"T" Day
Well this is it kids!
The bags are packed and in about hour we'll be on our way. Simulation today, 1st RT tomorrow and Friday then home for the weekend. Chemo starts Monday.
I just want to say thank you for all the encouragement, positive vibes and prayers. The knowledge I've gained will help me immensely as I begin this new part of the journey. I'm as prepared as I'm going to be and I'm ready to step onto the battlefield. This first skirmish will be easy, just two days, but I'm well aware that I will suffer some wounds in the upcoming battles. I have full confidence in my Team and know they will look after me as the war becomes more intense.
Thanks again for everything.
"T"
Comments
-
Believing....
Fish,
I remember the first day of treatment. It took the longest month of my life, to get prepared, and to get surgically equipped to fight. Every day waiting was one too many, yet so necessary.
Watching the chemo drip into my body for the first time was nothing but pure optimism and joy for me.....the war had finally begun, and I was able to finally FIGHT. I can so relate to your approach and mantra.
My thoughts are with you and those in the fight with you.
One day at a time, one step at a time, one treatment at a time.
Can't wait to hear that another soldier has made it to the other side of treatment...and NED...>BELIEVING IT!
Jen
0 -
Here you go!
Ok Brother, here you go. You've heard all the horror stories but I'm here to tell you that it's not going to be that bad. And, you'll be amazed at how fast it goes by. These first couple of days will be nothing at all, excepting for just getting used to the routine. Next week, adding the Chemo will give you something different but just remember the rules. Stay hydrated, find out what thrush is and be medically prepared for it, take in enough calories and, most important, let the nurses know what you are feeling. Notice I said the nurses. The Doc's are great on how to treat you and get you cured, the nurses are great on how to get you over the humps. Cultivate them as they are your ticket to an easier ride.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, live long and prosper
Joe
0 -
You're off to the races....
Your attitude and your preparations are going to make this an easier journey.....You've done your homework on what to expect during treatment, so nothing out there is going to take you by surprise.....
.....and yeah, we're going to ride this train with you....beginning to end....we'll be here.
p
0 -
T,
God Bless and aslways keep
T,
God Bless and aslways keep that amazing spirit you have. Just fight onward through what ever hurdle treatment throughs at you. We all believe in you, Marsha believes in you and God believes in you!
Keep us informed, I will pray for your strength everyday, your one of the Good Ones, you'll do awesome!
All my best to you ad Marsha,
Rachel0 -
Simulation
I found that the simulation takes much longer than the treatments. So once you get thru the simulation, the treatments will be a breeze. Rick.
0 -
~Whew~
What a day! I had left messages for the head of housing at JH on Monday and Tuesday to confirm everything as she said she would call us Monday to go over everything. She had talked to Marcia last week and it was all set for Hope Lodge. Well, I didn't get a call back which is unusual considering everything thus far at Johns Hopkins. I called around last night and was discouraged to find out nothing was available and I wasn't even in the database? Ok... no biggie, I'll talk to someone when I get there. So I figured worse case scenario we'd stay in a motel for a couple of nights, no biggie. About an hour out, I got a call from the hospitals' lodging and the girl says. "We have a suite reserved for you for the next 7 weeks at $60 a night" :-O I was like WHAT?? Are you kidding? What happened to Hope Lodge? She didn't know anything about it. So I told her we were only staying two nights and $60 wasn't bad so let's do that until we figure out what's going on. No go... minimum 3 night stay... nevermind.
We met with our social worker upon arriving and she tried to help. We left it at "Let me look into it and I'll call yu as soon as I know something or something opens up." It looked like the soonest we'd get in would be early next week. Anyway, I went to the simulation (You're right Rick, it took longer than the treatments will take.) I met my nurse and tech and I have a schedule... 12:20pm M-F except Mondays will be later after chemo. I met with the Resident Doc and he was great, answering questions I had.
So we left in search of a motel. We were about 30 minutes from the hospital and reaching the preferred distance limit. It was going on 4pm. My phone rang and it was the coordinator of Hope Lodge asking if we had gotten a room yet. We hadn't. Unbelieveably, a room opened up!
We're here! It's quite an impressive place. We have a "home away from home" for the next 7 weeks (free I might add!)
