Out in Limbo Again!

Brian and I have spent a couple of long days here at CTCA waiting on Brian's next treatment course of action. His oncologist, Dr. Neelam, doesn't think proceeding with the current chemical concoction in his chemo has been effective against his nodes in his neck. She states that some form of radiation or Brachytherapy might work but we need to talk with Dr.Vashi who was going to do his scope (EGD). So we talked with Dr.Vashi about Brachytherapy and Brian is not currently a candidate because he still has nodes involved outside of primary cancer site where Brachytherapy is done. So the radiation department is sending for detailed mapping charts of Brian's former radiation treatment at Scottsbluff before Brian is able to see the radiologist oncologist for possible radiation to neck nodes. Dr.Vashi cancelled the scope for he didn't feel it was necessary due to Brian's negative PET and CT scans results and lack of symptoms. He wants to get a biopsy of one of the nodes to determine exactly what it is and test specium for what chemicals it might respond to in order to kill it if cancer. Brian and I were then directed to talk with a surgeon, Dr. Sanchez. The plan has developed to do a biopsy of one of his nodes Monday and then fly home Tues. It will take up to seven days to get results back from biopsy and tests. All this is a little deserting since we are three weeks from taking the big trip to Hawaii and New Zealand. Hopefully we will be able to go and can proceed with treatments when we get home. However, we will do what ever is right for Brian's best interest.

Brian and I will be hanging around the Chicago area and will try and entertain ourselves either by renting a car and sight seeing or by taking the train downtown to Chicago. Bye for now and we will keep you posted how the biopsy went.

Play Off Sunday

Getting ready for the super of super football games. No doubt you know what I will be doing today. Watching the pro football games of America. It is amazing that I have become so interested in football. Even Brian who has never been a true fan has capitulated to the memorizing effects of football. Maybe it is because our older bodies yearn for the excitement of mash, bash entertainment without the pain of it all.

Brian has spent the weekend in Kearney NE with the Bree, Wallace (Haywaddies) performing at the Nebraska Fair Managers Convention. I elected to stay home (no room in the inn) to do chores and prepare for our next trip to Zion (CTCA). We leave this coming week for CTCA. Brian is to have another EGD scope and treatment. Hopefully we will find out more about this Brachytherapy his doctor has suggested.

We are counting down the time until our big trip to paradise. Finally we will be able to go to somewhere warm, fun and exciting!

The Celebration of Life

We celebrated both girl's birthdays on Saturday evening. A rotisserie turkey did the trick. Comfort cheesy scalloped potatoes and veggies were also in order. Of course, the ice cream cake made the evening complete. It will be 36 years since a labor of love brought little Paqui into the world and 34 years since Jessamyn arrived. Both were born in January and I wonder what sparked Brian and my imaginations. May must have been spring or at least an awakening out of winter's hibernation and its long winter's nap.

Excitement is arousing and I am starting to think about the actual trip to New Zealand and Hawaii. What to wear and what to take. How many pairs of shoes and what type of weather will we encounter. Fortunately, I have hewed my packing skills since traveling to CTCA and Maine. We won't be taking the proverbial kitchen sink. I am an organizer while Brian is more laid back and likes to pack the night before. No doubt I will be ready at least by the week before with all my possessions carefully out and ready to fold.

Last week we had -20 degree weather and this week it has been in the 40's. This morning it is raining and very close to sleet. I let Rico out and the cement is slippery and dangerous. My morning ritual of spa therapy will be in order, but with a wide brimmed hat. I enjoy getting up early and watching the sun come up with coffee in hand in the spa. Brian has been awaking late and I have time to read, meditate and shop on line in peace. Ha!

CTCA Health News

Brian and I flew to the CTCA Tuesday. Tests (PET,CT and labs) were done and the news isn't what we wanted to hear. His 2 lymph nodes are still active in his neck and one is getting a slightly larger. The good news was the spot in his lung has disappeared and there is still no evidence of cancer in his major organs. The oncologist wants Brian to have another EGD (scope of esophagus) next visit and talk with a radiologist about possibly doing some Bradytherapy on the nodes. He had another round of chemo after all the interdisciplinary team appointments today. We will be flying home tomorrow. A follow up visit is scheduled for the last week in January. Brian's doctor feels he will be well enough for us to take our dream trip to Hawaii and New Zealand in February and March. The next seven days Brian will be recovering from his chemo and the cycle continues to keep the monster CA at bay. We are thankful to medical science and the ability to keep his cancer maintained if not cured.

Happy Happy New Year!

I am finally able to post a new entry on the blog for 2011. My Internet has been down related to the New Year"s Eve blizzard we had. Brian and I have been digging ourselves out a little at a time. Age has definitely slowed us down. Did get all my Christmas decorations down while the wind was a whistling. Fortunately, we didn't have any power outage and the TV was still a working. Brian and I were planning on going to a New Years Jam in Lewellen, NE with family and friends, but ended up staying safe and cozy in our home. Temperatures dipped to a -35 below wind chill. Burrrrrrr!

Brian and I had a very Merry Christmas with our family. Many wonderful gifts were to be had and enjoyed. A new single cup coffee maker for the gourmet. Kindles for both Brian and I to fill our time through retirement.

Today we rejoice that we start a new year with new expectations. No resolutions, but many thanks for another year of life. Brian and I are taking life one day, one week, one month at a time. Living life as best we can and enjoying all that we are fortunate enough to have been given.

Happy New Year to all!