First Round of March Chemo!

Today was the first doctors/chemo appointment of March for Joe.  Since the new Duke Cancer Center is now open, todays appointment also included a feast for the eyes of the beautiful new facility.  But before I get to that, here's what the doctor had to say.  Joe's counts were very good today.  The "quasi" anemia that Joe had been starting to develop seems to have abated somewhat so that was good news as well.  Joe got to see Dr. Zafar and Leigh Howard today so that was a double treat.  His appointment for labs was for 7:20 but by 7:17 he was already done with the lab portion and down in the food court for his breakfast.  The reason why it was so quick is that many of the doctors have already moved to the new Duke Cancer Center.  The GI doctors won't move for another couple of weeks so that left the old clinic rather empty, not that we are complaining.  Chemo moves next week as well as the lab for blood work.  I "facetimed" in for this appointment since I will be missing part of the day next Thursday for a required CE class that I have to take to keep my real estate license current.  Missing part of 2 Thursdays in a row would not be a good thing.  But I got to ask my questions, reminded him about the refills on the meds needed and basically accomplished what I needed to do or know from the comfort of my office.

But now for the good stuff.  Wait until you see this beautiful new facility.  It has everything from a boutique for cancer patient supplies, hair & makeup salon to make those dealing with cancer feel better about how that look, mood/reflection room with really cool blue ambient light, a gorgeous lobby and waiting rooms, a grand piano where a pianist sets a calming feel for everything, and many more stunning features.  What I like most is the wood work throughout that mimics the feel of Duke Chapel's spirals and architecture.  The outside which is mostly glass does not adequately convey the beauty that is inside (but the outside is very striking mind you).

Ok, so here come the photos.  Please indulge me, we've been watching this building go up for the last 17+ months and it's finally done.

The front of the new Duke Cancer Center

Obviously, just a sign inside the lobby.

The lobby of the Duke Cancer Center(note long fire place on the right)

The aforementioned fireplace in the lobby.



This is my favorite architectural feature.  The wood spiral like arches throughout that mimic Duke Chapel and Duke's campus.

The spiral at the bottom of the stairs.  I'm sure it has some significance, but haven't figured that out.

The grand piano is right next to the spiral.  No one playing this morning.  You just know Joe wanted to go have a sit.  He should have!

The cancer center has it's own cafe so you don't have to go to the Duke Clinic food court if you don't want to for something to eat (but the food court has a bigger variety)

The cafe itself.  Nice bright colors and tons of light.

The registration area/waiting area for lab work.

Need to sit in quiet and relect, they have a beautiful place for that too!

In need of some fresh air on a beautiful day.  There is plenty of outdoor space to catch some rays, relax or have a meal.

Joe attempted a short video of the fireplace.  I emphasize SHORT.  But you get the idea.

The facility is beautiful, has state of the art equipment, the same caring staff and although we would prefer not to have to be making the trips to the clinic at all, if we have too, the new Duke Cancer Center definitely offers an atmosphere where you can get excellent care in gorgeous surroundings.  A big THUMBS UP from Joe and Jeff.

Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and words of support.  We owe everyone so much in the way of thank you.