Friday, September 7, 2007

And So It Begins...

I'm getting my first round of chemo today, beginning about 9. The nurse said it will take 5 hours and will be a combination of 2 therapies. They tend to leave you alone on this ward; perhaps because I wasn't under treatment I got the entire night without taking my vital signs or weighing me or asking me what drugs I take. This is a very quiet ward as well, which tells me that after treatment begins that I may get quiet myself.

So far, I don't feel like the science experiment I thought I would. There was a small line at the door of eager oncologists and interns to see this strange disease, but after that it was a quiet evening and night. I haven't seen my attending physician yet either -- I'm not clear how this works yet. I know they work in teams and teams have several sub-specialties in oncology working together and making decisions, but so far I haven't seen any of them.

Basically this is your prototypical U of C ward, spare of detail, flat beige walls and tile floor to match. The windows are horizontal about 4 feet tall, but don't seem to bring in much light. I'm facing south west looking out over the garage and another hospital wing. This end of the floor is very hot, so I got a fan from maintenance that helps move the air around. Although I got it from the hospital, it's new (just out of the box) and has to leave with me, I guess to prevent infection? Can't wait to see that in the bill -- I wonder what they get for a $12 fan.

I'm having trouble with the SGDP e-mail server letting me send mail from the U of C. Currently I can get mail, but when I send a reply (or new mail) it goes to my outbox -- so it's being blocked.

OK, that's about it for now -- it's 7 AM and they're beginning to shuffle around out there in the hall.

Love you all.

Arnie/Dad

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Arnie,

Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you well, for a full and speedy recovery, and let's add in some good luck as well (good luck never hurts).

We love you, and you are in our hearts and thoughts.

Eric, Candi, Sierra and Cody

Unknown said...

Arnie-

Heartfelt wishes for a full recovering and much sadness that you have to endure this.

Love,
Jef and Mindy

Anonymous said...

Arnie, you are always an adventurer! I can't believe that this is the next one you have to go on but you're clearly going into this challenge with great spirit and much support. We'll be thinking of you and cheering for you.

Marybeth Schroeder

Tripp Hudgins said...

Arnie,

"Unconventional short game?!" That's one way to put it.

You, sir, are in our prayers. Everyone sends their best. You are loved. And, just so you have it...here is something for you:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring
forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I
am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still,
help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it
patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit
of Jesus. Amen.

Peace.

Monica said...

Arnie,
Thinking of you and knowing your presence will add color to those beige walls and floors. Praying for God's presence and strength to help you get through this. Love you to pieces.
Monica

Sandi said...

Arn,

Please know that as you travel this journey, those of us who love you are walking beside you in our hearts, our spirit and our prayers.

You are loved very much.

Your "old" sister-in-law!

Sandi

Anonymous said...

Arnie,

An amazing and wonderful blog! Major congratulations to Zach for an incredible job! Thanks for the link, Mary Joe.

How nice to keep in such close touch with you! I'll look forward to following your journey and be there in spirit every step of the way!

Al Mitchell (one of the Group guys)