"T"0 -
How Cool is That??fishmanpa said:~Whew~
What a day! I had left messages for the head of housing at JH on Monday and Tuesday to confirm everything as she said she would call us Monday to go over everything. She had talked to Marcia last week and it was all set for Hope Lodge. Well, I didn't get a call back which is unusual considering everything thus far at Johns Hopkins. I called around last night and was discouraged to find out nothing was available and I wasn't even in the database? Ok... no biggie, I'll talk to someone when I get there. So I figured worse case scenario we'd stay in a motel for a couple of nights, no biggie. About an hour out, I got a call from the hospitals' lodging and the girl says. "We have a suite reserved for you for the next 7 weeks at $60 a night" :-O I was like WHAT?? Are you kidding? What happened to Hope Lodge? She didn't know anything about it. So I told her we were only staying two nights and $60 wasn't bad so let's do that until we figure out what's going on. No go... minimum 3 night stay... nevermind.
We met with our social worker upon arriving and she tried to help. We left it at "Let me look into it and I'll call yu as soon as I know something or something opens up." It looked like the soonest we'd get in would be early next week. Anyway, I went to the simulation (You're right Rick, it took longer than the treatments will take.) I met my nurse and tech and I have a schedule... 12:20pm M-F except Mondays will be later after chemo. I met with the Resident Doc and he was great, answering questions I had.
So we left in search of a motel. We were about 30 minutes from the hospital and reaching the preferred distance limit. It was going on 4pm. My phone rang and it was the coordinator of Hope Lodge asking if we had gotten a room yet. We hadn't. Unbelieveably, a room opened up!
We're here! It's quite an impressive place. We have a "home away from home" for the next 7 weeks (free I might add!)
"T""We're here! It's quite an impressive place. We have a "home away from home" for the next 7 weeks (free I might add!)
"You going to go home on weekends? What a great deal and place, it'll sure take some of the anxiety out of treatment. Somebody's looking out for you.
Keep the faith.
J.
0 -
Enjoy Hope!fishmanpa said:~Whew~
What a day! I had left messages for the head of housing at JH on Monday and Tuesday to confirm everything as she said she would call us Monday to go over everything. She had talked to Marcia last week and it was all set for Hope Lodge. Well, I didn't get a call back which is unusual considering everything thus far at Johns Hopkins. I called around last night and was discouraged to find out nothing was available and I wasn't even in the database? Ok... no biggie, I'll talk to someone when I get there. So I figured worse case scenario we'd stay in a motel for a couple of nights, no biggie. About an hour out, I got a call from the hospitals' lodging and the girl says. "We have a suite reserved for you for the next 7 weeks at $60 a night" :-O I was like WHAT?? Are you kidding? What happened to Hope Lodge? She didn't know anything about it. So I told her we were only staying two nights and $60 wasn't bad so let's do that until we figure out what's going on. No go... minimum 3 night stay... nevermind.
We met with our social worker upon arriving and she tried to help. We left it at "Let me look into it and I'll call yu as soon as I know something or something opens up." It looked like the soonest we'd get in would be early next week. Anyway, I went to the simulation (You're right Rick, it took longer than the treatments will take.) I met my nurse and tech and I have a schedule... 12:20pm M-F except Mondays will be later after chemo. I met with the Resident Doc and he was great, answering questions I had.
So we left in search of a motel. We were about 30 minutes from the hospital and reaching the preferred distance limit. It was going on 4pm. My phone rang and it was the coordinator of Hope Lodge asking if we had gotten a room yet. We hadn't. Unbelieveably, a room opened up!
We're here! It's quite an impressive place. We have a "home away from home" for the next 7 weeks (free I might add!)
"T"T,
Dan and I stayed at Hope Lodge in Philly for 3 weeks in December, until the flu outbreak, then we had no choice but to go private and get a room as to not catch the flu. But it was great. You will find meeting others and hearing their stories and getting advice is great. And our rooms were big and it was in the burbs which was nice and being able to cook! We were able to save a lot of money.
Sorry you got re-routed - but nice that it all worked out.
Kari
0 -
Just a Drill...fishmanpa said:~Whew~
What a day! I had left messages for the head of housing at JH on Monday and Tuesday to confirm everything as she said she would call us Monday to go over everything. She had talked to Marcia last week and it was all set for Hope Lodge. Well, I didn't get a call back which is unusual considering everything thus far at Johns Hopkins. I called around last night and was discouraged to find out nothing was available and I wasn't even in the database? Ok... no biggie, I'll talk to someone when I get there. So I figured worse case scenario we'd stay in a motel for a couple of nights, no biggie. About an hour out, I got a call from the hospitals' lodging and the girl says. "We have a suite reserved for you for the next 7 weeks at $60 a night" :-O I was like WHAT?? Are you kidding? What happened to Hope Lodge? She didn't know anything about it. So I told her we were only staying two nights and $60 wasn't bad so let's do that until we figure out what's going on. No go... minimum 3 night stay... nevermind.
