June 16, 2014 Departure & Moscow- Day 1

Dana brought Lucy and Desi for a goodbye visit before Fred and I drove from Maryland to New York on Friday. Sari was driving down to Maryland to help with our move.  We met her at State Line Liquors in Delaware and tasted some delicious bourbon and rye with her.  It was great treat to meet be able to see her in Delaware before I left for Moscow.

My last Lucy and Desi hugs for a long time.

My last Lucy and Desi hugs for a long time.

Our amazing visit with Sari at State Line Liquor in Delaware : )

Sari at State Line Liquor in Delaware : )

We spent the night at Marian and Robert’s (sister and brother in law).  My nephew Dorian and his fiance, Amanda brought their sweet Jack Russell Terrier, Molly.  Ella, Kirby and Molly played, but when Molly got a bit nervous, she was happy to be held!  Got to have more puppy hugs before leaving the USA.

Sweet little Molly

Sweet little Molly

We got to the airport in NY and had plenty of time for a refreshing beverage before the flight.  My sister, Marian and my brother-in-law, Robert took great care of me. I kept searching for Andrea and Matt, who had flown in from  Texas.  We did not find them until we were on the airplane.  Her assigned seat was next to my sister!  We made arrangements so she could sit near her husband.  I moved to sit next to my family and all was well.

4. Marian is taking good care of me

Marian knew just what we needed before the flight.

 

Saying goodbye for a while to my husband, Fred!

Saying goodbye for a while to my husband, Fred!

Anastasia met us at the airport looking beautiful as usual.  There was a torrential downpour as we were going to our hotels.  Hotel Vega is really lovely.  The staff spoke English and were exceptionally helpful.
We ate at the hotel for dinner last night and for breakfast today before going to the hospital.
We met Stevie and his wife, Carol in the lobby and left for the hospital for an 11 am arrival.  After many months of anticipation, June 16th finally arrived!
Anastasia and Dr. Fedorenko met us upon our arrival.  Andrea and Matt met us an hour or so later….

Met Stevie at the Vega!

Met Stevie at the Vega!

Calendar in hospital with my arrival date

Anastasia even looks beautiful in her scrubs!

 

Anastasia and Dr. Fedorenko greeted us at the hospital

Anastasia and Dr. Fedorenko greeted us at the hospital

After paying $1000 for testing, we all went to our new ‘home away from home’ for the next 35 days.  Anastasia and Dr. Fedorenko checked in again on all of us.  Dr. Fedorenko told us today we would only get the EKG, but tomorrow a full day of testing starts at 7 am.  Let the testing begin!!!

I am happy to be in room 329 : )

I was happy to be in room 329 : )

 Anastasia makes sure that everything goes smoothly and we understand all our instructions.


Anastasia makes sure that everything goes smoothly and we understand all our instructions.

Anastasia in her office

Anastasia in her office

Marian helped me get settled and decorate.  Robert thought we were thinking clearly enough to turn on the power strip for electricity!

Marian is very organized and helped me put everything away.

Marian is very organized and helped me put everything away.

Dana's artwork helps brighten up the room!

Dana’s artwork helps brighten up the room!

The room has everything necessary for comfort and necessities.  Wifi works well.  Bathroom and shower are convenient.  Haven’t showered yet, but it looks manageable for me.  There is plenty of storage space for dry food items.  I brought a lot because I’ll be here on my own for a while.  Although everyone who will be here helping their loved one has said I would not be alone and they would gladly help me too!!!  Thank you all for your generous offers. There are a few hooks and hangers for clothes and a variety of dishes and utensils.

My room!

My room!

Kitchen area

Kitchen area

lovely hooks and hangers for clothes

lovely hooks and hangers for clothes

comfortable bed

comfortable bed

The fridge is much larger than the college fridge that I was expecting.  Dr. Fedorenko approved the red wine my sister brought to enjoy along with tonights dinner : )
Lunch was vegetable soup, cauliflower, tomato and dark bread.  Dinner was porridge, dark bread and cookies. There are other options with beef and chicken and assorted white breads too that I did not chose.

Nice size fridge and microwave

Nice size fridge and microwave

My first dinner in the hospital.

My first dinner in the hospital.

