ON MISSIONARIES: A PERSONAL VIEW (22)

Continuing with Joice’s MD Anderson journal: 

Thursday, July 11:

I feel better today, and my stomach is calm. We went to the exercise room where there’s one treadmill and I am enjoying just walking; can do it faster too. My left ear feels like water in the ear after swimming. No soreness but a bit of itchy skin on the affected side.

Friday, July 12:

We went to MDA for an appointment with Dr. Frank. The nurse is surprised that I have no sores in my throat or no vomiting. I asked Dr. Frank to estimate what the tongue stent cost. He started at $300 and was amazed that it was over $800. He said that when the cost is refused by insurance 80% of the patients do not complain. He urged us to write a letter to the president of United health and complain about the situation. I probably won’t do that. I am relieved to know that there will be only seven more treatments. My heart is full of praise and thanksgiving. I know that the Lord has been listening to my prayers and answering them. I’m so thankful that my side effects have been so minimal.

Sunday, July 14:

My left ear is plugged up so I only heard some of the sermon. The message was so-so but the music was inspiring. Played gin rummy and Karl handily won 5 times.

Monday, July 15:

I opened another item from the gift bag Karol left for me. It is a pill box. I don’t think I ever had one and it will be very helpful. Left for MDA at 11 o’clock for Blood and pic line before chemo which was scheduled for two. Ha! Took some snacks and water. Joanne again did an expert job but the pic line person was not so good. We were at the chemo department at 1:30. They were like two hours behind. Karl finally talked to a nurse pointing out that we have been there at four o’clock. We were given a room at three and it finally ended at five but it was 6 o’clock before we got a shuttle bus. A long day ended, and we went to a Chinese place for supper.

Tuesday, July 16:

had an 11.20 appointment with Dr. B, who arrived about 12.30. He suggested because of a blocked ear problem that another chemo would be given that doesn’t affect hearing. He looked in my ear and could see it was bad. His conclusion is that it may be from the chemo, but wondered because if that was so both ears would probably be plugged.

Thursday, July 18: I didn’t feel very well and woke up at 4:30. We missed our first appointment and the proton center called and rescheduled it for 330. Then she called again and it was at 2 o’clock. We thought it was our final appointment with Dr. Frank but he has not turned out that way. We got to the hospital on time to be told that our appointment with Dr. Frank was at the Proton center. We took a taxi and we’re there in time for our five minute appointment I told him about my block to her in the difficulty of getting an appointment 

And I suggested that I wait until Dallas, but he was adamant and said no. I am not feeling my best and I think my neck is less red went to bed early.

Friday, July 19:

had an appointment with an audiologist, and he looked in my ear and use the machine to flush out some of the debris in the canal. The intern suggested an anabiotic, but Dr. Frank had also thought that was necessary but all of this they told me is a product of the proton treatment. Only two more treatments. The end is near. I was pretty tired and not feeling too well.

Saturday, July 20:

dear Karol, who prepared wrapped gift items for me. One per day available after Kirk left. It has been a delightful experience. Karol is so sharing and I am blessed. They are off the Internet till Monday since they are at another place. Kirk called. He is stopping over in Dallas as we had originally planned before Houston. I am nearly totally deaf in my left ear, and I can feel like crusty lining. I see the ear doctor tomorrow morning.

Monday, July 22:

It has been a long day! Went to the audiologist at 9:30 for hearing testing. Basically, I failed in both ears. Not a surprise about the left one, but I was surprised about the Goodyear. The new chemo is C in a smaller amount and is supposed to be more hearing friendly to the ears, I am told. We were finished in under two hours and made our shuttle to the proton center for our 7 o’clock appointment. Then a big surprise: Christina asked me if I wanted the good news first or the bad news. I said good news, and she surprised us by saying this was my last proton treatment. Tomorrow is canceled so this is the last. What a gift. The bad news she said is that they would miss me. A very sweet moment because she and the girls who have treated me have been wonderful.

We have a mask and stent, and photos. Karl came to take pictures, so he heard the great news. It was a "hallelujah, thank you Jesus" moment, although perhaps will never know the complete reason for all of this.

Karl Franklin