Wife Beat Breast Cancer and Now Beating Brain Cancer (4 Viewers)

[Chadstroma]

I sat my two oldest kids down last night and told them everything. They handled it extremely well. They asked a few questions and my daughter was fighting crying most of the time which made me keep watering up. My son was holding back a lot until I gave him a hug and then he cried a bit.

My daughter had a bit of a heads up unfortunately. She was at a friend's house while I had my boys at their swim meet. Earlier I had emailed my kids teachers, their principal and counselor to let them know. The school offered to set up a meal tree/donation thing which was good since I am sick of eating out already from Sat plus it really takes a chunk off your plate when you are acting as a single parent trying to keep your kids lives "normal". When the email went out, the mother of my daughter's friend reached out to my SIL to see what was happening etc. My SIL told her and then her daughter saw the text and then of course said something to my daughter. The mother texted me to apologize and was going to have her daughter apologize but I told her it wasn't needed. Not ideal but it wasn't done maliciously of course.

She is in pre-op now and will be heading into surgery in about 30 minutes.

Prayers please.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Hope everything goes as well as it can, gb. You've BOTH got this.

 

[Chadstroma]

Started roughly 30 min ago. Dr expects 4 hours.

 

[Chadstroma]

We just talked to the Doctor. It went well. There was a little extra bleeding so they did an extra procedure to make sure it all drains out well. So, she will be at the hospital for a few more days. Come home sometime next week. But it went all very well and is all good news.

 

[Battersbox]

We just talked to the Doctor. It went well. There was a little extra bleeding so they did an extra procedure to make sure it all drains out well. So, she will be at the hospital for a few more days. Come home sometime next week. But it went all very well and is all good news.

Wonderful to hear. Praying for you and your family.

 

[FairWarning]

Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time @Chadstroma

 

[The Gator]

Thinking of you and your family my man.

 

[John123]

Thanks for the update. Glad it went well.

 

[bigbottom]

So glad to hear that the procedure went well Chad.

 

[Judge Smails]

Glad to hear it went well. Stay positive brother

 

[Corporation]

We just talked to the Doctor. It went well. There was a little extra bleeding so they did an extra procedure to make sure it all drains out well. So, she will be at the hospital for a few more days. Come home sometime next week. But it went all very well and is all good news.

Praying for you and your family

 

[3C's]

Hopefully going well today, getting rest and feeling well.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Using all my prayer power today for your wife. I usually reserve them for field goals and fourth and longs but this seems like a better use of them.

 

[Chadstroma]

My good friend had a non-cancerous tumor removed from her brain about a year ago. It was totally squishing her brain from one side. They opened up her skull, cut away the tumor and put the skull back in place. She's doing awesome now. It's scary as hell, but you and your family will get through this.

I never talked about it here but my wife has/had a cavernous malformation in her brain. She started suffering from non-stop headaches (8 years ago) and finally saw her PCP who sent her directly to get a scan which led to an immediate trip to the ER. She had an aneurysm which led to a hemorrhage in the brain which was close to blocking her spinal cord. The thought of brain surgery was scary for sure but she came through just fine, though I do kid her that they sucked out part of her brain (true sort of) and it shows.

I kept asking the Neurologist.... are you sure this wouldn't affect her memory? (Her memory has been SO very bad and declining well after chemo stopped) He says no because this part of the brain is the balance, walking, etc part. I don't know what her excuse is then.

She has been unintentionally gas lighting me for a while telling me I didn't tell her something or she told me something... I thought it was my memory that was going for a while.

 

[Chadstroma]

Hopefully going well today, getting rest and feeling well.

I was wiped out this morning. Everything from Sunday on to last night where I just was one autopilot of get things done and not think about the emotional, mental and physical toll caught up with me this morning. She isn't the type to expect me to be there (she didn't visit me at all when I was in the hospital a few months ago- lol) so, I am catching my breath, picking up a little around the house, get some laundry done and rest my back before I head over for a couple of hours. I believe her sister went over in the morning but haven't got any updates which is good because there should be no updates.

 

[Chadstroma]

Using all my prayer power today for your wife. I usually reserve them for field goals and fourth and longs but this seems like a better use of them.

Maybe you can spare a little for football if I send you my fantasy team rosters?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Using all my prayer power today for your wife. I usually reserve them for field goals and fourth and longs but this seems like a better use of them.

Maybe you can spare a little for football if I send you my fantasy team rosters?

Show me your rooster!


ETA - Naw man, they’re all hers for awhile.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Thinking of ya brother!

