Rough Week at M.D.A. --- 04-03-2011

This was an interesting (and busy) week for Robin at M.D.Anderson. On Monday, Robin was scheduled for a 2:30 blood test, then an appointment with her oncologist, followed by a dose of chemo, Navalbine® (Vinorelbine (generic)), and Zometa® (zoledronic acid), which strengthens the bones and slows the spread of cancer in the bones. It sounds simple. After the blood test, we had an (unscheduled) three hour wait to see the doctor (about 6:30PM). From the blood test results, he determined that Robin required a transfusion of A+ blood, and sent us to the lab before the chemo treatment. Unfortunately, the Lab closed at 6:00, so we tried to go back to see the doctor or nurse, but they were gone. We found some nurses who left messages for us stating that the lab work needed to be rescheduled. We decided to move to the Chemo Treatment area, registered, and waited. When we finally got to the treatment room, the infusions were fairly quick (maybe 2 ½ hours), and we finally left M.D.Anderson at about 10:30 PM. It took 8 hours (2:30 to 10:30) and my pedometer said I had walked (pushed a wheelchair, that is) for 2 ½ miles. By contrast, at Deke Slayton, where Robin was treated for five years, this whole process would have taken three hours (four, max), and I would have walked less than a quarter mile, all on the same floor (not to mention the free parking). This is quite a big contrast from M.D.Anderson.

Philosophical sidebar: The contrast between M.D.Anderson and Deke Slayton got me to thinking that life is full of trade-offs. There is a good and a bad side, a plus and a minus, negative and positive to each decision we make. For all the scientific and technical benefits of this world class facility called M.D.Anderson, there is a cost in time, money, flexibility, compassion, and humanity. That's not to say that it is a bad place, or that we made a bad decision. Certainly, there many more resources available to us at M.D.Anderson, but there is a cost. We have made choices that others have questioned, but we felt they were the best for Robin at the time with our understanding. We need to remember that there is no right or wrong answer. Only a continuum of trade-offs.

Back to the story: On Tuesday, at about 10:00 AM, Robin got a call from M.D.Anderson, wanting to know why she missed her Lab appointment at 6:15 AM. WHAT??? Recall, we left at 10:30 the night before. How were we supposed to know she had an appointment that early? We probably would have spent the night if we had known! It took Robin the rest of the day and many phone messages before she got the Lab appointment and the blood transfusion rescheduled to both occur on the same day, Thursday.

On Thursday, we arrived for the Lab appointment to type and cross her blood at 8:30AM. We had to wait for the test results before the transfusion could be scheduled. This occurred at 10:30. Then we had to wait for the transfusion room (about 1:00 PM), and then wait for the blood to arrive (about 2:00 PM). The IV was started, Robin was given some medicines to counteract any reactions, and finally the transfusions (2 units) were started. We were on our way home before 7:00 PM. Only 10 hours after arriving!

In general, Robin's spirits are still high, even though her pain has been increasing and she continues to grow weaker. Robin and I believe that it is through your love and prayers, and through God's Grace, that she can maintain her positive outlook in spite of the disease and the difficult experiences (like what she went through last week). Robin told me that there are days when she didn't think she could make it without knowing you were there. We have been abundantly blessed to be surrounded by angels who have been determined and steadfast for so many years. Although no one could deserve such support, Robin has come to depend on it, and we pray that you will be encouraged by the amazing impact you are having on her life. Please continue the good work that you are doing. We hope that you will pray with us for mercy and healing for everyone suffering from cancer and other long-term diseases.

You are in our prayers every day.

Love,

                  --- Larry, Robin, & John