Making a plan

Today was a relatively good day. They rescheduled the medical oncologist appointment for tomorrow because they didn’t want to wear Dave out. It would put him out of bed for 6+ hours instead of 4, but we did meet with the radiation oncologist. He answered every question we have including things about dietary and supplement inclusions and exclusions. They want to start at the end of this week or early next week, we’ll find out more after the medical appt tomorrow. The Dr suggested he stay away from excessive antioxidants while doing radiation. He noted that radiation works through oxidation so why would you put ANTI-oxidants in your body if you want the radiation to work? Good point. He also went through the risks associated with treatment on the spine but assured us that at this dose and only doing one coarse of treatment he doesn’t feel there is a significant risk of major damage. He couldn’t promise that, but they never do. At the end of the appt they tossed Dave up on the table and did some markings and an initial CT to get measurements and sent him on his merry way.

Our spirits are up because there is a plan in the works. They want to move him to rehab tomorrow or Thursday and now we’re hearing that they will likely keep him 1-2 weeks instead of the 4-6 weeks someone freaked me out with the other day. The fact that I’m a stay at home caregiver does a lot to get him home sooner since they don’t have to make him 100% self-sufficient before he leaves their facility. ooh and he gets the staples out of his incision tomorrow! BONUS!

Radiation and Chemo will run concurrently and will likely start at the end of this week or early next week (fingers crossed) and will last 5.5 weeks, he can do that while in the rehab center although he’ll have to be transferred every day. The chemo is relatively gentle so he shouldn’t get too sick or lose his hair or anything. As long as it’s strong enough to make a difference where it counts, that’s all we care about.

Owen is doing really well. He spent some time at his friend’s house after school today and will go there tomorrow. It’s nice to know he’s not hanging out at home alone stewing about things although he’d probably be happy if I’d just leave him alone a little bit. No such luck, pal! We’re very thankful to all the people who have lovingly stepped up to keep him occupied while all this stuff is going on. He really seems to love it although after his whirlwind weekend of fun at the Wolfe house I’m having a heck of a time getting him to sleep on time. HA!

I feel like I'm falling behind with emails and texts. My capacity is a little limited right now so I hope people understand. Please don't take it to mean we don't appreciate and find strength in the messages. I want everyone to know that I read them to Dave and we appreciate all the love and support. My uncle told me, “..you need to face whatever comes your way, and be ready to say, "Thank you, I am the recipient of many, many blessings."” When I first read it I thought that’s a nice sentiment but that he was full of it because this doesn’t feel like a blessing kind of situation. That was 5 very long days ago and right now I can’t even count how many blessings that have presented themselves to us. Our families have rallied around us and we have more amazing friends than we ever realized. (Seriously, I don’t know what we’d do without you) The support structure is almost overwhelming… in a good way. It reminds us not to take people for granted and to count our blessings more regularly. It also reminds me to read the encouraging words with more of an open heart and not dismiss the “buck up little camper” messages out of hand. Overall it’s a good lesson.

Please know that we love hearing from everyone and we know you don’t know what to say… we don’t either. We don’t expect you to be profound but your love and support is really all there is to do right now. Unless you want to clean our house. HA! (thought I’d slip that in there)


Much love!
~M