August 5 - Aruba therapy

Never thought I would be in Aruba at the start of this year!  Jan and I had the thought that we needed to get away for our 40th anniversary.  So...the four day getaway to Aruba.

 Aruba is a small island along the north coast of Venezuela.  It was a former Dutch colony getting independence in 1986. The people here are quite friendly and interesting.  Many with Dutch, South American, Spanish, African and Portuguese ancestry (but all fiercely ARUBAN!).  Most on the island speak 4 languages... English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamentu. As I'm told - Papiamentu (or Papiamento) is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, and it also has some Arawak Indian and African influences. Papiamentu is one of the few Creole Languages of the Caribbean that has survived to the present day.  FYI (as examples) - please is 'porfabor' (Spanish-like) and thank you is 'danke' (a strong Dutch root) and 'bon appetit' (you know that one).   Such an interesting island with interesting people..

 The first day I was a dud... Slept 12 hours - but now enjoying the calm west side of the island with Jan.

 Then over to windward and more arid side.... to the Natural Pool (natural pool with waves crashing into it ---- COOL!)
On the MDS front - week #5 of chemo done last week.  I am starting to get the pre-dosing of meds down before the daily chemo.  Hydration, ondansetron (Zofran), loratadine (Claritin), and... Lots of fruit and coffee!  I am now post chemo 7 days and the skin slough on my stomach is in full swing.  Dr. Gemma states my counts are good enough for another bone marrow on the 16th.  If good enough, I just may be a candidate to go to the Johns Hopkins bone marrow translate service.  I hope and pray this is the path God wants me to follow....      Your prayers are felt and appreciated.

 BIBA BON(roughly translated - Live well!)
Tripp

Comments

  1. Sally and Paul EhlersAugust 5, 2017 at 4:29 PM

    Tripp and Jan. Happy 40th! Sure do hope you both have a wonderful vacation and a wonderful celebration of your anniversary! We love you a lot and thank you so much for the updates. We have you in our prayers every single day. God will show you the way!
    Sally and Paul Ehlers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. trippbradd.blogspot.comAugust 7, 2017 at 4:35 PM

      Thanks Sally and Paul.... appreciate your thoughts and prayers!

      Delete
  2. LCAugust 8, 2017 at 7:38 PM

    Dr. Bradd and Jan,
    Glad to hear you gave into the rumors about traveling to Tahiti, Cabo San Lucas and/or Aruba ... sounds like good therapy no matter the destination. Congratulations to you both on your anniversary! I appreciate reading your updates as well.
    I once read somewhere, "the days will fall into place" and I imagine that applies to almost every aspect of life. It sounds like the path you've chosen to follow was laid out for you through your prayers and perseverance.
    Neil & Lorie Showalter

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownAugust 14, 2017 at 9:27 AM

    Congratulations on your 40th anniversary. God is truly with us through the ordeals we face in this life and I know you, Jan and the family know his presence and love maybe now more than ever. And I trust you know the love that so many people have for you guys. Prayers for bountiful blessings as you celebrate your 40th.
    Hugs,
    Bess & Terry Keaton

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 14, 2017 at 9:27 AM

    Congratulations on your 40th anniversary. God is truly with us through the ordeals we face in this life and I know you, Jan and the family know his presence and love maybe now more than ever. And I trust you know the love that so many people have for you guys. Prayers for bountiful blessings as you celebrate your 40th.
    Hugs,
    Bess & Terry Keaton

    ReplyDelete

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