“Gratitude is happiness doubled by words.” – G.K. Chesterton
There is a comfort in routine and things predictable when dealing with our Myeloma crisis. Knowing when we need to go into the clinic and knowing we can just chill until we do.
Today I ran to the Vitamin Shoppe in N Little Rock. Then back to our area and beyond to get gassed up at the cool new Costco in LR. Then on my way back I stopped and the infamous Purple Cow and got burgers and their famous shakes which I knew Dave would love. It’s these things that bring me a sense of peace in it all.
Dave’s immune system is bottoming out after 4 days of Cytoxan and Dex to beat back his myeloma. They are giving him daily support in the infusion clinic as needed. He remains in good spirits and we tease each other a lot about all that I need to do for him these days. I’m heartened that for two days in a row he was able to negotiate from the wheelchair to the weight scale and his recliner without the walker! This is HUGE. That he has the confidence to move about without his walker warms my heart. So we talked about that tomorrow I will leave the walker in the car. He thinks he’s up for it and it will make things infinitely easier for me. I either had him hold it upright perched on the wheelchair footrest or strapped to my back! I sorted liked my Robin Hood look, but I’m happy to give it up!
Goodness Village dropped off a meal this week. Homemade chicken soup, which Dave loved. It was such a nice supportive measure. They also brought a shower chair I requested. We hope to get Dave in the shower soon.
My friend Scott, a fellow Habubrat, (his dad flew the U2 and the SR-71) called me today on his way back from Vegas to Pasadena for a hockey tournament. He’s 61 and still plays hockey! Anyway, they won the whole tournament and he was driving back and called me to see how things were going. It was such a lovely call. I appreciate so much the peeps who call to check on me. I know they are worried about me and wonder if it’s a good time to call. And it was.
Montana and Jeffers may pop down for a weekend to visit Dave and me before he starts the Abecma treatment. Dave will put them up in the infamous Peabody in the River Market that is now owned by Marriott. They can enjoy being down there before I snag them to come to hang out at the apartment. I hope it happens. It would be such a nice opportunity to see them.
All in all, things are settling in here. We have our PT consult on Wednesday and another meet-up with our doctor. I’m so grateful we stayed. They are taking amazing care of Dave.
We learned that he will be the first to receive this treatment at UAMS. There were two ahead of us, and both backed out. I don’t know the particulars, but we are grateful for the opportunity. For me, it’s a no-brainer. The outcome for him is grim without it. I know without it what is ahead. And it’s not good. So even it was to go sideways, it’s still worth the shot. Because the alternative is very clear.
So I’m hopeful.
