March | 2021 | That Woman's Weblog

The flight from Cleveland to Houston Airport was filled with angst and anticipation at the same time. I certainly didn’t know what to expect , either with the living accommodations or what was going happen with the “infusions of SGN35. Since it was a “trial drug” the side effects and how Chris would react with just me supporting him in Houston. I am not in the medical field, obviously, and my trusted support team were 1,400 miles away.

Houston. I left Cleveland on a sunny crisp September morning and landed into heat, humidity and strangeness.

I don’t handle heat well and humidity that is torture for me . I sucked up my discomfort and headed toward the baggage claim. Chris had had his first infusion the previous afternoon and since I was worried about any side effects. I told him I would grab a taxi from the airport, he shouldn’t worry about picking me up. JD and Karen, the Houston couple, who took Chris and Angela under their wing the previous weekend had lent Chris the ranch truck to use for a few days.

I hadn’t realized how far the airport was to Houston proper. The taxi fair was 59 dollars plus tip. I thought thank heavens I had put a hundred dollars in Chris shirt pocket as he and Angela left Cleveland. The younger generation is all about “the plastic” and I tried to drum into them

always have at least a hundred in cash for emergencies. You never know when cash is the only option

I am sure I could have hired a taxi on my plastic but the first one in the rank only took cash. I had no clue where this chap was taking me and we seemed to be driving for ever. I was so apprehensive about the apartment complex because when the Lombardis ( Tim and Sue) had shown up the night before with the suitcase Sue, kept on about how Angela was very concerned about the accommodations, the neighborhood.

What had I done ? I had tried my best in a limited housing situation in a limited time frame . I thought well I am here now and can change the location and find something else.

I was relieved when we finally arrived at the apartment complex, it certainly was not this terrible place I had now pictured in my head after Sue Lombardi’s visit. I called Chris who came to the entrance to meet me .

Chris was very white and had dark circles and not looking at all well. I said look you go back to bed and I will unpack.

The apartment consisted on a galley type kitchen, complete with dishes and all items needed except food. open to a small dining area and living room with desk . The sofa was a pull out Queen , large tv and looked out onto the pool area. Off the living room was a bedroom and ensuite. The bed was a king sized and the bedroom with 2nd TV also looked out onto the pool area. The bathroom was very large and also contained stackable washer and dryer and large walk in closet. All linens and towels etc were supplied

As I walked around to get my bearings I wondered whatever Angela was talking about? There were many amenities, media room, computer room, gym and workout room, coffee bar , barbeque areas, designated parking with secure entrances, all available to us as no extra charge. There was even a dog park and I thought maybe if Chris has to spend weeks down here Misty might be an option for a visit.

I checked the refrigerator , as I desperately needed some sustenance. Apart from a bottle of water and left over spaghetti there was nothing, the cupboards held microwavable mac and cheese, just add water. Not at all appetizing in my opinion. So much for Angela’s thoughts on the matter

photo Angela by Chris Ritchey

Angela said:“He will be fine…. there is a kitchen and he can order in pizza and JD and Karen had lent him a truck……he has to take ownership of his illness”

First things first when Chris woke up I said “time to get some food and items , washing up soap , and detergent, garbage bags etc. Are you up to driving me to the store?

There was a large grocery store about a mile and a half away and I loaded up. The only issue was the distance from the covered parking garage to the apartment with groceries. We had bags and bags and I watched as my beautiful strong son , now a shadow of what he once was , wearying under the weight of carrying and fetching the shopping . I wanted to scream and cry at what this bloody disease was doing to him. But we managed, he went back to bed and I unpacked and made him dinner. His favourite, stewed beef, mashed potatoes and carrots.

I had learned over the months of cooking for him with this disease and treatments to “hide” calories. The mashed potatoes which are easier to eat when your mouth is sore, whipped with extra butter and an egg hidden and cream instead of milk. The beef slow cooked so it is really tender and the gravy laden with richness and calories. Always a vegetable or two not cooked to death but more than “al dente” . Of course ice cream and calorie laden desserts such as orange whip. This could be made with any canned or fresh fruit, in this case mandarin oranges, orange Jell-O and heavy whipping cream.

Chris spent the rest of the evening watching TV in the bedroom and sleeping on and off.

Sunday , Chris looked much better in his color and less tired. I don’t believe he had eaten anything but a half a plate of spaghetti and drank water for at least three days.

Chris came out of the bedroom said JD and Karen had called and would I like to go with him and join them for dinner. Chris had had the use of the truck for over a week and I was going to rent a car , so I could drive if need be, and we then could return JD’s truck to him after dinner. We went to Enterprise, which was around the corner, and rented a car.

Chris had already formed a sort of bond with JD , who was older of course, and I was looking forward to meeting the people who were being so lovely to my son and Angela.

I saw immediately why Chris had taken an instant liking to JD apart form the fact he was younger and taller , his hair, he general appearance was so reminiscent of my father and Chris grandfather who had died when Chris was 8. Chris had spent a few weeks with his grandfather that year when my dad came to visit us.

JD was humorous, kind and interested. Karen his wife was tall and elegant and as my dad would say “had legs that went on forever”. Karen too was very kind and knew what I was going through as her son had been diagnosed with cancer when he was very young. Luckily , her son, was cured but she knew the heartbreak and the terror that I was feeling. I was so relieved to have these lovely people in our lives at that time. JD assured me the apartment was one of the better ones and we could call for anything anytime.

That night as I got into the “sofa bed” trying to see the stars, my husband said were so prevalent in Texas, I realized that Sunday night was the first time in many months I did not go to bed with a raging headache. Being able to take care of my son, and being met with kindness and support had done that.

To be continued………..

March 3, 2021 at 12:41 pm 4 comments

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Archive for March, 2021

March 3rd, NO LIMITS, Chapter 14- Chris Ritchey

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