You might remember earlier this week, I told you I would be spending next week in Iowa City getting radiation treatments. I also told you that I could stay at Hope Lodge. Well, I was wrong. They are full.
That put a lot of my family and me in a bit of a panic. Yes…I can drive back and forth if needed, but it just seems like a lot. A lot on my brain…a lot on my back that doesn’t like sitting for long periods…and a lot of worry for my family. They all think I shouldn’t go by myself, even though I’ve had friends offer to take me. Everyone just seemed better with me staying down there.
I had told you that I had planned on visiting my sister one day. Well, I decided to call her and make arrangements for that, and then ask her if I could stay over one night. She was all on board for that…and offered to have me stay more days. She lives 30 minutes from Iowa City, so it isn’t a big deal to drive that far.
While I was doing that, unknown to me, my daughter Kayla booked a hotel for me for two nights.
Then I got a call from Hope Lodge. Things had opened up. They had rooms open on Thursday and Friday, if that would be helpful to me. Hmm. Nope. I had that covered because I would be staying at my sister’s one night and driving home on Friday. I thanked them and told them to let me know if earlier days in the week opened up.
Then I got a phone call. It was the social worker from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. My file was flagged. They knew I had tried to stay at Hope Lodge, but it was full. So they have another program that pays for rooms at a specific hotel, close to the hospital, for people who need it. Hmm. That sounded great.
So…that’s what I’m doing. Monday through Thursday at the hotel…Thursday at my sister’s and Friday HOME!! I’m excited to be going to my sister’s. It happens to be her birthday. Her granddaughter is in the school play that night, and as long as I’m feeling okay, I get to go!! How fun!!
The social worker from the hospital was so great and helpful. She told me about a few other things. I am seriously so impressed. You might remember that I was frustrated when my insurance took me away from the Mayo Clinic and sent me to Iowa City instead. I don’t regret it at all. It was a great thing that happened in my cancer journey. I feel so much like a real person that they care about at Iowa City. It’s wonderful quality care that I highly recommend. (well I don’t recommend getting cancer but if you do…Iowa City is great)
Now that I’ve got lodging figured out, I’m trying to plan what to bring…some snacks, some projects, my laptop…
…and all of you have recommended other quilt shops to check out. So I’m checking into them as well. I’ve had all sorts of recommendations for me to kill time so I’m excited and hope I feel up for a few adventures even though I don’t need to buy a single thing. HA!! It’s fun to look, so I might be a looker more than a shopper.
…I’m thinking about snacks to take…projects to take…a quilt to take…my pillow…a charger…you all know the drill. Thankfully, I have a little time so hopefully I won’t forget something. With everything to think about, it make me not think about my cancer and that my friends, is always a WIN!!
One more thing, I’m sure some of you are wondering how I’m tolerating the meds. So far, so good. A few speedy trips to the bathroom, but other than that, I’m happy with how things are going. I’m sure this is a med that will get worse as more and more is on board, but for now…I’m good. I’m happy…and not worried.
I so appreciate all the notes, cards, and messages of encouragement that have been sent my way. If I have a great hospital…and great people like all of you cheering me on, I’m bound to have some success. Thank you!
It’s wonderful to hear that the hospital is being proactive in helping you with arrangements. That is so unheard of these days. Hope the treatment and stay goes well.
I’m so glad the hospital was able to help in finding you a place to stay . Driving back and forth with you under treatment could easily go off the rails! It sounds as if you have a wonderful plan now with some fun things thrown in! I’m so happy you’ll get to spend time with your sister! You sound almost like you’re going on a great adventure and that’s wonderful. We will all be waiting for up dates as the week progresses. I’m sure you will make some new friends as well. Keeping you in my prayers that your side effects are minimal and manageable. Looking on the bright side will see you through!
So wonderful that all of the nights were covered and you get to see your sister and possibly go to a play. I’m glad to hear that the bad side effects from your drug haven’t started yet, and hopefully they won’t. My husband recently had surgery at the University of Michigan Hospital and they have a hotel connected to it. We stayed one night – lots of walking but that was good for us. Check-in time was 5:45 a.m. so it was helpful since we live a couple of hours away.
Wow! You have a very caring hospital you are seeing, and I am so happy they helped you find another option. Sometimes places become too institutionalized. I have sought care at Mayo and was so pleased how they cared for me but it isn’t the same for everyone. I am so hoping and praying for you that they can help you keep the cancer at bay. You have a great support group too. Thank you for letting us know how you are getting along.
SO SO happy to hear this!!! As a clinical person PLEASE thank the social worker andsend a note to the Chief Medical Officer for their active response, vigilance and assistance — we don’t always get recognized by the powers that be….enjoy the ride.
How wonderful that you now have a place to stay and will get to see your sister besides. Yippee!! I will keep you in my prayers for a safe journey, and a easy week of treatment.
This is wonderful news. Sleep and rest are fantastic restoration to our bodies so please take advantage of it in the hotels. I’m hoping you won’t have too much trouble with the medication you are now taking. Good luck Jo.
SO glad things are working out and you are feeling so good with the meds – prayers that things continue!
Sounds like you are in good hands with the folks in Iowa City. I’m so glad it worked out.
You are so blessed to have a hospital that really cares about you helping you out like that . I have been praying for you and will continue to do so.
I love, Jo, that you always look for the blessings. I try to do that, too, but as a caregiver for my husband, it is not always foremost in my mind. May God bless you mightily as you continue on this journey. We all love you, but He loves you more!!
Great news that lodging close by worked out. Hope your meds continue to cause little issues.
These hospitals that are able to accommodate some patients are wonderful! My daughter had a 5 organ transplant 2 years ago in Indianapolis Indiana. They have a wonderful place for transplant patients to stay at for free! It was amazing. When they couldn’t get her husband in for a couple of days they put him up in a hotel. With all the expenses that are involved having your lodging provided for is a huge blessing! Hugs,
How fortunate that you were able to get a hotel at no cost near your hospital. Every little bit helps, as they say, when you are facing your medical procedures. Hope you continue to do well on your medication. Prayers up!
I’m so happy that things worked out for you. Your family, the hospital and staff are such blessings to you.
Love and prayers
…always praying knowing God’s plan will surround what surrounds you.
Easter Blessings, Heartfelt JOY!
Wonderful news. If you find you have time and don’t have it filled already, or if you ‘d like someone to go to a quilt shop with you, you have my phone number on the gift card I sent. I’d be happy to pick you up. Prayers continue for your journey.
So happy you won’t have to drive back and forth for your treatments. I know that you know what to expect. I had radiation treatments and they made me very tired. I’m glad you can spend some time with your sister too. Prayers for your recovery.