It's October? Already? REALLY??

Well, let's start with mom.

She got her line last week. She says it's uncomfortable, and the dressing is itchy, but she'll deal with it.
She has been going to the RCC every day for blood work, shots and line maintenance.
Not fun, but necessary. Mom and dad go back to Pbgh Sunday, and on Monday they will begin harvesting her stem cells. If they can get 5 million of them, she can come home Monday night. If not..she has to stay, and they will make another pass on Tuesday.
Then she gets "a week off" from having to go Pbgh, she'll still have to go to the RCC, I believe. She also has to take her temperature a lot, because if she goes over 100 she has to go directly to the ER, do not pass go, do not collect $200. From the ER, she will have to be transported to the hospital in Pbgh. So we're hoping for no fevers. If you're sick, don't come over!!!

On the 19th, mom will be admitted to Shadyside, and she'll get more chemo. On the 21st, they will transplant her stem cells, and then we wait.
She will have to stay in the hospital until the doctor says she can leave.

She is pretty much quitting smoking, THANK GOD! She said she knows she won't be able to while she's in the hospital, and she said she'll be sick enough that she won't want to. Dad is cutting back as well...and he started going outside to smoke. So, the house smells clean! It's nice. I hope it lasts.


I have an appointment with my doctor on the 16th, hopefully to schedule when to remove the fibroid. I got a call the other day from the first doctor in Pbgh I saw. I was kind of surprised. Apparently they got a letter from Dr Genius, saying that he believes I could benefit from the removal of the fibriod, but it stops short of actually recommending that I have it removed. It seemed like the office thought I would be making an appointment to see them for this, but I was like "no, Dr Genius said my doctor here could take care of it" We went around in a circle, and finally the lady says "well maybe you should call Dr Genius and just ask him what he wants you to do" I was like "yeah, ok, I'll get right on that."

Anyway.

I'm making headway on the "Get Phil to Agree to Hawaii" front. Turns out his major objection is the flight. He's afraid of flying. Me too! But we can get drunk on the plane!!!
Anyone have any tips on how to conquer that fear?