More Sad News!

Today we received news that Brian's older brother Greg was found dead in his apartment. He has been mentally and physically disabled for several years. We pray that he may rest in peace now and be with his father and mother. It has been hard for the family to see him self destruct over the past years. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

Brian is planning to fly back to CTCA on August 15th to have his initial radiation mapping done in preparation for radiation therapy to his neck. He will travel alone, while I finish up with teaching my class. The mapping and plastic mask that will hold his head in place takes a few days to complete so he will fly home during the post setup phase. Then the next week we both will both fly to CTCA to stay for the duration (2 1/2 weeks) of the radiation therapy. Unfortunately, Brian is having more difficultly with nausea, eating and fatigue. We look forward to Brian getting some relief from these symptoms from planned treatment.

There is sad news in the garden front too! The grasshoppers have taken their toll. They have devoured the bean blooms, zucchini plant, and carrot tops. 

Trying to Remain Afloat!

Trying to remain afloat in a sea of bad news. Brian's test results from scans and EGD scope was not what we wanted to hear. His cancer has definitely progressed and the chemotherapy did not help at all. He has a tumor on his right side of his neck that is pressing on his internal jugular vein. No wonder he has been having head and ear aches! It probably is causing his fatigue, dizziness, nausea and lack of stamina. Also, the doctor found a new tumor above the one that they had radiated in 2009 in his esophagus since his last EGD in the fall. There are some options, and when Brian comes home tomorrow we will start to discuss them. One is radiation to the specific area since the tumor is inoperative due to its proximity to his vein. Keep our family in your prayers as Brian decides what he wants to do.

Paqui has done a wonderful job keeping track of all the information that was provided at the CTCA. She has kept Jessamyn and me updated throughout the day and has kept a level head about emotional issues. Jessamyn and the boys also have been a support to me while I remained home due to teaching my class. Jessamyn arrived Monday and was with me when I found out about Brian's test results. Thank you both for helping Brian and I, you are the GREATEST! I will keep you all posted on what course of action Brian chooses. For now he just wants to come home and regroup.

59 Wishes for Brian!

 

It was Brian's birthday yesterday with 59 wishes being given for many more years and experiences to behold. Paqui, Zeyda, Jessamyn, Taylen, Jarret, Andrea and Joy all enjoyed breaking bread with the birthday boy. It was a hot, 100 degrees by the thermometer so Zeyda and Sunny decided to take a dip. We had fun eating and telling stories of old. Zeyda is quite a diva, don't you think?

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Where has the time flown? It's our country's birthday again. Brian and I are planning to spend the Fourth with Jessamyn and the Voss families at the Box L ranch again this year. Saturday night Brian is playing with the Haywaddies for a wedding at a dance hall in Norden NE. We will stay in Valentine NE before heading to the ranch on Sunday. At the ranch we will  fish, rest and enjoy the fireworks display. The Voss family is gracious enough to let us stay at the hunting lodge where we can observe the diverse wildlife that ranges through the yard.

It has been a crazy week with many domestic mishaps. Some kind of Voodoo curse of the house, I suppose. When we returned from our last trip at CTCA I noticed the ants were on the march on the kitchen counters. Ants traps were purchased and crumbs were eliminated. Then in the pantry I noticed evidence of measly mice, also in our cupboards and under the stove compartment. Rodent bait was placed and still busy mice were underfoot. Cats were made to stay in at night and still busy mice were underfoot. Even got to see a tail one morning. After numerous cleaning details with escalating frustration, I purchased some sticky traps (covered so I won't have to see the measly mouse). Hopefully, with all battle stations ready my measly mice problems will fade away.

Next as if fighting a battle with a mouse isn't bad enough, our water well pump stop working. Brian and I had to haul water from the horse well to home viva the golf cart. Fortunately, it was just a switch  problem in the house and not the pump going out. Water was restored by evening. The final straw came when as I was mowing our lawn and the mower's hydrostatic transmission decided to go out. What usually takes 2-3 hours to mow turned out to take 5-6 hours.  I said enough is enough! Today we are the proud owners of a new 48" deck, 21 horse, zero turn Hustler Sport mulching mower. Yeah, one for us!

Finally, Brian is feeling better from the last chemo session. Hopefully, now he will be able to bulk up some! It is the season for ice cream, smoothies, shakes and malts.

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July!