DAY 7 - AFTERNOON

Frustrating morning.
We have now spoken to the doctor.  He explained away some of the medication concerns.  We also asked him what he expects at the end of the 12 days and he said 2 things: 1) we'll know more when we see the images from Hoag (should arrive tomorrow or Friday) and 2) "nothing:" this is a long process that will take 4-6 months.  He went on to say "we aren't curing the cancer - we are boosting your immune system so that IT can take care of the cancer."  He also said that they might look at her images and suggest that she stay another week for more treatment - it all depends.

So, Valerie is now getting an IV of nutrients to help her have more energy since she isn't eating very much.  One of the nurses came in and made me work on my spanish because he speaks very little to no english.  He basically said that she seems sad and angry and that the nutrients won't work if she is triste y enojada.  He made her smile quite a bit.  Many of you know what bonus points that counts for in my book. :)  Very sweet guy.  He pointed to the nutrient IV and then did a Popeye pose - saying that she's going to get strong.

So we will spend the rest of the day trying to be feliz y abierto.  (happy and open - - do I use a different word for open when I'm talking about a person and not a door/store?)

Here's where we spend the bulk of our days.