Walking along Ferry Beach this past Sunday we watched swallows dropping from the sky at break neck speed, fly close to the ground and rise up again. It's nesting time.
That evening Heidi and Ron invited us for a Mexican inspired feast, Peter's last dinner before going to the hospital the next day. Ciara and Ysanne showed off the spring clothes they got the day before, Duckie [ the lab] was his usual exuberant self, we ate, we talked, it was good to be together.
After breakfast in the sunroom the next morning, we walked around the garden, our little oasis, so pretty in the spring as leafs unfurl and old friends reappear. We cried a little and held each other and tried to be brave.
Unfortunately we were not assigned the coveted Penthouse when we checked into Maine Med at 9 o'clock. Instead we were shown into a room down the hall! But as luck would have it, the Penthouse became available that afternoon. Thanks to my dogged persistence :D Peter was transferred bed and all. He is happy to be in the bright airy room.
Today started out with some anxiety since Peter's platelet count had dropped dramatically to 62000. Dr Boyd decided to do a bone marrow biopsy to determine if Peter is still in remission before starting treatment. Peter put on Duke Ellington for the procedure. Dr. Boyd loves listening to jazz as he found out the first time he had a biopsy. Sadly he was in considerable pain this time.
At 4 we got the good news that Peter continues to be in remission and by 5:30 he was hooked up to his constant companion for the next five days, the chemo drip. Peter's blood will be wiped out again just like last time. Like last time he will be at the hospital for about 3 weeks.
Returning to Gibson yesterday was quite an experience, a homecoming of sorts. There were smiles and hugs and genuine joy to see us as we walked past the three nursing stations. Nikita, an orderly [yes, he is Russian], wanted to know if we brought the table cloth and the lamp he likes so much. There were questions about what I'd prepare for dinner. Being welcomed in such a warm manner eased our pain. We felt safe and taken care of.
The decision for dinner last night was made when I went to Rosemont Market in the afternoon. I couldn't believe my luck to find a rack of goat, one of Peter's favorite meats. I marinated it with rosemary, garlic, Bahamian sea salt Mary brought back from their recent vacation, coarse pepper and olive oil. I sauteed it in a very hot cast iron skillet. With it we enjoyed New Jersey asparagus, baby tomatoes filled with basil puree and another favorite of Peter's, corn. Peter was in heaven!
7 comments:
Dear Peter, dear Jutta, it is amazing how much the goat ribs look like lamb ribs. I've eaten goat, but never looking as yummy as this!
It is hard indeed that you have to do this again, but this time you know what to expect, and are the darlings of the staff, so in some ways it should be a little easier. May it be so.
Thinking of you both with much love, David and Joan
It must have been very hard for you both to walk back In there and then have the bone marrow bx so soon after admission. You both are very brave.
Goat, even more brave. Isn't it odd what one finds unusual or common? Goat, Lamb, cow- how different?
Good luck with your chemo 5 day infusion. It is great that you have that connection with the Nsg and ancillary staff to ease your upset and distress. And your lovely room back again as well.
Good, strong thoughts from us both, ally
Ally
It was great talking to you this evening. Daddy, you sound strong and upbeat, which makes me very happy!
I AM a bit envious of all the great dishes you're getting from Mammy, though!
Mammy - I love the swallow shot!
It is great to hear that you have such great staff and surroundings during your ordeal!
Hang in there!
We're so pleased that you both have had such a lovely respite together between treatments and have savored every moment. Peter, we hope this round of treatment goes even smoother than the last one. You have a great support team at the hospital. Can't imagine getting such personal attention at one of the big city hospitals. Hope the days fly by and you will soon be back at home with all this behind you.
Much love,
Monica and Gregg
Glad to hear you got your suite back. And my experience with goat has never been that succulent. Now I understand how it can be a favorite.
I look forward to seeing more elegant meals and to hearing your news as this next round goes forward. It is comforting to know you are in such a warm and caring place. I send you light.
xxoo a
Jutta - Such wonderful food -- prepared with love and good for the soul!
Peter -- we are praying that these three weeks pass quickly.
Love, Irene & Chris
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