 

[SWC]

hoping the best for you and yours honestly all the best hang tough you got this

 

[Chadstroma]

Wanna see something that will make you go "awwwww"? A text from my 13 year old daughter...

you doing OK? I know you're probably stressed out and stuff so I'm here if you need to talk or anything

She is her mother's daughter.

 

[Mookie]

Wanna see something that will make you go "awwwww"? A text from my 13 year old daughter...

you doing OK? I know you're probably stressed out and stuff so I'm here if you need to talk or anything

She is her mother's daughter.

A gust of dust just blew through my office and now my eyes are watering. Hang in there and best wishes. You will get through this.

 

[D-Day]

My good friend had a non-cancerous tumor removed from her brain about a year ago. It was totally squishing her brain from one side. They opened up her skull, cut away the tumor and put the skull back in place. She's doing awesome now. It's scary as hell, but you and your family will get through this.

I never talked about it here but my wife has/had a cavernous malformation in her brain. She started suffering from non-stop headaches (8 years ago) and finally saw her PCP who sent her directly to get a scan which led to an immediate trip to the ER. She had an aneurysm which led to a hemorrhage in the brain which was close to blocking her spinal cord. The thought of brain surgery was scary for sure but she came through just fine, though I do kid her that they sucked out part of her brain (true sort of) and it shows.

I kept asking the Neurologist.... are you sure this wouldn't affect her memory? (Her memory has been SO very bad and declining well after chemo stopped) He says no because this part of the brain is the balance, walking, etc part. I don't know what her excuse is then.

She has been unintentionally gas lighting me for a while telling me I didn't tell her something or she told me something... I thought it was my memory that was going for a while.

Different parts of the brain affects different parts of the body and/or memory. I am assuming they have tested her liver enzyme levels. With my wife's liver disease, it would give her "brain fog". Her day to day memory wasn't as sharp, and she would have difficulty finding words.

Keep track of what you feel is off, and let the neurologist know. They should be looking at what is causing memory lapses, but you need to help providing clues to where to look.

 

[Chadstroma]

My good friend had a non-cancerous tumor removed from her brain about a year ago. It was totally squishing her brain from one side. They opened up her skull, cut away the tumor and put the skull back in place. She's doing awesome now. It's scary as hell, but you and your family will get through this.

I never talked about it here but my wife has/had a cavernous malformation in her brain. She started suffering from non-stop headaches (8 years ago) and finally saw her PCP who sent her directly to get a scan which led to an immediate trip to the ER. She had an aneurysm which led to a hemorrhage in the brain which was close to blocking her spinal cord. The thought of brain surgery was scary for sure but she came through just fine, though I do kid her that they sucked out part of her brain (true sort of) and it shows.

I kept asking the Neurologist.... are you sure this wouldn't affect her memory? (Her memory has been SO very bad and declining well after chemo stopped) He says no because this part of the brain is the balance, walking, etc part. I don't know what her excuse is then.

She has been unintentionally gas lighting me for a while telling me I didn't tell her something or she told me something... I thought it was my memory that was going for a while.

Different parts of the brain affects different parts of the body and/or memory. I am assuming they have tested her liver enzyme levels. With my wife's liver disease, it would give her "brain fog". Her day to day memory wasn't as sharp, and she would have difficulty finding words.

Keep track of what you feel is off, and let the neurologist know. They should be looking at what is causing memory lapses, but you need to help providing clues to where to look.

Yea, I will push on that more with the doctors. Until talking to the neurologist I figured.... ok, that tracks.... tumor =memory getting worse.

The explanation was after affects of chemo and meds from the breast cancer treatments. But it has gotten worse recently than from when actually in treatment and after.

 

[dickey moe]

Just caught up with this. Prayers for your wife and family ChadS!

 

[Chadstroma]

Everything going as planned in ICU. Still expected out of the ICU on Monday.

She was fully awake, opening her eyes, communicating as normal, etc yesterday. Though I did not go in to see her. My boy refused to go to swim practice which threw off my plan of dropping the boys off at practice and then heading to the hospital for a bit. Might have been a good thing though as my younger son started with a cough and complained about his throat hurting and then my older son complained about his throat being sore this morning. So, I am going to hold off from going to see her as a precaution though I feel fine. I talked to her on the phone last night and she was her normal self, upbeat and of course focused on the kids.

I don't think I mentioned before- the complication was extra bleeding so the result was them putting a drain in her head. To do that, they did shave a portion of her hair in a sport and big enough that I am thinking she is going to have to start all over with her hair which the original plan was her hair would be fine and that was a big thing for her.

