While traveling south along 57 and 70 between Urbana and St Louis, I have always enjoyed the ever changing landscape of corn and soybeans to the gently undulating treed topography, and catching a glimpse of Cahokia Mound. This week I had the opportunity to make two trips to St Louis where I am writing to you from now. On Tuesday I found out that because I still do not have a stem-cell donor, I need to have yet another chemo to hopefully keep my leukemia at bay. So here I am on a sunny and mild Friday looking north from my window at Barnes while getting my first chemo infusion.
Although I was home for only ten days between these rounds of chemo I enjoyed every moment. Ten days sounds like such a short time but being at home was such a pleasure, I savored every moment and each surely felt like an eternity.
I came prepared. I expect to stay six days for treatment but pack for thirty, in case I get a fever and need to stay until my counts recover as I did last month. I brought a small electric kettle and some instant soups (cous cous minestrone, pasta and tomatoes, etc.) to spice up my days. During my last stay, with the help of the nutritionist on the floor, I was successful in getting protein packed Greek Yogurt onto the menu. At the suggestion of my friend Mary, I also lobbied for, and was successful at getting frozen green peas onto the menu. It amazed me how fresh a frozen green pea can taste once cooked. I had peas twice a day mixed in with pasta and marinara sauce, and Fettuccine Alfredo! During my current stay, inspired by the success of my friend Joe with his experience at University of Chicago hospital, I am going to lobby for several menu items such as hummus, whole wheat pancakes, black bean tortillas, etc.
Please know that while here I miss you all and thank you once again for all the help and strength you have provided our family!
Deborah
Hi Deborah - We all missed you on the sidelines at today's regional soccer game. Saul and the other boys played their hearts out, but alas, the season is now over. Know that out thoughts and prayers remain with you, and also with your family. We will continue to pray for your complete healing - and sooner rather than later. And we look forward to seeing you back in town soon. --Erik Lund
ReplyDeleteWay to go on the menu changes. We will fix these hospitals!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your hummus campaign!
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah, I hope that you will only have to be there for a short time for this round of chemo. It was lovely to see you while you were home this last time. The neighborhood is not the same without you out in front of your home chatting with everyone. You are in our prayers every day. Romana
ReplyDeleteDeborah,
ReplyDeleteI love that you are an activist where ever you go! From the early days of rallying for a bread machine for Leal children in Bridgette's 1-2 class to getting Greek yogurt its rightful place on menu. It was great to see you during Homecoming activities. Thanks for the update on how to become a donor.
Hi, Deborah
ReplyDeleteI'm still on track to be in St. Louis on 11/12. I hope you're home by then so I can't visit you, but if you're still "across the river," I'll stop by. In a couple of weeks, depending on what you blog, I'll check in by email or phone before suddenly appearing.
Hey Cous',
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your tough path to recovery. As we are related through blood, I thought I might be able to help! I believe I am O+ and would gladly give you what ever part of me you need! Let me know what I need to do to get tested and if I can donate to you I will!
With love,
Doug Gray