#9

Bob just left for treatment #9, almost in double digits!  Things are going fine.  He played tennis this morning and hopefully, will play golf tomorrow.  Treatments are still all after 5pm but he doesn't seem to mind.  Yesterday because of someone's grumpiness, constant bumping into each other and no doors, I decided we need to find somewhere else to coexist for the rest of the time here.  Hopefully in 2 weeks we will move into something a bit bigger.  Meanwhile I walk around campus and take pictures of inspirational words:

Weekend

Treatment #7 went fine but the night was difficult.  There are ups and downs, figuratively and literally.  Up and down emotionally and then all night long too.  I guess the only thing I can relate it to is a bladder infection.  Difficult!

We spent Friday walking the streets of downtown Claremont - one of my favorite places! Bob rested while I meandered through the shops.

Saturday was spent in Redondo Beach where Bob walked the beach as I ran the last 7 miles with sister, Carol.  She ran 15.  Then today, Sunday, was spent at Loma Linda Market and around with Cameron, Jason and Corinne.  Cameron modeled her new hat and glasses then let Papa do the same.

#6

Just walked Bob to his sixth treatment.  Most of them have been in the evening.  Yesterday was his easiest yet.  Yeh!  He is playing tennis and still a bit more tired than usual.

Last night we attended a fabulous talk.  Unfortunately, Bob missed half of it so he could get to his #5.  The talk was about how to live a healthy lifestyle.  The speaker discussed the Blue Zones which are the places in the world where people live the longest healthiest lives.  Loma Linda is the only Blue Zone in the country.  Living here, it's easy to see why.  Not only do they promote a healthy vegan diet, they also practice positive thinking, they exercise and they live their faith through compassion, love and the desire to help anyone without shoving their beliefs on you.  They say magic happens here and I believe it.

Loma Linda University has started what they call Lifestyle Medicine.  They are teaching their future doctors about nutrition, exercise and mental attitude.  They believe in achieving balance.  Although vegan myself, I was stunned at all the new research that points to this being the healthiest way to live.  I am so happy Bob is being exposed to this too.  He is close to being vegan.  

The CHIP Program was started in Loma Linda.  It is helping people around the world live to their fullest, healthiest potential.

#4

Bob is having his 4th treatment today.  Yesterday he left at 7:15 for his 8pm appointment and didn't get back until 10pm!  They were late.  These treatments can be anywhere from 5:30am to 10pm!  The new patients get whatever time they are given and only find out one day in advance of each treatment. Makes it difficult to plan in advance so we are being spontaneous. Bob has been tired but is still playing tennis.  I am walking and running a lot.  It's been warm and sunny.  Spent yesterday with Cameron as Jason was interviewing for a new job.  He got it!

This is the sign next to the Proton Center and Children's hospital.  I love this place!

Alternate Therapy

The weekend arrived with no Proton therapy.  The fact that there are still 43 treatments to go was a bit overwhelming so we went on an adventure.  First we strolled around the Mission Inn, beautiful.  Then I decided we needed some alternative therapy so we did some scarf modeling.  Actually Bob was the model, I was the photographer. He does need more modeling experience. I think he had fun, I know I did.  We ended the outing with Bob discussing the bible with the Unitarian Universalist minister in Riverside.  Then dinner at a vegan Chinese restaurant!  

One Down

Bob played tennis this morning, took a nap and then went to the Proton Center.  He had his first treatment today and it went remarkably well.  He showed up early and they started him early so there was not so much discomfort because of all the water he had to drink.  Only 44 to go.

 I went to my first partner support meeting.  It was good to be in the company of women whose partners are experiencing the same thing as Bob.  It was supposed to last an hour but we talked for an hour and 50 minutes.

"Dry Run"

The patients all joke about the fact that the day before the first treatment is called a dry run.  There is much talk about full bladders and balloons.  So Bob had his dry run today and learned some things.  The first and important one is that the appointment time is not always exact so it is better to wait until arriving (they are asked to be there a half hour early) before drinking all the water required.  He said it was traumatic and is hoping tomorrow will be easier.

He missed his support group this afternoon because we were outside our apt talking with another couple also going through this treatment. There is so much communication and support from everyone.

Thank you to Cynde for the beautiful lilac plant that arrived today along with best wishes from the Lilac City!

