Rudy and Mickey

Rudy is about 80. He has a top-of-the-line, single-cup coffee maker at home and orders from a selection of 250 different types of coffee (yes, Fair Trade is included) from his computer at home. He knows how to use a sewing machine and stitch. He prefers to iron his own shirts, now that they make wireless irons. He talks fast. He likes pets. His pants are polyesther. Back when he lived in Chicago, he saw Perry Como perform live.

Rudy has a wife, Mickey. That isn't her real name, its the name she decided that she wanted when she was 4, and began refusing to respond any other name henceforth. Mickey likes to sew. She shares Rudy's liberal political views and they attend a local Episcopal church. Her first husband died 30 years ago, quickly. She likes to drive her cars until they just fall apart. Tonight Rudy and Mickey are planning to watch "Slumdog Millionaire", and they are waiting for "Milk" to arrive via Netflix.

Rudy enjoys life "by the quality, not the quantity", which is an interesting thing to hear out of an 80 year old man's mouth while he is receiving chemotherepy. That's why he likes his port-a-cath, so that he doesn't have to ever have an IV started again. He is on his second round of chemo, and he is yet to vomit once!

Rudy and Mickey are gonna save us a seat in their chemo room tomorrow.

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I woke up today without a clue what to expect. It was Matt's first day of chemo. We arrived at the doctors office at noon. We had packed heavy, preparing for hours of boredom. We were NOT enthused to learn that we would have ROOM MATES (!!!) in the chemo room! We sat down expecting and awkward, silent afternoon with two strangers. We left at 5:00 pm, having gained two new friends who have renewed my faith that there are some really kick-ass people in this world.

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Chemo Report, Day One: Obviously, we like our room mates. Matt is tolerating everything well so far and is feeling fine. Big thanks to all of the people who have sent well wishes, prayers, gifts, cards, and disinfectants (you know who you are :p) We love you all, and I will keep you updated as things progress. Mad props to Matt for downing enough water lately to drown a fish. I am so proud of you :)



Chemo does not include free Wi-fi, but it does include free, fresh, coffee (thanks to Ralph down at Fatz for donating the cups) and all the nasty Laura Lynn powdered creamer your heart desires. We have GOT to remember to bring our own creamer tomorrow.