On Friday, February 13th, I went to visit Kris at home before she and her husband made the trip to City of Hope where she would begin her treatment. I brought her a few things to help pass the time during her stay and just wanted another chance to be with her before she started feeling awful again.
I was sad when I left because although her spirits were high, I could tell she was really nervous and scared about going in. I came home and did a few things around the house before picking the kids up from school. About an hour after I picked up the kids, Nolan wanted to go to a friend’s house. His friend lives kind of far, but there was no way I was taking the freeway on a Friday, especially on a holiday weekend. So we were taking side streets when Kris called my cell phone.
“We’ve been sitting in terrible traffic and just got off the freeway to take sidestreets to the hospital.” she said. “So I wanted to call you and thank you again for everything you guys are doing with the marathon and all the fundraising. I can’t believe it’s already over $2,000!”
I couldn’t believe it either. “It’s so awesome that there are so many people willing to help.” I said. We made small talk. I think it was good for both of us. I asked her how she was doing; She’s really scared and doesn’t want go in.
“This is the best time to do this. You have great doctors that are going to help you get better.” I tried to sound strong but I was scared too. We continued to talk as I pulled up to a red light at an intersection.
“Hey! You just passed me!” I announced. So Nolan and I followed her for a couple of miles until we had to turn, and she had to head into the hospital driveway. As we pulled up next to them, I hung up and blew her a kiss and told her to take care of herself and I’d see her on Monday. Tears filled my eyes as we drove off.
Earlier today Kris called my cell phone. “What are the donations at?” she sounded terrible, yet there was excitement in her voice.
“About $8,000!” I proudly informed her. She couldn’t believe it. I asked her how she was doing. She said she did great all weekend with her chemo, but woke up this morning feeling really sick. They were going to give her something for the nausea which would also make her sleep but she really wanted to know how we were doing. I love that she has this to keep her going. I told her to get some sleep and I’d come by at the end of the day.
I printed out all the comments written about her and our marathon. I couldn’t wait for her to see all the great things everyone said. I also brought flyers we made about the marathon because she wanted to give them to her visitors to help with the fundraising.
As I raced up to the hospital doors (only 10 minutes left in visiting hours) Kris’s husband was standing outside talking with some friends. He walked me into her room. I was so surprised to see her sitting up, chatting with the nurses and looking great. The anti-nausea medication and the nap did wonders. She was feeling much better. I was so excited to tell her the donations are almost
$10,000! We chatted as they removed her empty chemo bag. Kris said it’s been two hours on, four hours off, all day. One more before midnight. Then 7am tomorrow morning she begins the first radiation treatment. Three a day for the next three days. She told me how she was up crying all night because she was so upset that they taped padding to the rails of the bed.
“They say it’s for the seizures that can happen once the radiation starts. I can’t believe I’m going to have seizures” she said. But she said the nurse told her not everyone has them. I tried to comfort her by telling her she probably won’t have them. After all, she’s taking anti-seizure medicine. I don’t think I convinced either one of us very well.
I hugged her and told her I’d see her tomorrow. Her husband walked me out. “Thank you so much for everything you and Wil are doing. It gives her something to look forward to. Something to hold on to. It’s just so amazing that so many people are donating” I told him that we were so glad we could do this and we would donate platelets next week after her transplant.
“She’ll be so happy to get that from you. It takes a few hours though,” he explained.
I don’t care. As long as I can help.
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I just wanted to say, I think it’s great what you guys are doing. Reading this entry brought tears to my eyes. I wish there was something I could do to help, but my family has too many financial problems right now. I wish Kris the best of luck though. My thoughts are with her and her family.
Just popped in a donation from Toronto, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia.
At first I felt that my little donation just seemed like a drop in the bucket and was a rather sad gesture. Then I thought about how many people were adding their little drop, (to get over $11,000 already) and I got a sappy warm fuzzy feeling that’s still going.
Great White North Mojo heading south to Kris and her family.
Wil, words cannot express how proud I am of you and Anne for participating in the marathon…you see, I lost my mother to breast cancer in July of 2003, and seeing how everyone has donated to help with research and funding for finding a cure is overwhelming..my thoughts and prayers are with Kris and her family during this time of need and I hope God continues to bless you and Anne and the kids. Thankyou again and keep up the great work both writing, and acting!