We met with our social worker upon arriving and she tried to help. We left it at "Let me look into it and I'll call yu as soon as I know something or something opens up." It looked like the soonest we'd get in would be early next week. Anyway, I went to the simulation (You're right Rick, it took longer than the treatments will take.) I met my nurse and tech and I have a schedule... 12:20pm M-F except Mondays will be later after chemo. I met with the Resident Doc and he was great, answering questions I had.
So we left in search of a motel. We were about 30 minutes from the hospital and reaching the preferred distance limit. It was going on 4pm. My phone rang and it was the coordinator of Hope Lodge asking if we had gotten a room yet. We hadn't. Unbelieveably, a room opened up!
We're here! It's quite an impressive place. We have a "home away from home" for the next 7 weeks (free I might add!)
"T"That was just a drill....
They wanted to check your stress level right up front... You know, just in case you're an a-hole, LOL...
Since you didn't get phased, they said hmmmm, this guy is OK... We're gonna have to boot that other guy that's been a PITA for the last two days...
Ring, Ring, Wink, Wink, Nudge, Nudge.... "T, we have a room that just opened up...., are you available"?, LOL
Kick butt, but be cool..., or your room will suddenly become unavailable, LOL...
Best,
John
0 -
TGIFjcortney said:How Cool is That??
"We're here! It's quite an impressive place. We have a "home away from home" for the next 7 weeks (free I might add!)
"You going to go home on weekends? What a great deal and place, it'll sure take some of the anxiety out of treatment. Somebody's looking out for you.
Keep the faith.
J.
Yep... home for the weekends
We were lucky enough to get someone to house/cat sit for Socrates Mon.-Thurs. She'll vacate on Friday and we'll be home by 4pm or so.
It really is a nice place. Large, roomy, clean. There's a "den" with TV/Direct TV. A Great room with a HUGE flat screen (shame it's not football season), a huge 4 station kitchen, fridge and pantry space for everyone and a large dining area. A computer/library room, laundry facilities..everything.
It's about a mile from the hospital so we'll be coming back down Sunday evening so we can relax and be close in the am. The great thing is we're close in case of any complications with side effects.
It's funny you mention somebody looking out for us. I was told I would get a call around 2:30-3 about what they could do/expectations for an opening etc. It was close to 4 and the phone hadn't rang and I was a bit discouraged. Marcia, who is the ultimate optimist and full of faith was all over me for being negative. I explained I was being a realist not negatve. Let's expect they won't have a room, get a motel room and if something opens up, great! Well sure enough the phone rang a little after 4 and here we are. Yeah Joe... there are no coincidences, just His miracles without an autograph
"T"0 -
We are with you in spirit...ILMM13 said:Wishing you nothing but the
Wishing you nothing but the best as you head into radiation and chemo. I have to agree with the others, you have an amazing attitude and that will get you through. Glad to hear you got the free housing. One less thing to worry about.
Cheering you on!
Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you begin the journey
Stacey
0 -
All the comforts...NJShore said:Enjoy Hope!
T,
Dan and I stayed at Hope Lodge in Philly for 3 weeks in December, until the flu outbreak, then we had no choice but to go private and get a room as to not catch the flu. But it was great. You will find meeting others and hearing their stories and getting advice is great. And our rooms were big and it was in the burbs which was nice and being able to cook! We were able to save a lot of money.
Sorry you got re-routed - but nice that it all worked out.
Kari
Kari,
You know then
This place is definitely not in the burbs. We're in downtown Baltimore. It's a "questionable" area but we're not going to be walking the streets at night so no worries 
They have masks all over the place just in case someone has the sniffles or worse. There are a couple folks staying here that have bone cancer so their immune systems are compromised. We were told to very careful about disinfecting and cleaning behind us as a precaution for them, ourselves and others. They're making dinner for everyone tomorrow night so it will be a good opportunity to meet others.
"T"0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.8K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 309 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 397 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.4K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 792 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 237 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 61 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.5K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 539 Sarcoma
- 730 Skin Cancer
- 653 Stomach Cancer
- 191 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards