august update

Brian had his PET scan and is heading to Philadelphia to meet with Dr. Nasta to review the results on Wednesday 8/28.

We'll post updates after that.

We have some issues with his mental health that are trying to get addressed, but it is a little easier said then done. He is not 100% committed to addressing them. We've had a few false starts in getting him the right kind of care, and obviously my ability to physically drag him off is not possible.

I have had personally a difficult summer physically and I have had to focus on that, simply because my body gave me no other choice and since there is no one else to step up and care for Brian, I had to give myself attention first. Xrays, MRI, blood tests later, it looks like either my immune disease is progressing or I am having a wicked flare. In any event, I have severe tendonitis in my shoulder and upper arm that is on week 9 of healing, and forced me back on prescription pain killers. However, it is making improvements after a series of injections, medications, steroids and even some antibiotics.

The cat rescue continues to progress....I am at the point now where as soon as I have the funds necessary I can file the paperwork, which is filed out and ready to go. The funds as always..the issue...lol

hope you all have enjoyed your summer.

updated schedule

Brian:

PET scan 7/24

Univ. of Phila....Dr. Nasta  8/28

unless something changes because of the PET scan results.


it's very hot here this week....I guess it is very hot pretty much everywhere this week.

My shoulder is still a problem and now is infected as well..so the steroid injections did cause cellulitis....but I have started the PT exercises, they hurt but seem to be helping a little....still ice, ibuprofen pretty much 24/7, but I have been able to reduce to usage of the dilaudid to almost none, so the pain is getting better...and I am just stubborn and won't take the rx. pain pills unless I am crawling out of my skin in pain anyhow. Certain things still cause immense pain, sitting up straight at the desk and bending over..must just position the shoulder to press on the inflamed tendons.

but I had the xrays and I had the mri so that is it...I am done with the DR. thing...lol...seriously unfortunately I don't seem to just be able to ignore this one.

short update

Brian had his 27th birthday.....how awesome we have been blessed to have him with us that long :)
we had his favorite cake...chocolate cake filled with vanilla custard and fresh strawberries covered in whipped cream. ....ever so yummy.

Spoke with Dr. Nasta's assistant yesterday, she doesn't want to bother with the CAT scan this month, just go right to the PET scan....WOW and holy shit does that make me concerned.

waiting for that other shoe to drop.

Scott is not dealing with the stress well again, got in trouble at work..again..got suspended for a day and they took his 4 hours a week overtime away for a minimum of 3 months...because when you have someone who is already stressed to the max and in financial ruin it helps so much to take another $500.00 a month out of their pocket....idiot fuckers.

yes bitch bitch bitch....and show me where I don't have the right, and I'll tell you to come live my life for a month and have to listen to all the people who say they want to help and never do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN

WOOHOOO.....

these milestones are such important ones....and Scott and I are taking the birthday boy out for lunch...and we got his favorite cake :)

We are the three musketeers....stick together no matter how bad things get....days like these are good reminders.

and yes although my shoulder is still very swollen and in great pain, I love him enough to struggle through and put on a bra...(that is SERIOUS LOVE considering the condition of my shoulder right now)

the spring blues

Brian is kind of having a rough time, feeling like he is all alone in this battle...I am pretty sure he would appreciate a card or a quick note to encourage....

He's been in this battle for his life for 13 years now, and it gets to him...it gets to all of us. He feels very much frustrated and discouraged.

Brian McColgan
3606 Heather Lane
Tobyhanna PA 18466

may showers

so I haven't updated in a few weeks..things here haven't really been good. Scott is having a rough time again, he feels the stress more quickly these days and the issues with the car hasn't helped take off any of the pressure.

I had hoped we'd get some money to fix the car, but that didn't happen, my trying out other selling sites then ebay hasn't really been successful...so it is a bit of frustration.

Brian is sure he is schizophrenic, and while in the past I have been able to reason with him, and point him in the right direction as well as remind him he didn't sleep or whatever the issue was, I am simply exhausted and I need someone to take over this aspect of his care, unfortunately he refuses to advocate for himself and doesn't see the need for a psychiatrist or medications. While I hope it doesn't come to it, I'd be lying if I wasn't considering forcing him into it.

both he and scott have taken to chronic pointless arguments with me as well...and while it is easy to to say.. hey how about a little support group or counseling  the practicality of it both in time and money is not so easy. There would also be the fact they both refuse to go.

We've gotten past it before, and I hope we will again, we just really could use a break...it is more the constant droning of money and emotional issues that really fray the edges so badly.

On a positive note, tomatoes, carrots, beets,onions,  raspberries and blueberries are all happy growing...I am still trying to get in another bed for peppers and potatoes. And ideally a bed for asparagus which takes a good 2 years to grow.

the toe you ask?..oh it is as infected as always....and Brian is reminded daily to call the dr. for antibiotics.

He'll be 27 next month...we have begged borrowed and stolen time to get him this far, but we are missing out on enjoying it. Stress the not so silent killer.

general update

Not a whole lot to say...we've been busy planting veggie seeds, trying to de rock the garden...that is about it. It's still pretty cold at night, I am concerned we're going to have a short growing season.

Cat stuff....getting ready for the first adoption event...Not sure Brian is loving the whole cat idea...we'll see...

Had to have scott fix the dishwasher again...what a piece of crap that thing is. I am not sure why we are having some many problems with the appliances...but I suspect we'd do well with a whole house surge protector...

tired this week...Scott and Brian have nasty colds and I think I am fighting it off just fine, but it makes me tired.

But the fresh air is good and so is airing out the house.

Peepers are out at night...very noisy but cute.;