Orientation

Today we went to the Proton orientation.  What a fabulous program!  We learned many things about Loma Linda University, the Proton treatment and everything that is available to the patients and their partners.  The objective of the treatment center is to obtain balance in healing.  So, in addition to the proton treatment itself, they promote healing through diet, exercise, emotional and spiritual support.   They expect patients to workout 3 to 5 days per week.  The speaker discussed how important it is to think positive thoughts and said in week 2 we will get to nutrition.  He referenced the books "Blue Zones" and the "China Study."  YES!
The hospital is all vegetarian.  We met other couples who are going through the treatment. One man is from Australia!  Tonight is a potluck so we can meet the other patients.  There is a weekly support group for patients only and also a separate one for their partners. Everything was very encouraging.  He did encourage us to go to church.  I think I will forgo that one as I did not see a local Unitarian Church.

Bob has his first "dry run" tomorrow which is kind of a practice time.  His first real treatment will be Thursday.  As long as he feels good, he has golf and tennis scheduled for every week.

Getting Here

Last night, after a long day, I finally arrived in Ontario.  I was dropped off at the airport around 9:15 (thank you Cynde).  My first flight from Spokane to Phoenix (2 1/2 hour flight) was late which caused me to miss the next one.   The only option other than flying directly to Burbank was to hop on a plane to Sacramento (2 hour flight), then back to Ontario (1 hour 15 minutes).  So instead of arriving at 3pm I finally got there at 6:30 with lots of extra air time.  Also only caught bits of info on tragedy at the Boston Marathon.  So sad.

 Bob got to spend extra time with Jason and Cameron while waiting for my plane.

CA here I come

Tomorrow morning I will be on my way to join Bob in Loma Linda.  We will be attending an orientation on Tuesday and his first treatment is Wednesday afternoon.  He said he will be able to relax once he has finished a week of treatments.  So far he has been able to play tennis and he knows golf will be available at least once a week with other patients.

He met the couple living next to our apt and the man is also having the proton treatment.

 And it's in the 70's and sunny!

And because some of you requested it, our address is:
11067 A San Juan St
Loma Linda, CA  92354

Getting Ready

Bob spent this morning at Loma Linda getting ready for his first treatment which is now scheduled for Wednesday, April 17.  He was measured, scanned and molded for the pod he will use during the therapy.  It was very uncomfortable because he had to have a full bladder and this process lasted an hour.  The treatment sessions should only last about 20 minutes-full bladder required for those also.

Tomorrow morning he has a tennis game at the Drayson courts on the LL campus.

Loma Linda

Bob had his consultation at Loma Linda this morning.  It went well.  He really likes his doctor and he is very impressed with the program and facility.  Tomorrow he will go back so they can make the "pod".  This is to ensure that he will be in the same position during each therapy session therefore minimizing any damage to healthy cells.  He will have 45 treatments.  Tomorrow he will also find out  his exact start date which will probably be April 18.  He sounds happy that the process has started.  It has been a stressful journey so far.

Additionally, he has already met some other men who are currently in therapy.  It seems the program promotes communication among the patients.  They have a weekly golf game scheduled.  The Drayson Center is available to all Proton patients.  This facility has a gym and tennis courts.

Bob found Loma Linda Market today.  This is the all vegetarian grocery store nearby.  YES!!

Last night he had the enjoyment of having dinner with Jason and 2 year old Cameron (Corinne was working).  Cameron seemed to have done a great job of getting spaghetti sauce all over the restaurant window and Jason also did a good job of getting it off.

All is well.

Getting There

Bob is on his way to Loma Linda today.  He wasn't feeling good when I dropped him off at the airport.  I think it is a combination of nerves, anticipation and a previous night of making sure he packed everything he might need in the next 10 weeks not only for himself but also for his mother's trust.  One good thing about me staying in Spokane an extra week is that if anything was forgotten, I can bring it.

Jason will pick him up from Ontario airport.  Then back to Jason's house which is about 5 minutes away.  He will send Bob on his way with the car, a week's worth of groceries and some vegan take out for dinner.  Bob is meeting Matt, the guy who has the Loma Linda apartment key at 6:30pm.  Then he can unpack and rest.  Tomorrow he plans to walk the campus of the University Medical Center so he is sure about where his Tuesday consultation is.  He will also visit the Drayson facility on campus.  This is a fitness center with tennis courts that is open to anyone in the community.  He'll find out if he can play tennis while we're there.  (Yes, he has his racket.)  Loma Linda is a vegetarian community dedicated to health.  That is exciting.  This is where I did much of my shopping when I lived in Rancho Cucamonga.

All will be well.