Wednesday

I told Caregiver Yuki Wednesday morning that so many things were going through my head that I did not know where to begin. Don't expect this post to be organized. A good friend, Tony, called to see what we had learned on Tuesday. That started the process of letting people know what was going on. Trying to get our bearings, we each did our thing. Dave went to the Internet, and I drafted an email. It was hard to tell people so we went back to the way we communicated from the boat. I draft an email, and Dave cleans up my spelling and typos (even worse typing with my feet) and adds what he wants and sends it out.

Dave went to John Hopkins website and discovered more information about the clinical trial. The similar vaccine had been used successfully for post surgery patients, so now they had designed a trial for those not eligible for surgery, hoping to get the similar results. He then called the nurse in charge of the trial, Laurie, and asked more questions mostly about how the trial patients had been doing and what if it didn't work for him. She was going to a meeting with the local people working on the trial and would see if she could tell him anything. In order to get things started he needed to return the consent form. He told Laurie he would be there that afternoon.

After a short nap Dave went to talk with our minister, David. From there he went to meet with Laurie. She had talked with Dr. Crocenzi, the oncologist. (I will have to learn to spell his name, and Dave still struggles to say it). He told Laurie that he hoped Dave would choose the trial because he felt it was the best choice for us. Dave also had an opportunity to meet the social worker and find out about support groups.

Meanwhile we found out who gets email on their phone or happened to be on line at the time. We really appreciate the many thoughts and prayers sent our way. That evening friends from my Share the Care group were scheduled to bring us dinner, and we welcomed the company. In addition, other friends came when they read the email. The company was good. Dave shared what he had learned during the day to a very caring audience, and with people familiar with his sense of humor. During dinner the conversation ranged from sad to funny to philosophical and back again.

Once again we were thankful we had spent the time sailing. That topic brought up one of my favorite sayings from a sailing magazine. The difference between ordeal and adventure is attitude. Not sure how we apply than right now, but hope to add many small adventures. All your love and prayers are felt and appreciated.