Still waiting on the pathology results which will help shape the treatment plan. I do believe that they will want her to have the plastic surgery soon as they are unable to give her an MRI as is and that is not ideal for her. The expectation is that this is the breast cancer- if so I think that that is actually a good thing as there are a number of targeted therapies that can be used that are very effective. There has been talk of more chemo and radiation. I believe Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) but I am guessing as they just mentioned 'radiosurgery'.

Kids have been ok but also not listening to me a little more than usual.... which I don't know is just them feeling their anxiety about Mom or taking advantage.

My SIL who is a nurse is flying out tomorrow. The original plan was for her to be here to help take care of my wife when she got home but she won't be home. However, my SIL is a neat freak and my other SIL and BIL were like "let her come, she will clean the house." It is kind of a blessing and curse as my wife and that particular SIL get at each others throats all the time. The nurse SIL is.... aggravating is maybe a good word.... for the entire family. But I guess this works out well as she will help get the house ready for my wife's return and then be gone before my wife gets home so there is no chance of her pissing my wife off.

After she gets out of the ICU there will be another couple of days she will be in a recovery room. If all goes well, hopefully she will be home on Wed before Turkey Day.

 

[bigbottom]

Chad: Please be sure to make some time for yourself to recharge and reset. Caring for the caregiver is so vitally important. You can’t let your tank go to empty.

 

[Chadstroma]

Chad: Please be sure to make some time for yourself to recharge and reset. Caring for the caregiver is so vitally important. You can’t let your tank go to empty.

Thank you for the reminder and concern.

I was wiped out Thursday. I just couldn't get out of bed basically after getting the kids off to school. Yesterday, I took a muscle relaxer that knocked me back out again and was basically home all day after getting a good amount of sleep. From Sunday to Wednesday, I was pretty much just going and trying to hold it together for the kids. Keeping focused on the kids and keeping moving helped me cope but it absolutely took it's toll on me mentally, emotionally and physically which I didn't really feel until the relief of the operation going well let me exhale a bit.

We have a meal tree set up like we did last time which helps way more than I ever thought it would. Plus, I was really starting to feel the weight of fast food (in every sense of the word). I never knew how much that would help, the first time around when they told me I was like "oh, that's nice." but kind of felt like it was more about people doing something for you so they felt they were doing something than an actual tangible help.... but then I quickly realized how much it really does help to not have to really even think about meals for the kids (I mean, I could always throw together a PB&J or something for myself but can't feed that stuff to the kids all the time). Had some good sloppy Joe's and awesome potatoes a grautin thursday and some good BBQ last night (pulled pork was very good and some good ribs... the kids has some chicken strips and my older son actually had most of the ribs). Infinitely better than McD's, Taco Bell, etc. that I had been living on since Sunday. My stomach just gurggled just typing that. But it just takes a big plate (no pun intended) off the table for me to deal with. I am amazed at how much that helps.

The kids school (beyond the meal tree) does a great job of helping. The teachers make every effort to get the homework done at school so that there is very little if any homework coming home with the kids. They do a lot to make sure the kids are emotionally good at school too.

I canceled my PT last week... this week may be hard to do as well.... so I really need to get some physical doing something in to continue to try to recover in general but also the physical activity makes you feel mentally/emotionally better. Coaching my boys basketball teams does help with that though.

And just typing this stuff out is definitely an outlet for me to help with my emotional/mental well being.

 

[Todem]

Just caught up on this.

All my thoughts and prayers for your wife and family and of course you. I can’t even begin to imagine.

 

[Chadstroma]

She got her phone back and was texting me tonight. Her texts were often.... off.... either a typo or hard to follow or semi confused wording. Nothing way bad but definitely noticeable.

She asked what "activist are scheduled for tomorrow?" which I replied "No activist... I don't believe in them." she laughed and then "I have no idea with my typing and spelling? So maybe that was before the surgery" and I replied that it might have something to do with brain surgery and having a tube coming out of your head.

She said "I'm officially Borg! Or started in Divergent thought having a tube in my head was a fashion statement"

A bunch back and forth but then questioned the kids being sick (she forgot this as she was told yesterday)

She also said that she keeps seeing a woman room (in the was missing) "like the ring"... and that she was sleeping with the light on now. Wasn't sure if it was the anesthesia or pain killers or steroids. (pretty sure it isn't the anesthesia as that is out of her system by now) that must be super freaky for her because she HATES scary movies. I have barely seen any scary movies for the last 15 years because she hates them so much. She freaks just seeing tv commercials for scary movies.

