Donor Update: July 13, 2006
Dear Fods,
Thank you for all of you supportive blogs, cards and words of understanding of our donor back-out. I agree that things happen for a reason and someone greater than us is in charge. We have been informed that there is a potential new donor, 9 out of 10, but a different blood type and they are checking her out now for the next step in the procedure. So I will await patiently while they check this new donor out and enjoy the extra time with family and friends.
We had our transplant information class today at HUP. I was surprised and happy to see that there were 3 other families going through the same ordeal over the next 2 weeks. The class covered a lot of information that we had not thought about, from the chemo reactions (YUK!!) to nuitritonal concerns, a.k.a. I won't eat their food!, to exercise -- I get my own bike -- so someone come and use it!! and seriously, the Dreaded graft v. host disease. This is seriously dangerous stuff. It is expected after a transplant, but scary none the less. We do want some graft v host to kill the leukemia, but too much is not a good thing! Of course they have drugs to counteract this, but they have their own dangerous side-effects.
I will probably have 5-6 weeks in the hospital -- 3-4 weeks in my room in isolation!! Yikes!! I am allowed movies, cards, books, etc. that will have to be wiped down with bleach before I can handle them.
Once home, the major restrictions are nuitritional. No foods from a restuarants, deli's or take out of any kind. No baked goods, and in particular no "pond cakes" will be allowed. Maybe, I will take off this extra weight that I have added in anticipation of this ordeal.
After Penn, we went straight to Sails in OC and had a nice Bloody Mary on the Bay. After our late lunch, we came home and I slept for 2 hours on the couch and I feel great.
We hope enjoy our quiet time on the beach and will keep you informed on the status of the new donor and the future progess of my treatment plan.
JT is typing this on my behalf. Sorry if this seems too precise.
Deb sends her love to all.
posted by Joe @ 8:06 PM
16 Comments:
Dear Debbie
Just brought myself up to date on all your medical escapades. Dear God in Heaven, what an ordeal. Think about you often and offer a prayer for you and your family. Sounds very hopeful and I hope not to painful. You are absolutely right bmb should be done under anathesia.
On a brighter note. Phil and I were in Italy for a week. I always think of you and how much you enjoyed visiting there. Then a week at the Jersey Shore, still one of my favorite places.
Now I can begin my summer cleaning projects.
Take care and God bless you.
Love,
Kathy Gaffney
Debbie:
I knew that there would be a silver lining in the donor disappearance.
Have a wonderful time at the shore. Miss you very much....
COD Eileen
Hello Chizzie (and Mr. Joe)
Glad to hear that you are done with your class and are happily ensconced down at the Shore.
Those bloody marys down at Sails sound like they hit the spot and were just what the doctor ordered (or should have ordered - especially before any future bmbs!)
No pond cake? How are you supposed to keep your pecker up without pond cake?
Love ya and see you soon - K
Deb: Was away for a few days and just caught up on the procedures. Sorry to hear that the donor skipped out. I know a new one will be available. Keep that spirit up - you will get through this. Thinking of you every day. Love Shelly
Hello Champ!!!! :)
Well the Chadwicks have taken to consuming a healthy dose of cosmos daily, all over this "As The Teklits Turn" ongoing saga. We still cannot comprehend someone putting themselves on a donor list, and then backing out in the ninth inning. They couldn't write this shi....!!! excuse my Gaelic! :) However, the good lord does provide and he has a plan for us. You sound like you are just rolling with the punches Deb. You just continue to inspire all of us with your courage. Hang tough and keep us posted. Cathy and I are going down to visit Erin in Bethany Beach this week. We'll be hooking up with John and Helen, Colin, and a host of other characters who shall remain nameless. We never know from day to day who will show up or who will leave. Cathy will get her dose of sunshine and steamy books and I will just get dosed!!! :) As always you and Joe and your wonderful family remain in our hearts and prayers. WE LOVE YOU!!!! :) Artie
Hi Debbie:
I've had my "Debbie Fix" and caught up on what's happening. You are a miracle, Deb. You (and Joe) just keep trudging through this mud you've been mired in. I admire your strength and stamina; hell, I just admire you. Enjoy your quiet time at the shore, read lots of trashy novels, and just enjoy the love of your family. I'll call you next week.
Love,
Cathy
Dear Debbie,
Sorry to hear about the setback, but I too am a believer in things happening for a reason, so the next donor will be a better match! Have you been finding pennys yet?! I know you are being sent some from heaven to reassure you all will be fine. About movies, can I suggest you get (you may already have it) a portable DVD player..actually you should get a laptop that plays DVDs and has wireless internet connection (you can hook up through a cell phone in your room) this will help you pass the hours and keep us all updated!!!. We enjoyed watching DVD's while visiting the hosptial. You can get so much of your favortie TV shows on DVDs now...
Thinking of you and praying continually. You will be fine. Lots of love, Visitor to Rhoades 6.
Dear Visitor on Rhoades 6
I must say i am very anxious to meet you. You have a way with words and if you say i am going to be ok well then it must be true. I receive pennies from heaven every single day. A call from a friend, or a card with just the perfect words to calm my fears or a special moment with someone in my family. My grandson Christian calls me now on the phone to say goodnite or good morning and that's a handful of pennies from heaven. We always talk of the bad things about having leukemia, but it has taught me to enjoy every moment, every sunset the sound of rain and laughter.OK!!!i'm getting corney but i really appreciate your blogs and words of encouragement. Have a nice weekend. LOVE DEBBIE
Ps>is your friend that was on rhoades^^doing ok ?
