thursday update

Brian's had a pretty good week, but he's had some headaches.

I had a brief conversation with someone today who seemed very surprised that a well known cancer group didn't help with Brian's expenses. I was sadly amused, as I ran into this when Brian was sick before as well. For some reason, there are a lot of people out there who think that the well known groups such as the american cancer society and the lymphoma and leukemia foundation actually assist patients with many expenses. This is simply not the case. We have received a total of $150.00 in aid from the L&L and nothing from ACS. Trust me, it is not because of our tax bracket...these groups simply do not help financially...they help with literature..and sometimes counseling and support groups.
What they do with all their donations, I can only guess.,but it sure doesn't go to patients...I know they claim a lot goes to research.

when Brian was sick as a child, we got a small amount reimbursed from L&L (less then the $150.00) and no other assistance from any other cancer group. When Brian completed his treatment, we did get a vacation courtesy of the Make a Wish foundation. They were a group that helped as they claim to.

what a day

today was not a very good day. Scott has not been dealing very well with the stress of everything and today he almost lost his job...wouldn't that have fucked the pooch....while I understand being overwhelmed, I am unsympathetic to his specific issue at work. He did it to himself. and he's been lying to me about getting to work on time. (that is what the issue is).
to make things worse, Brian feels like it is his fault that Scott is stressed out. When the fault entirely lies with Scott, he needs to actually deal with his problems and feelings.
He has 3 months to prove he can get to work on time otherwise, his job and everything it supports, will be gone.
For the first time in a very long time, I feel concerned for us as a big picture....I resent the additional stress this places on us and how it makes both Brian and Stephanie feel. I think he needs to go to the doctor and get some happy pills ASAP.

weekend update

Brian is back on vitamins, he's happy about that...he's also started some of the supplements to help with the chemo brain, we're starting to see those effects again, but last time it was several years into it before we knew about the helpful supplements. Some are expensive, but I got him some to tide him over until I get to costco, they are less expensive in larger quantities there. I wouldn't get them if we hadn't seen the helpful effects last time and now even the dr.s know to suggest them...

Brian had some decent energy yesterday, and was very helpful with chores, but when he got tired, he got very cranky, so I will have to remind him not to burn it all off....we do not want him cranky.

thursday oncology visit

It's late and I'm tired, a long day of driving, almost 7 hours in the car, due to traffic and road construction and just the distance....

The visit went well and Brian's labs were good, his white count is a little low again, but nothing too concerning. His platelets dropped a little too, but are still within normal range.

I was concerned when Brian wanted to discuss what treatment options he might have if the PET scans shows lymphoma still...he has not mentioned anything that indicated he feels like the cancer is still in his body, and he is very attuned to his body. Not sure where that is heading....
In any event, the PET scan needs to be scheduled for 4 weeks from now and we will be returning to U of P Oct. 28 for a visit and to discuss the results of that testing.
Brian gets a lab reprieve, they are going to let him go all month without having to have labs done. Thank goodness...his veins are shot and he can use the break.

The brakes on my car went on the way home, we were almost home, we stopped to get some brake fluid, but it didn't help....guess that will be tomorrow's fire to put out. Scott can't catch a break and he's not wearing it well any longer...stress is a bitch master for sure.

Stephanie went hiking on the Appalachia trail today with her new beau..boy is she sore tonight and I'm pretty sure if I looked in her room, I'd find her face down still in her clothes out cold....but she had a great time and said it was beautiful. She needs better footwear though...she turned her ankle and after 2 breaks, I don't want ankle troubles again.

so the doctors are Uof P are very pleased with Brian's recovery so far, and in 5 weeks, we'll know if the cancer is in remission...so all good.

Monday update

Brian's 60 day post stem cell transplant is thursday in Philadelphia. He appears to me to be doing well, but without any pet scan so far, it's hard not to wonder what's going on in his body.

We've all decided as a family to rebuilt the transmission on Steph's car...we've never done it before ,but we can't find a used one from a junkyard and we can't afford to have it done....it will be like game night..only longer...and greaser...and more complicated....Scott didn't want to do it, but we all voted and he got outvoted 3 to one...

I had dinner last week with Stephanie's new paramour....he is nice and has a good sense of humor. It was a nice evening out with Steph...and I didn't embarrass her at all....

saturday update

Brian is excited about the cool weather, the possibility of having enough energy to help decorate for halloween and my promise to get the tank filled so we can grill some dinner.

it looks like it will be a nice weekend here and I am going to just focus on things I can control and not fret about the things I can't....for a day or so...

thursday update

today we all went for a drive to Scranton area.
It was just a short trip of a couple of hours, but we got out, got some fresh air and saw something new for a little bit.
it improved all of our dispositions.