Merry Christmas!!
On Tuesday, December 22 we headed to Chicago for Keith's pretesting to make sure Keith is healthy enough to go through with the transplant.
Pulmonary Function Test
2D Echo
Vein check
EKG
Blood draw - 17 viles!!
All the tests were quick and painless. On Wednesday, December 23 we met with Dr. Burt and his nurse Kate, at noon. Dr. Burt asked Keith a bunch of routine questions and then went over the risks of the transplant. He then asked if we had any questions and was gone. (About 5 minutes with the good doctor.)
Nurse Kate went over all the details. We asked if it was a possibility of doing the neupogen shots at home instead of staying 1 1/2 weeks at the hotel (we heard that a few people were able to do this, but also realize they live close to Chicago). The answer was "no". In case Keith would get sick, he needs to be close to the hospital so that he can be taken care of quickly and by a staff that knows how to treat his situation. Oh well, we tried. They will call us with the results of all the tests next week. If all his tests come back normal, then we will head back to Chicago January 4 to begin chemo. More on that later.
Jaden and Josiah came along with us on this trip. We thought it would be good if the 2 youngest boys got a feel for where Keith will be and a taste of the big city! Josiah loved it! He was impressed with all aspects, except for the homeless on the street, it broke his heart. Jaden was ready to leave the city the minute we entered...just like his dad. But Jaden led the way to each appointment. He had the whole - hospital - Dr.'s office - hotel - parking garage, map, figured out. He has a great inner compass! Which I was thrilled to learn. Mine has been off since birth! So we followed Jaden.
Patiently waiting for dad during appointments.
On Tuesday, after all the appointments, we ventured out to the Water Tower Place (7 floors of shopping!) which is 3 blocks from our hotel. We heard they had a Lego Store. The sidewalks were busy, the store was busier! Lots of Holiday shoppers! What an experience.
The next morning, Keith and I were both up by 5:45am. My usual time to get rolling in the morning. But it was really only 4:45am Chicago time, so we had to wait for the hotel staff to wake up and make breakfast. By 8:30am our time, Keith and I were both bored to tears! Neither one of us watch TV, ever. Keith was wondering where the cattle auction channel was. We don't have cable at home, but he had seen my dad watching it years ago. It is going to be a loooooong 2 weeks in a hotel together. A true test on our marriage is what I'm afraid of. I don't think I could watch 30 seconds of auctioning cattle! At 10am the boys and I went to check out the Apple Store, Nike Store and The Disney Store, all within a few blocks of our hotel.
On the way home we drove directly into a rainbow for about 15 minutes. By the time I figured out what God was so clearly and beautifully telling me, it faded away. GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!!! He had faithfully guided us to and from Chicago, we made it to all the appointments, and each test went flawlessly!
Thank you all for your constant love and prayers. Another big hurdle was accomplished this week and we could not have made it one step of the way without each one of you cheering us on!