Hi Deb,
Sorry to hear about the donor disappearance but all things happen for a reason and I'm sure this will all turn out for the positive! Stay strong I know you're going to beat this!! We're all praying for you. I'm so glad you're relaxing at the beach--enjoy enjoy!!
Love,
Jeanne
Debbie & Joe,
Being at the shore, & enjoying a Blody Mary (or two) was the right place & refresher that the Dr ordered. The class material given to you & the additional 3 families doesn't sounds too enticing. We're attempting to look at the bright side of this forthcoming procedure, & agree with Joe that "this is another sign" & we'll settle for that explanation. Isolation!! _ Yikes!!; just the thought of it is enough enticement to go get another glass of a fine Italian (red) Barola, or a potent Australian Shiraz! Enjoy your peace & quiet at the shore!!, Love Mom & Dad
Tek, so , let me get this straight.. anything brought into you has to be wiped down with bleach?? well, there "s a new concept for you!Not really sure what you meant about the 9 out of 10 for the new donor.. but it sounds great! I truely feel that you are going to do well with all of this, and Deb, i think that is a great suggestion of having a lap top in the room with you.. you can email, blog, watch movies, play spider solitare.. even look up the toys for boys section( like i told you i accidentally did)! YOu've been through so much already, whats a few weeks without bakery goods(yeah, easy for me to say,wrong!!)Just take it one day at a time, but take it!We're all "with" you from coast to coast...and apparently some of europe now also.. enjoy your weekend.. . im going to so. cal(between san diego, and disneyland) with Mark for a baseball tournament..so i'll continue to keep you in my prayers and will talk with you when i get back.. love,,mdf
Hey Mrs Teklits,
Hope you and your hubby had fun at the shore & enjoyed the gorgous weather!!!! It is extremely hot near me today, so I cannot imagine what it is like near you all! Make sure to keep cool in the AC!!! I also wanted to thank you on behalf of my family & I for the sweet cards! It is so nice of you to think of us during our Wonderful Time!!! Kiernan is so laid back he reminds me of Emma when she was born! My brother & sister in law are very lucky to have such a peaceful baby & so are we since he is living with us!!! Well I am hoping to see you later on in the week.... so I will talk to you then.. ENJOY your week!!
Love Always
Alli
Yoo-hoo Chizzie.
Hot enough for you?
Are you home from the shore yet?
We're home. Call me when you want to gab/schedule a date.
LOL mdf about the clorox wipedown, too. This should not be a problem for our little "Queen Clean Bee" aka Debbie Teklits.
Back in the day when she and I used to work 3-11 together I seem to remember her wiping down whole patient rooms with isopropyl alcohol.
The patient had to move quick or he would get a wipedown too!
Her rooms were so clean you could make microchips in them after she got done!
Chizzie - hope you are feeling okay. Love you - K
My dear Debbie! Now I know why I had such a feeling of urgency to call you before I went back to work. You continue to amaze me -- you've taught me so much over the years, regardless of whether we see each other on a regular basis or not. Your medical knowledge, combined with your intelligence and your desire, will and fight to get anything accomplished, continues to be the main reasons for your recovery, in my opinion. I would drive to see you today if I didn't have 113,000 miles on my '99 Escort!! Wish I had another week off -- I would definitely fly there. I miss you so much. You continue to amaze me and are a constant source of strength for all of us. Your children will always be stronger because of you. God will bless you my dear, Debbie. I love you! Cheryl
Dear Deb and Joe;
Thinking about you at the shore
relaxing, and sipping whatever.
While Dave and Eileen family
and myself went to a wedding
in St. Louis. We stayed over-
night.Sipped on Margaritas and
bloody marys and Russian some-
thing.
We had fun a plenty, our rooms
were in the same hotel as the
reception.
After the reception I went to
bed
at 1:30 Eileen sneaked in at
3:00AM with somebodys elses"
Jacket, and purse. She left
Dave at the bar.
We got up the next morning
wide eyed and ready for the
upcoming Brunch.
Deb Did the kids get to go to
the shore with you?
I know you are enjoying the
ocean breeze.
Love You All
You are all in my prayers.
BIG HUGS
Your Aunt Angie
Debbie:
I am starting to see a pattern. Mom(Aunt Angie)is right that we were up to the wee hours of the morn...and that would be white russians she was reffering to...
I stuck with red wine to keep from regretting the morning after. There were some forgetful folks in the bar after the reception. Both the purse and the jacket belonged to kids in their late teens. Good thing I was looking out for them...actually I thought it was Dave's jacket...don't ask me why...it wouldn't have made it over his forearms. All in all we had a great time. The couple heads to Costa Rica tomorrow.
The groom who is the friend of the family is the one who is working on Mere and Marquette.
This week I am taking a 2-day seminar on Microsoft Excel. Today was the first day and it was well worth it. There are lots of things I didn't realize that the program does.
Are you back from the shore. I know that tomorrow would have been the original donor date. What is the latest on the schedule?
Always thinking about you and hoping you are keeping your strength up. Hi to Joe, Joey, Michael...the DC gang and Alli. Take care....COD
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