That’s all for now.  It’s been a long few days.  I’m glad I’m here : )


35 Comments on “June 16, 2014 Departure & Moscow- Day 1”

  1. carol says:

    Good luck, Nancy ♥♥

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  2. Good luck Nancy on your treatment. Give my regards to Dr.F and Anastasia. Looking to your next blog. Take care! 😄

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  3. Joan Cleary says:

    Nancy, The accommodations look great. I’m are with you in spirit and will think of you every morning and night and send you my love.

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  4. Pammi says:

    Great blog Nancy! Murray and I send our very best wishes. Pammi

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  5. Sigrid says:

    Sounds good Nancy ! Must be nice to be there. ! No more wait !

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  6. Meegan Malouf says:

    Love your blog. Prayers for you and Steve as you begin your journey to a new life. All the best my friend.
    xoxo

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  7. suneethsct says:

    Hi Nancy,
    So at last 35 days show has begin to say GoodBye to someone who was with you and you don’t even know since when. But now its time to say DasVidaniya (Ask Anastasia about this word).
    Also say my hello to her and a Big Hello to my/our Dear Dr Fedorenko.
    Keep writing and we all will be cheering you.

    Suneet

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    • Thank you so much Suneet. I’m learning new Russian words and phrases every day!
      Anastasia is a big help, but some sounds are not like anything my mouth can say. I’ll keep trying. I already gave your hello and best wishes to Anastasia. I saw Dr. Fedorenko a few times today, but will give him your message the next time I see him!

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  8. Nancy, Thanks for sharing your journey and all the lovely pictures. Your doctor is much younger than I expected!! 🙂 !! Sending you hugs and prayers thru the internet!! Stay strong and keep smiling! Love you!! Jeannie

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    • Jeannie! Dr. Fedorenko is young, and has been doing HSCT for many years. He is very a knowledgeable, dedicated and caring doctor. His mentor, Dr. Novik, taught him well. I’m so glad I’m able to see a doctor who cares so much about his patients well being.
      Thank you for your love and prayers. xoxo
      Nanct

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  9. Grace says:

    Good luck Nancy! My prayers are with you.

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    • Grace!!! There’s no place like home, but being here will make life at home much easier eventually. Hope to be strong enough one day to walk on the beach!
      Thank you for your prayers and your good wishes.

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  10. sandra dzmura says:

    I loved your blog. send information it is great to hear you in such happy spirits. much love and luck and hugs to you

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  11. Colleen Hughes says:

    Hi Nancy! I am so looking forward to following your healing journey. Must love and prayers sent to you. Love, Colleen Hughes

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  12. Darren holt says:

    Hi nancy. Steve is my big brother. Please give him a hug from me. Wishing you, stevie and all the others being treated for this dreadful disease all the best and hope you all get better soon. X.

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    • Hey, Darren! So nice to hear from Steve’s brother. It was really great to finally meet him and Carol in person. We are hall mates for the next few weeks and it will make our time here easier for sure. Going to hug him today from you : )
      Nancy

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  13. Joan Hatfield says:

    Nancy, I love your blog. already there one day and lots of friends, that’s our nancy. Take care of yourself. Love you, Joan

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  14. Linda and Tom Davenport says:

    So glad you are on the journey to better health. You look great! You are brave and will conquer with such a positive attitude. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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    • Linda and Tom, I’m not feeling brave, just ready to get the treatment I need here, come home, and start healing and gaining strength. You know I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. Sending my love to you two, Jane, Ellen and Dennis!

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  15. Farshid Bsr says:

    Happy to see you fighting 🙂 Good luck Nancy.

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  16. judisjourney says:

    Nancy, I can’t wait to meet you, Andrea, and Stevie. Are the doors in the room/bathroom large enough for the rollator?

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    • Judi, We will be the welcome committee for you! My rollator fits well in the room, but the bathroom doors are a bit too narrow for it. I’ve been fine with it. I guess there are walls to hold on to and it’s not been a problem.

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  17. Joan Rhoades says:

    OH NANCY!!! I am so glad to hear from you…I am so moved (to tears) fro your courage and high spirits. Inspiring, my dear!!! Thanks for keeping those of us “stateside” up to date…you are in our thoughts and prayers… ❤

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