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Saturday, April 29, 2006

CHEMO AND A VISIT..... 

Good morning from rainy Missouri. We are finally getting a good soaking rain without the spotty isolated thunderstorms that have missed us up to now. It is like manna from heaven to receive such good life-giving moisture.

We have had a very busy four days since I last wrote. Early Wednesday morning we reported for Rocky’s first chemo treatment in West Plains……a 20-mile drive from our house. After the initial check-in we were sent to the chemo room where five nurses were in attendance to take care of approximately 8-chair patients and 2-rooms for bed patients.

It was a very well organized unit with nurses who were upbeat and familiar with their patients enough to joke and playfully tease them. You gals know how our men like to have attention and especially when they are on unfamiliar turf. In no time we were feeling at home and it seemed more like a social outing than a serious medical appointment.

We had a cross section of fellow patients. Some old, some young, men and/or women who were faced with the same situation....some had been long time patients and two of us were new…..a lady who was next to us and Rocky. The 7-hours went by fairly fast because we were getting a crash course in needs we would have sooner or later down the road. It didn’t take long for us to realize the convenience of the port as bag after bag of fluids went into Rocky.

We were given a large packet of information and then Rocky was fitted with the “fanny pack” to wear until Friday morning when he would need to come back to have it removed. It would continually drip into the port for the next two days. In retrospect, that was more of a hassle than the initial treatment at the clinic. Wearing the lines taped to his side along with the pack made it difficult to sleep the two nights he had it on. However, with a little adjustment here and there we have figured out some improvising for the next treatment. (Every other week.)

We were expecting Rocky’s brother Richard and his wife, Helen, who arrived shortly after we came home. We were as excited for them to come as we were to put the first day of chemo behind us. Richard and Rocky are the two youngest and have always had much in common…..Marie, being the oldest, always keeps tabs on the boys and is an expert on family history. Harold, Helen and I have a close bond since we are the “grafted” in Rockenbachs and we like to keep them on their toes.

Marie and Harold came on Thursday around noon to join us and had stopped in Rolla to nbring sandwiches from Panera Bread Company……a favorite of ours….so we had lunch together and an afternoon of visiting. They were happy to see Rocky looking so well and feeling no effects from the chemo. His appetite has sagged but his color is good and he is trying to eat more although he is actually happy about the weight he has lost.

On Friday, the four of them came from their motel together and we drove to the Medical Clinic to remove Rocky’s fanny pack by 11:00 a.m. Rocky had great fun sending his brother in first to confuse the staff…….they share such family resemblance they are often mistaken for one another. Ruby, the senior nurse, was almost fooled but not seeing the fanny pack, she realized it wasn’t Rocky. After she finished removing his pack she came out with a port to show the family what Rocky is wearing, how it works, etc; Once Rocky saw the length of the needle that goes into the port he was a little aghast. It proves that what you don’t see doesn’t hurt you.

We drove over to the gym to introduce the family to Craig, owner of The Firm, where Rocky and I work out. Again, Rocky sent Richard in first and for a moment Craig was almost fooled…….but figured it out by the time Rocky walked in. They had a big laugh and then Craig and Richard had a good conversation discussing the part of California where they had both lived at one time. It always amazes me how small the world can be.

It was almost noon so we took a recommendation from Craig on a place to eat lunch. The café was located across the street from the Court House which is in the center of the town square…….the cafe was not familiar to Rocky and me but Richard found a parking place right in front of Café 37. The original building was erected in 1837 as an Opera House. We were treated to a nice entryway which led into a charming room of cloth-covered tables with a fresh flower in the center of each. We had an intriguing menu and finally made our selections…….then scanned the surroundings which were lovely. An original metal ceiling with a pressed ornamental design had been painted in a glossy copper color, enhanced with large antique chandeliers.

One wall was mirrored the length of the room while the other was the original brick “fire wall” between the buildings. Although the café was charming and the meal well served, the food was a disappointment. We decided the ambiance was worth the effort………..and after a short drive to see one of the area springs we then came home to enjoy some cake and ice cream……which never disappoints any of us.

We visited around the table long after the food was gone talking over old times and relishing the memories. Then the part of the visit I always hate the most…they would be leaving from their motel this morning so we hugged goodbye and watched until the last car was out of sight. I know they were all grateful to see Rocky looking so well……he seems to overcome each physical setback with the heart of an athlete…..always bouncing back to play another day. May it always be…….

Until Monday,
Essentially Esther