THE UPDATE
Well, I made it through a round of chemo, got a clean scan, got stem cells harvested, passed the basic physical tests, so…it is time to get my stem cell transplant starting tomorrow. Despite a tough week during harvesting (and the fevers during and after), I’ve had a week to recover and I guess I’m ready.
As you might recall, this requires about 4 weeks at City of Hope (about 4/29-5/26). A week of intensive, high-dose chemo, 10 minutes or stem cell re-infusion and then 3 weeks of recovery to get my blood cell production and immune system back to where I can brave the outside world. I’ve heard it is pretty tough (many say the hardest thing they’ve ever done), but I’ve been trying not to think about the details and to just mentally prepare myself to handle whatever is thrown at me for the next few weeks on the way to what has a great chance of being a long-term cure.
Thanks to all of you that have been so supportive getting to this point and who will be helping out while Tracey continues her seemingly never-ending commitment to tending to me while at COH. We’ll try to keep you posted, but I don’t expect to be writing much for a few weeks…
THE MUSING
Can you guess what I’ve been thinking about mostly?
Sometimes, even if you’re pre-occupied or seemingly zomby-ish, it is OK to “go through the motions” and maintain “social momentum”…it keeps you from sinking into a sad, lonely place that others can’t visit. I never thought I’d approve of going through the motions…but from my new perspective, I’ll say it is OK as a bridge…you just can’t do it forever.
WHATEVER
Can you believe the Smithsonian is closing their dinosaur hall for renovations for FIVE YEARS??? And I was just thinking I’d go there…guess I need to put it on my list for 2019.
Cliphoma 
Sending good vibes your way, Cliff! I’m in your corner!
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Only one comment about us being “dinosaurs” or “relics”. Seems like it was served up with a slow curve for all to hit. It does make me wonder what kind of exhibit takes 5-years to assemble. They build whole museums is less time. Interesting. See you this weekend.
Billy
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Good luck Cliff. I am thinking of you and praying for your complete and speedy recovery.
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From one dinosaur to the next: I will miss T. Rex!
Cliff, why don’t we agree to visit at the museum when they reopen? I live 20 minutes away from JFK, so I can pick you up (for a fee, of course) and we can go check out the relics together 🙂
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Cliff- As you brace yourself for the coming weeks, all I can think to do is to send loads of positive energy your way and hope that you somehow feel and absorb it. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better as the adults we’ve become when you emerge from this nightmare. Long term cure, long term cure. keep saying/thinking that. It will be worth it. Love, Leslie
From: Cliphoma Reply-To: Cliphoma Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 17:54:02 +0000 To: Leslie DeVore Subject: [New post] Time to Go
WordPress.com cliphoma posted: “THE UPDATEWell, I made it through a round of chemo, got a clean scan, got stem cells harvested, passed the basic physical tests, so…it is time to get my stem cell transplant starting tomorrow. Despite a tough week during harvesting (and the fevers duri”
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Wish I could do more… If there is anything please do not hesitate to ask.
All our love from down south,
Leah, Mil and Cayla
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xoxo – thinking about the hannels
xoxoxo – trisha and gregory
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