Friday, November 20, 2009 7:27 PM, CST

Karen and I got up and walked about 1.5 miles then saddled up for the ride to UAMS.

At 10:00 am, we arrived at 7C as it is called for our next “remove“. The name kind of reminds you of a maximum security unit in some gangster movie. However, it is a very nice clean place..all the RN’s are on it and explain everything . The rooms are semi-private which is very nice.

I was first asked would I like something to drink..After some deep thought I replied “ well yes, a dry dirty gin martini Tankeray with a slice of line on the side.” Well I must say we all got along fine after that request. Some RN’s came by the room and said “we have heard about you”.

It must be the Smith gene ..I really don’t know….should I run for Governor?

Anyway, got the chemo done in about 2 hours. Karen and I went straight to a BBQ joint and stuffed BBQ and fries ..yum yum..still ain’t as good as Linseys or mine. Then we went to a Kroger to get supplies for the coming days…just preparing.

Karen and I would like to say..while it is physically impossible to call and email each on of you..we want you to know how much good it does to our souls to feel the reaching out of all of you. Just wanted to say a heart felt thanks!!

I feel the need to explain the “Aunt Bet” remarks for those who do not know the real humor when she is referenced by many. My Aunt Bet is truly a world traveler. She will leave at least once a year and stay gone for 3- 4 months at a time. Most do not even know where she goes. We have a very big family on my Mother Myrts side 12 brothers and sisters, dads side 8. So throw in kids, grandkids, gggrandkids ..well its a lot of people in this family.

Well every time OUR AUNT BET goes on a trip, someone in the family ups and dies. We do not mean to hurt feelings, But I am truly, constantly and totally interested in her travel plans. I need to know!!!!! Now you may see some humor somewhere in this…..no problem to me.

Tonight am reviewing a 2005 Pinot Noir Bourgogne from J Sanders…price $9.00 bucks. Has a very nice nose, exhibits earthy taste on tongue…hints of smelly socks..give it a 89MAF drink now.

　

SIDENOTES AND VICIOUS RUMORS

• It ain’t hard to quit …I’ve quit a thousand times …Mark Twain
• Rumor has it Aunt Bet ain’t traveling this year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• You become what you think about.. Earl Nightingale
• As a man think. So is he…Jesus
• This country needs a third party
• New Zealand looks pretty good..never see that country in the nutty CNN news
• I need to write a book.
• Arkansas and Alabama share the same road engineering group
• Continue to pray for our country ..All through my life many wasteful things have come out of DC but it seems now the dam has burst ….who are these people?

Cheers from Little rock

Mark and Karen

PS:

Some have ask about this treatment. .. Mark will have 4 days of high chemo - the nurse likened it to a shotgun blast compared to the first chemo that was a pistol shot. On the 5th day they will give him between 3 and 5 million stem cells - it is determined by many factors including his height and weight. The cells look just like a unit of blood and will be administered in the same way as a blood unit would be. This same process of chemo and transplant will be repeated in around 6 to 8 weeks. It is referred to as tandem transplants. The left over stem cells will be saved in the event that Mark might need some in the future. The weeks after the stem cell transplants will be the hardest. We are preparing mentally and physically to take the best care possible of Mark. I have met some people (mostly women J ) that have very few problems. We are praying for this outcome.

He will have more chemo in later months, but it will be low dosage and hopefully very manageable. We are still praying hard for the “Cure”.

Love to you all,

Karen