November 11, 2016: Day -8

Catedral de Puebla

Doug had a short night last night.  He was not feeling very well with some continued stomach distress.  Morning came way to early.  But he was up by 7:00 and willing to get dressed and get ready for his visit from a nurse.  I am happy to report that he had no fever and while his blood pressure was just a little elevated.  He received his 3rd shot.

Soon after his nurse left, our house keeper arrived.  An hour and a half-later she was ready to leave having cleaned our whole apartment.  I have to say I could get spoiled by this.  She even cleaned the crumbs out of the toaster!

The short night and the chemo left Doug very tired.  He put his feet up on the couch and fell sound to sleep. After waking he felt a little better but still pretty worn out.  We had planned on going to see the old part of the city of Puebla with the rest of our group, but he decided he should stay back and rest but wanted me to go and so I  did and am so glad I did.

Puebla is a very pretty old city with much history.  We went up to the Old Fort where there is a museum and monument of Cinco de Mayo.  It is on a hill with a beautiful view of the city.  Then we went down into old town, stopping for smoothies, coffee and Italian sodas and then off to a Basilica that was built in the 1500s.  It was magnificent, with beautiful gold leaf, chandeliers, a huge pipe organ, and beautiful paintings.  A beautiful city square is outside the cathedral with a lovely fountain, trees, plants and lots of people visiting, shopping and playing.  We wondered down the street to an outdoor market to do a little shopping for tradition

goods.  It was very fun to see the beautiful pottery, jewelry, woven blankets, purses and souvenir items.  Then we were off to a traditional Mexican restaurant.  I had mole because it is a specialty in Puebla. It was delicious.  I brought some mole enchiladas back to Doug.  He was ready to eat by the time I got back and loved them. Hopefully by Monday, maybe we can try to make a short trip downtown so that he can see the old city.

Our evening nurse arrived at about 8:00.  She followed the same routine as yesterday and this mornning.  And once again I am happy to report that Doug has no temperature, his blood pressure is just a little high and he is feeling better tonight.  However, I think we will make an early night and try to catch-up on a little lost sleep for me as well.

The  Doors at the Cathedral of Puebla

Holy One, we give you thanks for the beauty and diversity that surrounds us.  We give you thanks for the ability and the opportunity to see you in new ways, through new people and places in our lives. We thank you for caring hands and warm hearts that help to heal and sustain us in our hope of healing.  Be with us as we sleep this night. Watch over us and give us your peace that we might awake rested and ready for the hope that comes with a new day.  In your name we ask it.  Amen