love you and we are thinking of you three and sending positive thoughts constantly. Talk to you all soon!
Denise… You may not hear from me often, but know that Sandy and I have you and Rocco in our hearts always. We wish the best to you and your family.
Hi Denise! I would love to see you all in Stratford! Our shows run until the third week of October; Rocco was so excited when I told him I was working here, and I think we have some great offerings at the Stratford Festival this season. I think about you all a lot! Love to Rocco and the family! Zlat