Checked into the Moffitt Cancer Center today and I've been getting poked and prodded since about noon. Chemo starts in about an hour, just in time for the UConn women's tip-off with Notre Dame. I also found out that I'll be asleep for the game... the pre-med is adivan... nite, nite Donny Boy.
Becky and Ruth Ann got me here today without incident. But, I did find that our new Hyundai will do 90 on I-4. Best part is that Becky didn't attract any troopers. Sean came later, after quenching a big fire (figuratively speaking) at the Magic Kingdom. Then Marie (my sister for the uninformed) came in, having just flown in from Milwaukee. It's her stem cells that are going to do the job of fixing this cancer once and for all. She'll be here the entire week... until Wednesday for pre-meds... then they will "harvest" her stem cells on Thursday ( and Friday if need be) and give them to me on Friday. I get chemo today thru Wednesday. Thursday is a day of rest, then stem cells on Friday. More chemo on Saturday.
Keep the prayers coming, and all the good wishes. WE WILL BEAT THIS THING with your help.
Love you, My Friend.
ReplyDeleteFriday, April 8th is my birthday...there can be nothing but good that happens on that day. <3
Viz
Don, my cousin and my friend - you are a strong person -- that is just who you are. But, as important is the fact that many love and care for you. With that concern, love, caring and prayer your journey may not be easy, but you will never be alone. Keep that thought when the path steepens and becomes rocky.
ReplyDeleteAnt
Don,
ReplyDeleteMy days begin and end with prayers to keep you strong.
Leave the game on and when the nurse checks your vital signs you can check out the score...Better yet just go with the drugs.
Please know that we are with you in spirit......think of all the great times we've had together and the even better times we will share when you are on the road to recovery.
Love you as a brother........Lennie
Uncle Don,
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration to us all and your positive spirit is beyond amazing!! You are going to kick this square... **inser your favorite phrase** You have so many people in your corner sending such good thoughts and prayers. We have you "covered" every minute of the day. You will get through this and end up the champ of this journey.
Lots of love to the best God-Daddy!
Love you!
Buzzard Bait <3
Don,
ReplyDeleteHey, #1 brother-in-law. Uconn's teams may be playing this week but if you were on either it wouldn't even be a contest. Remember, "nothing but net, as you get this sucker".
Love ya,
Don
Don,
ReplyDeleteWe are right there with you. I got U Con men to win in my grid. Will be watching and thinking about you. Love you Udder Brudder. T says she loves you!!
Tell Sis U B loves her too! Be up there to see you as soon as we can. I am always inspired by your strength and resolve.
Ub, T and your buddy RJR
Don,
ReplyDeleteThe longest journey is already shorter day one is behind you. Hang in there and know we are praying for you and thinking of you. You have your strength and Marie's take charge cells what a combo. God bless you and we are with you cugina. Love Ron & Sarah
Donald, my dear dear friend,
ReplyDeleteIn good times, in bad times, in celebration and in turmoil, somehow, someway, you always find a way to lead the way, to show us how to get it done done. Your strength and bravery lift us all each day and now when times are difficult, know that we are with you and lifting you and carrying you and pushing you through our prayers and love. We are with you Donald, we are with you!
Godspeed Donald!
Gary
Well, you've already had experienced one life-altering event on April 8th, albeit 38 years ago - what's another one, right? ;-) Day zero, here we come!!!
ReplyDeleteI love you, Daddy! We'll all be with you every step of the way. I think this is a great way to keep everyone updated.
Love, me
xo, etc.
All I can say is that those of us that know you, admire your tremendous spirit and can only offer words of faith and love as we pray for your ultimate victory in beating back this horrible disease one more time! Just know that there are many of us that keep you in our thoughts and prayers!! God Bless Pal!!!
ReplyDelete- Gary Dworkin
Love ya my friend, your the first person in our prayers every night at the dinner table.
ReplyDeleteMike
PS You'd think that God would at least let the UConn women win another game for you.
Guess the Catholics at Notre Dame were praying harder.
Hey Don,
ReplyDeleteI know you will beat this because your attitude is off the charts. I wish you well my friend and look forward to hearing from you as to how well you're doing.....All the best.......
As you would call me Finkie......
Don, your first effort as a blogger....amazing! Keep the stories coming. Our ptayers as always are with you and your family. We stand by your side as always we love our Florida Family! Good Luck, and keep on blogging!
ReplyDeleteDon, I still pass by your "old house" whenever I visit my Dad. Those Townplot, Mt Carmel days will always keep us close in our hearts and souls!
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying and waiting to hear some good news updates.
Love, little Lu
PS Let's hope the Huskies bring home a national tittle tonight!
Hi Don,
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you for a long time, so Its about time we meet. I am Mark Sadowski's aunt and Diane Hastings sister. I feel like I know you and Ruth Ann even though we have never met. Of course, I have known Becky for many years. She is such a great girl!!!!! I hope that the next time I visit FL. I will be able to meet you and Ruth Ann. Meanwhile, I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Namaste,
Patty Herrick
Green Valley, AZ.
Don,
ReplyDeleteHave confidence that you are in the BEST facility for your treatment and have confidence that God is guiding your care givers. God bless Marie for donating her stem cells. My only concern is that you may grow some boobs. God bless you my friend.
You are receiving more prayers than you will ever know.
JIM G.
Hey Don,
ReplyDeleteU Conn did it!! Second game I watched in years. I won my grid but don't really know what that means. I am a dolt when it comes to sports as you know.
Thinking about my Udder Brodder throughout the day.
Love you,
Bob