We are now settled in our temporary housing in Durham. Lee will have radiation each day, Monday - Friday through November 4. We arrived at the Caring House, approximately two miles behind Duke Hospital and it connects to the beautiful forest area that is part of Duke University campus. It is quite lovely here. This is a residential area with lovely homes and the drive to and from the oncology clinic is through the beautiful wooded area with very little traffic; sort of like being in Lincolnton for a brief time. To see where we are and take a little tour of our temporary residence, go to caringhouse.org.
The house is filled with residents who are receiving treatment for cancer. Currently, the 18 bedrooms are full. There are always two beds; one for the person receiving treatment and for a caregiver. It is quite accommodating with all the essentials, and comfortable beds. Although small, we do have a T.V. privacy and bath. I believe the limited space is to allow for more use of the other areas available to all.
The main meeting room is huge with vaulted ceilings. It is decorated is soothing earth tones. The many sofas are either leather or comfortable fabric. There are numerous comfortable chairs, tables with lamps for reading. A huge fireplace with gas logs is situated between two large glass windows that reach floor to ceiling and look out over a lovely "Angel garden". There are beautiful plants, a fountain, stone path and it is surrounded with easy access doors from two sides. Residents are invited to work in the garden if they so choose. Also in the meeting room in the far corner is a baby grand piano. (I tried to play it this morning, but it really needs tuning!) Situated in an alcove behind the piano is an area with a large round table and comfortable chairs around it for those who wish to play games, cards, puzzles or just gather together. A huge flat-screened T V is directly on a large wall at the opposite and entry end of this room. We have discovered that it is rarely on. Most residents prefer games, or reading or just quiet times.
Across from the meeting room is a long hallway that leads to private rooms and as you look directly ahead and across from the meeting room, there is a wonderful, large screened porch filled with wooden rockers, wicker comfort rockers and tables. This overlooks another garden with running water and small pool. I
In addition, there is a library with excellent selection of books and computer access. The large kitchen is divided into Three kitchens! Four large refrigerator/freezers and large working areas. It accommodates all the families and we are all assigned frig. and pantry.
The large dining hall will accommodate at least 50 persons. This is the only place food is allowed unless there are unusual circumstances for clients who return from procedures too sick to come to the table. That was Lee's case yesterday. He was not sick, just too hung-over from anesthesia to walk down the long hallway. He had his dinner on a tray in our room while I joined the others in the dining hall. Last night was pot-luck, and everyone brought food to the kitchen for a spaghetti supper. It was delicious! Tonight, the hospital is sending supper over.
Wednesday is always "pot-luck" followed by a prayer meeting in the meeting room with local volunteer pastors. Last night was presented by a lady from one of the Lutheran churches. Lee and I were so very tired that we both went to bed at 7:00. We missed the meeting at 7:00. Hopefully we will be able to attend next week.
On Tuesday, we both had a massage (free each Tuesday afternoon)!! I have had a "crick" in my neck for the past week, and now after the massage it is gone! It was very relaxing, and in addition I was taught some preventable exercises!
So..................there you have it. A wonderful home away from home, thanks to those who support the Caring House, our stay here is wonderful.
We are both so glad to finally be receiving treatment for all Lee's skin cancers. After the meeting with the oncologist yesterday, his outlook is beginning to look more favorable. By the way, Lee has a twin brother here! Yesterday we met Bob and his wife from Fayetteville. His head looks like Lee's, only a bit more graft! They had much to talk about. Same surgeons, same time-frame, etc. Bob is NOT on anti-rejection meds! His just came out of NOWHERE. He is a young 65 year-old, retired military person. He was in the Vietnam war way back when.
Thank you for following our blog, and most of ALL for your commitment to prayer....
More Later..................................Brenda
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