I would say we're extremely impressed with M.D. Anderson. Everything went pretty smoothly so far today - and we just have the CT scan left at 7 PM - so whoops on the prayer time. If you could pray it at 7PM Central time, 8 PM Eastern... that would be great (if you don't know what I'm talking about, see the previous entry please!!!!)
Bob, Kathie and Lauren met some wonderful nurses and staff this morning to fill out paperwork and to start the tests. This morning, we also met with the nurse practicioner for Kathie's main doctor here - tomorrow is the first appointment with the actual doctor himself.
With the little breaks and then the major one we had today, we've had the opportunity to explore what M.D. Anderson has to offer - and it's nothing short of amazing. For instance, at noon, we attended a 1 hour seminar on how to deal with the side effects of treatment. Not only could Bob and Kathie network with some other cancer patients and caregivers, but they also walked out with a lot of great information to have for the future! M.D. Anderson also has a resource library where Bob, Kathie and Lauren picked up info books on Colon cancer and some nutrition guides. Before we leave, we may set up an appointmet with a nutritionist (a free service) to get some better guidelines and suggestions for her low fiber diet until the tumor in the colon is dealt with. There are tons of other free support services for cancer patients and their caregivers (regardless of whether or not they are actually treated at M.D. Anderson!). The Place of...Wellness (the Wellness Center here) offers a variety of programs in categories: education, expressive arts, support groups, meditation and prayer, movement (yoga, tai chi, pilates, etc), relaxation and stress management and offer services like acupuncture and massages. If we end up staying her until Thursday, Bob, Kathie and Lauren already have Wednesday "brief relaxation massages" set up for themselves:)
Tomorrow, Bob, Kathie and Lauren will try to attend the New Patient Orientation - another little helpful seminar. Throughout the hospital there are other little nice services - like the food cart that actually had something Kathie could eat on it, and the hospitality center which had delightful volunteers to help serve up hot beverages, juice and cookies for patients and their families.
So yes, Bob, Kathie and Lauren were very impressed with patient care and thanking God that we managed to get in!
DON'T FORGET THE MOTHER TERESA PRAYER TONIGHT!!! God bless all of you, our support system!
Posted by Lauren
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2 comments:
Our whole family prayed for you last night, we wish you the best in this very difficulty time. And yes, MD Anderson is absolutely an amazing place. The others on your list are also *really* good, so you don't have to fear a bad choice - with your options there aren't any. But you will need to figure out the best choice, for you.
-- Larry, Dawn, and the kids
Dear everyone,
You are the most wonderful and amazing family-- your updates are so appreciated and we are right there with you in prayer and in faith. Kathie's photos, as well as Bob's and the kids', were so great to see-- the spunky " Kathie" face and smile we love make us feel more connected and we thank you for that. We have decided to take Lauren's suggestion and have made a donation to the cancer society rather than sending flowers at this time. Flowers are good "welcome home" options, however! We hope you can feel our positive and loving "vibes" through this email-- we are with you all in our hearts every minute! Our love and our thanks to all! Love always, Edna @ Ron
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