The Wild West

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) is credited with the opening of the American West.  Many of the significant points along the eastern edge of Lewis and Clark’s route are located in the St. Louis area.  There is a statue of Lewis and Clark in the Mississippi River, right next to the Arch.

This past Wednesday, Daniel asked me “Mum, when do you start your chemo?”  I responded, “High Noon tomorrow.  Get your cowboy hat on and get ready for a wild ride, partner!”  In actuality, I didn’t start my chemo until Friday.  I got stood-up at the draw.

The reason for the delay is that one of the chemo drugs was not ready in time.   Turns out there is a national shortage of daunorubicin, and it is back ordered until August!  However, thanks to a variety of quick acting people who got a posse together, they were able to procure the last dose at Washington University for me.  They put it in “lock-up” in a fridge on my floor where it was being guarded for my use.  Thanks to everyone who helped me out in obtaining this drug!

Later in the day, one of my doctors said that the continual national shortage of a variety of drugs is definitely something to blog about.  Most people are unaware, but once the patents expire the drug companies have less of an incentive to maintain sufficient product in the market.  Please let your congressman know that we should maintain lobbying the drug companies to insure that medicine is available for all those who need it when they need it.

So,  my chemotherapy treatment began on Friday and I am now into day three of a seven day regime.   When I get my energy back, I'll blog about that.