Dennis’s Story

Site created on January 6, 2021

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Newest Update

Journal entry by Dennis Murphy

OK, so I know I have been away for awhile but I do have some updates to share. Last Jan. 20th we were celebrating our 42nd wedding anniversary and while searching the internet, I started looking for available dates for our Covid-19 vaccination (first dose). I was surprised to find some availability at the 168th St. Armory. Made the appointment and printed out the confirmation while also making a backup appointment at the same location for earlier in the day. When Janet and I arrived, we waited on an exceedingly long line and after two hours, we reached the registration desk. Proudly showing my appointment confirmation, they were not finding my appointment on their computer when they finally advised me that my appointment was for the 21st!. What was worse was my backup appointment was for the 22nd! The look on Janet’s face made it clear that our 43rd wedding anniversary was in severe jeopardy. Being the quick thinker I am, I removed my baseball cap and showed them my scar from brain surgery and they reluctantly let us continue the line for another hour where we received our first vaccination.

At the end of the session, we received our card to come back on Feb. 10th for the second dose and as we left, I noticed there was also an entrance for people with wheelchairs, canes, and other mobility limitations. On the way past, I asked the person at the door if I could use this entrance for the second dose, showed him my scar from the brain surgery and he said Sure! (Mental note made).

The next few days were busy with a CT Scan and MRI scheduled along with a few video visits with Doctors involved with my care including the head of immunotherapy from NY Presbyterian. Then we got our second dose of the vaccination that only took about 20 minutes. Thank you for the mobility limited entrance! Both the scan and MRI did not generate any need for further action which is good news but I still have cancer. I am now on an 8-week schedule for MRI’s to monitor my condition. Next one is in April.

So now with a little time between procedures it is back upstate to see the grandkids, have a belated birthday celebration for my daughter and Aunt Pat and then back to Delaware to catch up with the Happy Hour Men’s Club. Also have a video visit with Doctor McKiernan who performed the initial surgery tomorrow. Key question for him is how long before my condition progresses, either good or bad. Extremely interested in that discussion.

Will update when more info develops.

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