Sunday, April 28, 2013

The Last Visit at The Cancer Center

People are fantastic!
This world would be so empty without our relationships.  The best part of this past year has been the people we have met along the way.  We have welcomed doctors into our lives like family members and made friends that will last a lifetime. 
Last Tuesday we went to Willie's appointment at the cancer center.  Lenny came over with his usual smiling face and got updates on how things have been going.  Willie had been feeling fantastic and we have no complaints except for the ingrown toenail that is nagging him, but even that is nothing in comparison to where we've been.
"You've done really well." Lenny said with a smile.  "I'm going to miss seeing you here, but I wish you two the best of luck in the future."
"Is this goodbye?" I asked in shock.  We've had a lot of false alarm goodbyes in the past and this one was entirely unexpected.
"But we have an appointment here next week." Willie corrected.
"Your appointment next week is with Dr. Laport downstairs." Lenny said with a shake of his head. "She will do your lab work down there so this is the last time we will ever see you here in the ITA."
It was a declaration I wasn't prepared for. 
We must have looked like we had been slapped because Lenny just laughed and gave us both a hug.
"You're going to be fine." He assured.
We thanked him profusely for all he has done for us then said another goodbye. 
"Come and say hi anytime." He encouraged with a wave.
We said goodbye to a few nurses in the hallway then took our final walk out of the cancer center.  That is the last time we ever intend to enter that unit as a patient!
On our way out to the parking lot we stopped by a booth that was promoting clinical trials.  Willie told the woman at the table that he had given blood and tissue samples for research studies and the lady jumped out of her chair and gave him a Stanford pin that says "Hero for Research."
He immediately pinned it on his shirt and smiled.
"Now I'm a Stanford doctor." He said and I laughed.  I had to agree the resemblance the pin provided was uncanny.
We were still a little dazed as we waited for the valet to get our car.
"I didn't know today was going to be our last time." I said to Willie.
"Me either." He agreed. "It feels weird."
A nurse called to us from the crosswalk then came over to congratulate us.
"Today was our last appointment at the ITA." Willie told her.
"I know." She smiled. "I am so happy for you."
"Aren't you retiring soon?" I asked, knowing the date is drawing close.
"Tomorrow is actually my last day." She said bashfully. "I'm trying not to broadcast it, but it's ironic we are both leaving here at the same time."
We gave her hugs and thanked her for all of her help as well.  She has been with us through these past few months and we have grown to love her.  We wish her all the best in her retirement.

There is not a word powerful enough to relay our gratitude to the staff at Stanford.  We have always had complete confidence in their care and have felt like family among the staff.  If we had to have cancer, I'm happy we were able to get treatments at such a stellar hospital.
I am also most grateful to our community for their continual support of Willie.  I have been working a bit at our store and have received nothing but encouraging comments and well wishes for Willie.  His victory over cancer is a victory for the entire community and their joy brings us joy anew everyday.
We wouldn't be here today with the support of this awesome community and the thoughts and prayers from loving friends and family. 
People are awesome!
This coming week we meet with his original transplant doctor.  We haven't seen her since February so we are looking forward to meeting with her again.  She will be giving us the results on how many of the cells in Willie's bone marrow are his and how many belong to the donor.  Lenny said he expects that 100% of the cells will belong to the donor and that is what we're shooting for. 
More updates on that to come.
Happy Sunday to all!

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