Travel Time

It feels like it's been forever trying to figure out everything for Megan's treatment. Last Monday we went to St John's for another blood draw to measure her TP/INR blood levels from the blood thinner med. They continue to be too high and they keep lowering her dosage. So while we were there I talked to the office lades so see if they knew anything about the scheduling. Unfortunately, they didn't know anything. So when the Dr. got back in from the hospital, they talked with him, and then called MD Anderson to see about getting the treatment scheduled. They found the scheduling person, and after being transfered 5 times, I talked with her on Tuesday (She had tried to call me, but they had given her the wrong number). She then sent an email to the endocrinologist about scheduling and duration of stay info. I then had to get the St. John's office to send the endocrinologist CD's of all scans and all pathology slides.

She called back on Thursday with 2 different possible dates. I wanted the earliest date because she is already off thyroid medicine and on the low-iodine diet. So she had to email the Dr. again and see if he could squeeze her in on the 31st. So Friday afternoon around 4 pm I got the call from MD Anderson confirming her appointment on March 30 for registration, blood work, ultrasound and thyroid scan. We will then meet with the doctor on the 31st to discuss the results of the scan and have the treatment. She will be checked into the hospital then, and stay for 24 hours. We then have to go back to see him on Monday for another thyroid scan and results. If all goes well, we plan to come back home on Tuesday.

Luckily Wings of Hope is very flexible. I talked with their coordinator yesterday. I had to have all the details of the flight coordinated, signed permission from the oncologist, and lots of info for them before it could be scheduled. They even wanted both of our weights and told us we can only have 40 pounds of baggage between us. Eek! I finally got it all done yesterday and was able to fax it to them this morning up at DuBray. The woman was so sweet, she let me know that they would be happy to help us with flights all through her treatment. How awesome is that?!?! So then I promptly called my doctor and told them that I get really sick when flying on small plains. So she called me back to say that they had called in a prescription for Zanax. I then had to call back and say, NOT anxiety, puking!! So then she called me in a patch that is supposed to be better than the pills. Keep those fingers crossed for me! :0)

So then I had to talk with the pediatric social work department at MD Anderson. That was a whole slew of calls too. Someone was off that day, but another social worker was filling in, and they told me to call Ronald McDonald House. The volunteer took all my info. Then another volunteer called me back to say I couldn't give them the info for the background check, that the hospital has to do it for me. Of course, she called the lady that wasn't there. So then I had to call the social worker back and tell her she had to get them the info for the background ckeck. So difficullt. Finally the correct social worker called me this morning to tell me they were sending Ronald McDonald House our application. So hopefully we'll know later today or tomorrow if they have availability. If not, back to the drawing board. Also need to figure out ground transportation from the airport to where we are staying. I'm not sure what airport they will fly into..in St. Louis it's Spirit in Chesterfield, so I'm not sure what Houston will be like.

Megan is keeping an eye on the Houston weather. Sunny and low 80's this week. Looking at rain Sunday and Monday...no rain on Tuesday please...

I said maybe on Sunday I can rent a car for the day and drive us the 30 minutes to the beach. Laying in some warm weather looking at the ocean sounds delightful about now. :)