FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND READY TO FIGHT!!

JAN. 3 - We arrived at Holiday Inn Express to prepare for admision to Emory. The suite will be a suitable base, it is only 1 mile from the hospital which will allow Aimee to move back and forth (when possible).It contains all that we will need to set up house keeping during our stay and also has an indoor pool, exercise eqipment that will be of benefit to Aimee now and me later. We spent the last week or so cooking and freezing an assortment of dishes to give both of us a touch of home cooking. We felt like we were preparing for the long cold winter ahead. We both got in some good exercise in the exercise room (1 mile on the treadmill each day for me) and we enjoyed some nice dining experiences for the next several days of freedom. Cafe Alsace (Mike Dillion- Is this the one you and Angie suggested?) and Murphy's were both wonderful *****.

JAN. 4 - Labs were conducted and then Bone Marrow Biopsy. Emory again proved their belief in no pain. I had no problems and everything was set for admission on Friday noon.

Jan. 5 - RAINY DAY IN GEORGIA BUT FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND READY TO FIGHT!! I was admitted to 7E room 715 about 12:30 and the floor secretary (Tally) lived up to her promise. We have a big room with an absolutley breathtaking view of the Atlanta skyline. I quess if you have got to be here at least we can enjoy the view. Melphalan(chemo)- 30 minutes- was infused about 8 p.m. and preceeded fo have a good night sleep.

Jan. 6 - Feeling good and able to walk outside. Counts have not begun to drop so I escaped! We took in the beautiful Emory Campus quadrangle and got in at least my mile. Melphalan(chemo)-30 minutes- again at 2:30 and so far so good. The only compliant is the food, it is AWFUL. We decided that the food from home was going to come in handy. Lauran arrived safe and sound from Maryland and so glad she took time from her busy schedule to be with us.

Jan. 7 - Had a good breakfast - I guess you can't destroy eggs, etc. with quanity. Velcade(chemo) administered at 12 noon. Took about 10 minutes just shot it through the line. Sure beats all those sticks in the veins. NO PROBLEMS - NO NAUSA, NO MOUTH SORES, NO VOMITING. We have hope and confidence that through prayer and miracles of medicine it will continue and that the chemo is working.
Tomorrow is the big day - TRANSPLANT, the floor nurses call it your birthday and you get balloons on your door. By the way the nurses and staff up here are wonderful! I also have ANOTHER BONE MARROW BIOPSY and medicine to help prevent mouth sores called Kepivance.