DOWNEY RANCH, Inc.
Registered & Commercial Angus Cattle in Wamego, KS
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We've arrived at MD Anderson Cancer Center

12/16/2014

7 Comments

 
    MDA called on 12/15 at about 4 pm.  "Can you be here for your appointment 12/17 at 7:30 am?"  I asked them to hold it until 5 pm so Joe & I could talk it over.  We talked and decided that MDA was our pick.  Knowing that Mayo is in MN and MN is known for it's lovely weather this time of year, my friend commented she knew we picked MDA because it's warmer in Houston.  I replied I can see the interview and it goes like this:
Interviewer  "So, tell the folks out there how you made what could be the single biggest decision of your life."
Me  "Well, it's warmer there..." and I give a shrug.
    Anyway, I called MDA at 5 and told them yes, then got online and started making travel arrangements.  How did they do all of this before the internet???  By 6, the tickets were purchased and we were leaving for the airport at 4:30 am the next morning.  Which brings us to now.
    This place is HUGE.  Bigger than HUGE.  First, there's MD Anderson itself.  By my count, a dozen or so big buildings with many stories.  Also here are other huge facilities.  Several hospitals, medical schools, nursing schools, pharmacy schools and the like.  Go to Google Maps and check out the satellite view and get a hint of what it's like.
Picture
The view from our hotel window. None of this is MD Anderson, but everything you see and plenty you don't is a medical facility of some sort.
    We got in by noon and started walking around, orienting ourselves and finding the exact place, right down to the reception desk, where we report tomorrow morning bright and early.  It's warm, sunny and beats the heck out of what we left at home.  Got back to the hotel, Joe napped and I went for a bittersweet run.  It was my last run before I officially become a cancer patient on 12/17/14 at 7:30 am CST.
    Thanks to everyone back home who's offered advice, love, support and handling of all those things that must be done regardless of what else is going on.  Our family and friends are amazing.  Joe and I are fully focused on the job at hand.  God bless!
7 Comments
DebbieLB
12/16/2014 10:32:19 am

So you know I'm not a runner, but I am glad you went for a run! I'm sure that helps you keep you grounded and focused. I know you are going to be okay, and I hate that you are going on this (pun intended) crappy journey, but we are here for you and will do whatever we can to help you along. You are always in my prayers, my friend!

Reply
Deanne
12/16/2014 01:44:51 pm

Barb....I am praying for you. I will read your blog daily to follow you and want you to know that I am thinking of you with all my gusto!

I hope your run is hard and invigorating tonight. Fight it with everything and all of the strength from your friends and family.

~~love, Deanne

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Marcia R
12/16/2014 01:48:41 pm

Smart to run... keep living life... don't give up... Keep the faith!

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Holly Martin
12/17/2014 12:50:39 am

Barb,

Praying for you this morning. "The little bastard" doesn't quite know who he is dealing with, does he? I will be sending you good thoughts!

Holly Martin

Reply
Janet Barrows
12/17/2014 01:28:09 am

Barb and Joe, you are stepping into a journey you didn't attend. I remember recently seeing your wedding pic posted for your anniversary. One family member doesn't get cancer. The family rolls through cancer together. I won't tell you stay strong. I won't advise you to act like nothing is different. I will encourage you to be vulnerable, ask for help and know that the darkest days your friends love you and your family. We are on call for meals, chore help or house cleaning. And, we are praying and loving you through EVERY STEP of the way. Adding you to the prayer lists at our churches and praising God for the faith in your hearts and fights in your bellies! YOU GOT THIS! Much love -- Janet

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thad arganbright
12/17/2014 01:34:20 am

Barb, sorry to hear the news but know that it's a fight that you'll win. You, Joe and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers!!! Thad

Reply
Thad
12/18/2014 12:10:50 pm

Barb, go get that little Bastage lol..., paying for you guys!

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    Barb Downey

    On Dec. 5, 2014, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer. And that's where we start. If you're here for the first time, you'll have to read from the bottom (no pun intended!) up. Go to Dec 2014 and scroll to the bottom of the page...

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Downey Ranch, Inc.
Joe Carpenter & Barb Downey
37929 Wabaunsee Rd.
Wamego, KS  66547

(785) 456-8160 - Ranch
(785) 556-8160 - Barb mobile
(785) 556-8161 - Joe mobile


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