Sarah and I are at our hotel in Durham, getting ready to head out to Duke Hospital for two appointments.
Here is our room which we got for $82 through Medstay.com. It usually goes for $135 so I’m happy I got my bargain! We’ve had a lot of fun enjoying our lovely surroundings and are kind of sad about having to check out.
Sarah has an appointment this morning with a speech pathologist who will do a complete evaluation with her. He worked with her years ago when she was coming out of treatment and is one of the best in his field. Sarah is thinking of doing some speech therapy and so we just want to get an idea of where she’s at and what needs to be done.
This afternoon, she will have a hearing test and be evaluated for hearing aids. As many of you know, the chemo she received during treatment damaged her hearing and although she’s done okay in the intervening years, we think it may be time to look into the possibility of hearing aids again. (She wore them briefly when she was much younger but they didn’t work well for her at that point.)
Last night when we were getting ready for bed she showed me the pajama shirt she had packed. She’s had this shirt since she was about 7 years old so it’s a special treasure, especially considering the miracle it represents.
After our appointments, we’ll hit the road late this afternoon for our 4 1/2 hour trip home.
And one more picture:
I saw my oncologist this week who cheerily informed me I was five years past diagnosis, officially in remission and that he was signing off on me. Happy day!
I must say I will miss the fetching green paisley outfit that his office always provides for its patients. A nice change from bland, boring, hospital blue.
Okay. That’s it for now. Time to load up our suitcases and head to Duke. We haven’t been there for 8 or 9 years so we’re especially excited about getting to go back. Although Sarah went through the absolute worst time of her life there, it is also the place where her lovely, precious life was saved.
She and I are both extra thankful today for the power of prayer and medicine.
Oh dear! It happens, unfortunately âšī¸! I had my first one a whole week after passing my driving test. Took my eyes off the road for a second, hit a curb at a fuel station designed for lorries. Cue written off car and a very unhappy father who had to come rescue me. The second time, a year or so later, the lady in front hit her brakes hard (later she said because there was a loose dog, but there wasn’t, I don’t know why she braked and I don’t think she did either) and I went into the back of her. Not a write off that time, luckily. All part of driving though, and well done to Sarah for getting back in the seat!
I don’t even know how this comment ended up on the wrong post đ but I can’t delete it. It was meant for your latest fender bender post (I will go and copy it there now, apologies)
Rebecca,
No worries! I just appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. đ
Such wonderful news – PTL!!! So nice you and Sara can have some time together – even though it’s not a sight seeing excursion.
Sharyn,
We truly enjoyed our time together; it’s been awhile since the two of us have done a road trip together so we especially loved it!
A smile on my face and joy in my heart – so grateful for your good news!
Anonymous,
A smile and joy! Two good things. đ
Had a dream and woke up , the only thing i could remember was the name smithella so here i am at your site
Julie,
Well, of all the things you could have dreamed of, I guess a dream sending you to Smithellaneous is good thing! đ
I am so happy for both of you that the worst of days health wise are in the rear view mirror and that you are doing so well! Sounds like a wonderful morning daughter trip. How blessed you are with each other! Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
Jenna,
Happy Thanksgiving to you too. I saw on FB you were looking for a tofurkey; I hope you found one.
And yes, we had a great mother/daughter time. These outings get all the more precious the closer Sarah gets to leaving the nest for good.
Great report….so happy for you.
Thanks, Louisa. (by the way, I love your first name–so pretty!)
We are very grateful to have reached some good health milestones.
Hurry home. Summer and I are lonely!
Steve,
I’m glad you had each other to keep one another company. đ We missed you, too!
I do not have words, but tears of joy for both of my beautiful brave friends. I love you much.
Melanie,
Thanks for rejoicing with those who rejoice. You’re a dear! đ
Glad that you and Sarah both got good news. Don’t know if you have cable tv but there is a show on HGTV you might want to check out. It’s called “Home Sweet Bus.” It’s about a family who sold their home and purchased a 45-foot long bus. They travel all around the country singing Gospel songs. Don’t know how they do it but there are 13 people living on the bus!
Debbie,
I hadn’t heard of that show but I just watched some snippets on You Tube. How fascinating! I could relate to the living full time on the road, home schooling, loading gear, doing concerts, etc. I could NOT relate to having 13 people on a bus. Four was my limit. đ Thanks for letting me know about the show.
CONGRATULATIONS! Remission — YAY! CONGRATULATIONS! Remission — YAY! CONGRATULATIONS! Remission — YAY! CONGRATULATIONS! Remission — YAY!
Hope Sarah can get some hearing aids that work for her. I just recently got them, and they’re so comfortable there was absolutely no adjustment time necessary. And hearing is amazing!! (But not nearly as amazing as REMISSION! YAY! Congratulations!)
Jan,
Sarah was encouraged to hear that your experience with your hearing aids was such a good one. And thanks for the happy congrats!
Thankful for Duke as that is where we first met your family after following on the web. Lovely pictures. Praying for good results and safe travels home. Which hotel were you at? I usually stay at the one across from the VA and parking deck at the light.
Ann,
We were at Spring Hill Suites, about 10 minutes from the hospital.
I hope that the appointments go well and that you have a very safe trip home. Have a great weekend!
LeeAnne,
Thanks so much. We are thrilled to be back home!