Saturday, May 12, 2007

Dave's Journey

Because of everything happening so fast, I thought I would make it easier to keep everyone updated, if I created my own blog. I will try my best to add the day's events every evening for those who want an update on Dave. You are welcome to add comments also, and this is a great way for Dave and I to know what is happening in your lives.

We had a turn of events when Dave's CT scan done after completion of his chemotherapy revealed that the tumor was growing, he was referred to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center) for consultation. The choice of treatment is stem cell transplant. This treatment will keep us in Seattle for approximately 3 months. We will arrive in Seattle on the 29th, as Dave has his first appointment on the 30th at 9 a.m. It's going to be a day full of registration, meetings with the transplant team, social worker, case manager, blood work, history and physical, etc., and that's only day 1. We do have a place lined up to stay, but it's pretty expensive, so once we arrive I will be looking for more affordable housing. We have limited choices, as we have to be 15-20 min. away from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the hospital and, also, we have "Ripley" (our shih tzu) coming along. Ripley will be an important aspect in Dave's recovery and also company for me when Dave has extended stays in the hospital.

This coming week will be busy with doctor appointments, CT scan, labs, Hickman cather put in Dave's upper chest (venous line). On the 24th he will have a 3 day stay in the hospital (Kalispell) for a chemo treatment.

I look forward to continuing this "journal" - I might even get Dave to add his two cents worth! God Bless and thanks for your prayers.