Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Chemo Week 10

I felt so special and blessed being with Felicitas during her chemo treatment this week.  Along with her Nina Janet & Elena, we arrived at her appointment a little early that day because she had a very special opportunity to speak about her experiences at the Moores Cancer Center to important community leaders that were touring the hospital.  Knowing that Felicitas has been such an inspiration and such a positive spirit throughout her journey, its no surprise that Dr. Parker asked her again to represent the Moores Cancer Center.  Janet, Elena, and I had the opportunity to join both tours and listened in awe on the amazing work that the scientists and doctors do everyday for all cancer patients at Moores Cancer Center. It just reassured us more that Felicitas was in the right place!

We listened with tears in our eyes as she told her story about her adorable kids, her loving husband, Junior, disbelief when she discovered she had breast cancer, and total relief of becoming a patient of Dr. Parkers’ at the Moores Cancer Center because she knew that they were going for a cure!  From the very first day there she has had nothing but unbelievable care and service from everyone at the hospital.  Felicitas did an amazing job as everyone was touched by her story.

Felicitas, Paul & Kristine
The Moores Cancer Center is truly a special place for her.  From the moment she walks through the sliding glass doors she eludes this energy of strength and upbeat attitude that is so addicting.  She is like a hostess in her own home. In the waiting room, she has no problems helping other patients with clipboards or giving status updates on why the staff is running behind.  During her treatments, she gives the nurse a quick synopsis of her treatment and she’s asking the nurse about her wedding and honeymoon plans the rest of her time there.  It’s no wonder why she gets the VIP garden view every week.  They love her there!   

We were also joined by Paul again this week and our dear friend, Karen, who flew in with her family from Houston, Texas!  We had lots of fun together with our kids the days leading up to chemo, we went to the beach and Sea World! Felicitas had lots of energy saved up for us! Karen and I had a truly special time with Felicitas and the family.

It was a busy household for the Rayray’s this week! They hosted Janet, Elena, me and my son along with Karen and her two kids who joined us for dinner every night!  We felt like we were a part of the Duggar family!  Through the kid chaos we always found time to laugh and enjoy each others company. 

Karen, Felicitas, Kristine, Elena & Nana Janet
I asked her if having visitors bothered her at all and she looked at me strangely and said, “Not at all. I love having visitors!”  It was apparent that having visitors really brings her strength and having a friend to laugh with is priceless.  Junior continues to be AMAZING with her and the kids.  I know that he appreciates having visitors to help with the kids and especially the laundry!  

Thank you to everyone who continues to give their love, support, and prayers.  I know how much they appreciate it and amazed by everyone who has helped! 
Love you, Comadre! Kristine

2 comments:

  1. I continue to get notes from friends who ask me to thank my bloggin' little friend, Samira. Everyone loves it and appreciates! Thank you, Samira!

    This week was quite fabulous. I was obviously pretty bummed when my platelet count was too low on April 22nd. I actually thought I could convince Dr. Parker to change her mind. But, when I actually thought about calling her home phone @ 8 pm, I knew I had to let it go. It ended up being a blessing in disguise because we had my inlaws coming into town for Easter, spring break and some other special visitors. I am happy to report that I had enough energy for all of it.

    It was so wonderful to spend so much quality time with Karen and my comadre Kristine. The kids all got along great and had a wonderful time. Having such special visitors is so uplifting. We get to joke and laugh about old times, swap mommy stories and create new memories. Love you guys.

    We also had Nana Janet and Elena visiting. These ladies are laundry machines! I'm sure I don't have to tell any family of 5 how much laundry is generated on a daily basis! Nana likes to put stuff in the wash as you are taking it off. Lol. I love you both very much and enjoy every minute that we spend together. I feel like the old peets every time you are around.

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  2. We had such a great time in San Diego with the Rayray's. It was fun having Kristine and Ty with us as well. Kristine did a outstanding job summarizing those special moments at the Moores Cancer Center wtih Felicitas. I'm convinced that she needs to be the director of public relations. She is simply amazing with everyone, and especially the other patients, who thought she worked there. Elena and I did our best to help with the household chores and hang out with the kids. The time together was special. We just loved every minute!

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