Finally – a plan!

Hello from MD Anderson! We received the long awaited call from MD Anderson on October 22 asking if we could be in Houston for an appointment two days later. Obviously it didn’t take much thought to answer YES to that question. Char jumped into action making all the necessary travel plans and so it was with great relief mixed with a little apprehension that Char, Marla & I met at the Houston airport on October 23.

Early October 24, the three of us met with Dr. Lewis who is Associate Professor of Surgery, Oncology and her team. In all my years of going through brain tumor surgeries, radiation treatments, chemo and the rest with some of the “BEST” doctors in California, MD Anderson and this team of doctors has by far surpassed all I could have ever hoped for. Not only is their expertise in dealing with this disease amazing, but more importantly they have given me hope. For any of you that have not watched the TV series, HOUSE, you really need to. My sisters & I have spent a lot of time laughing over how surreal this all feels and wondering if this might be a taping for HOUSE.

October 24 & 25 were spent in the hospital going from test to test. Everything had been scheduled and I was never kept waiting. The people here are professional, efficient, caring and kind. It was such a great experience to face the scary unknown of a new environment with people that were smiling, friendly and had us laughing.

The next step was to wait until my case was taken to their weekly review board which was held on October 30. We decided to just wait it out here in Houston hoping things might be approved quickly and move forward with a plan for my healing. On one of those waiting days, Char decided we needed to get out of the hotel and enjoy some Texas air. Even though I can’t walk and could barely hold my head up my two sisters poured me into a wheelchair and took off walking. We ended up miles away & did some shopping while sipping on a Starbucks. We finished the evening with a wonderful dinner at a local Indian restaurant. We had to take a cab back since it was dark by then, plus I didn’t trust Char & Marla to find their way back in the dark.

October 31 we received THE CALL! Dr.Lewis let us know that not only was I a good candidate for hip replacement surgery but the team had also come up with an overall plan for my health & welfare. All that to say, I will be having my hip replaced on November 12. Now, I am sure this is going to open me up for plenty of teasing from family and friends. Bring it on cuz I am pumped and ready!

With traveling being so difficult on me right now, Marla & I have stayed put in Houston while Char returned home to help Bob find missing work files. Seems after 38 years of marriage he falls apart when his little wife leaves town. In all fairness, Bob did tell Char she could stay longer since he has pictures of her to look at.

David is busy opening store #3 so I told him to hang tight in Salinas since Marla was here with me. We talk everyday and I sure do miss his face. I should have brought a picture! My pre-op appointment is set for November 7. Char, David, Kathy & Theresa will be flying in on November 10. Since Char has such a major phobia when it comes to flying we thought we would send her in a group this time. She seems to think the plane will only go down if she is on it alone with strangers.

Enough about me. Here is a quick update on my friend Nicole. After having to evacuate her home during the California fires, she and her family are safely back in their house. Our prayers have been answered and we are thankful.

Thanks again for all the cards & letters. I will try to be better about updates but remember you can always reach out to David, my sisters or Theresa.

God bless ~

Kelly