But other than the confusion and memory issues, she was very upbeat, joking with me and in very good spirits. She did say that the nurse told her that she was like a whole different person today from yesterday with sitting up on her own, talking, opening her eyes, etc. So continued improvement.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Some people do take longer to shake off all of the effects of anesthesia than others. The pain killers may be helping out here.

All in all, sounds pretty good to me. That nurse seems smart.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Thinking of you, your wife, your family Chad. You are a strong dude — I know you say that your wife is the strong one, and she does sound amazing!!!! — but you are strong too, and so are your kids. You also have a great support network going on, which is so critical because everyone needs help at some point.

Have been praying for your wife and all of you. My mother always asks “is there anyone I should pray for?” so you’ve got another person out there putting positive energy into the world.

Be well Chad man

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

She asked what "activist are scheduled for tomorrow?" which I replied "No activist... I don't believe in them."

She said "I'm officially Borg!

 

[Chadstroma]

She asked what "activist are scheduled for tomorrow?" which I replied "No activist... I don't believe in them."

She said "I'm officially Borg!

Our texts back and forth the last couple of days basically go like that... like her telling me Bread is going to school so won't be at practice and me replying good, I am tired of eating dumb bread, I hope it gets smart. (Brad my nephew is helping coach with me)

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

She asked what "activist are scheduled for tomorrow?" which I replied "No activist... I don't believe in them."

She said "I'm officially Borg!

Our texts back and forth the last couple of days basically go like that... like her telling me Bread is going to school so won't be at practice and me replying good, I am tired of eating dumb bread, I hope it gets smart. (Brad my nephew is helping coach with me)

My first thought was the music group. You could have told her you'd found her diary underneath a tree. But you lot are probably too young for that to mean anything.

 

[Chadstroma]

She asked what "activist are scheduled for tomorrow?" which I replied "No activist... I don't believe in them."

She said "I'm officially Borg!

Our texts back and forth the last couple of days basically go like that... like her telling me Bread is going to school so won't be at practice and me replying good, I am tired of eating dumb bread, I hope it gets smart. (Brad my nephew is helping coach with me)

My first thought was the music group. You could have told her you'd found her diary underneath a tree. But you lot are probably too young for that to mean anything.

hhmmmnnn..... yea, I have no idea what references any of that was

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

She asked what "activist are scheduled for tomorrow?" which I replied "No activist... I don't believe in them."

She said "I'm officially Borg!

Our texts back and forth the last couple of days basically go like that... like her telling me Bread is going to school so won't be at practice and me replying good, I am tired of eating dumb bread, I hope it gets smart. (Brad my nephew is helping coach with me)

My first thought was the music group. You could have told her you'd found her diary underneath a tree. But you lot are probably too young for that to mean anything.

hhmmmnnn..... yea, I have no idea what references any of that was

Young whippersnapper. And you are fortunate not to know the horror.

 

[Bankerguy]

Sending best wishes for you and your family.

 

[Chadstroma]

She has the clearance to get moved out of ICU, Waiting for a room and was told by the Doctor team that they hope to release her tomorrow.

Pathology came back so it was confirmed cancer that escaped from the boobs.... which is actually good news as it opens up a lot of effective medications that can be used. They are still working on an exact treatment plan but she will get radiation first which then would be followed up by some concoction of meds that the Oncologist is figuring out. They are also working with the plastic surgeons to get the reconstruction done ASAP so that they can do MRI's on her again. That is the broad stroke plan for now that they will refine and get more details to as they put all the pieces together.

 

[FarFromHome]

She has the clearance to get moved out of ICU, Waiting for a room and was told by the Doctor team that they hope to release her tomorrow.

Pathology came back so it was confirmed cancer that escaped from the boobs.... which is actually good news as it opens up a lot of effective medications that can be used. They are still working on an exact treatment plan but she will get radiation first which then would be followed up by some concoction of meds that the Oncologist is figuring out. They are also working with the plastic surgeons to get the reconstruction done ASAP so that they can do MRI's on her again. That is the broad stroke plan for now that they will refine and get more details to as they put all the pieces together.

The wonderful news of a room change out of ICU is always a good thing. Anytime our cancer journey heads that way instead of the other way we need to be thankful. I love this thread, but it sure stirs up emotions for me. Its just so scary how everything can change so quickly. Stay strong buddy.

 

[Chadstroma]

She has the clearance to get moved out of ICU, Waiting for a room and was told by the Doctor team that they hope to release her tomorrow.

Pathology came back so it was confirmed cancer that escaped from the boobs.... which is actually good news as it opens up a lot of effective medications that can be used. They are still working on an exact treatment plan but she will get radiation first which then would be followed up by some concoction of meds that the Oncologist is figuring out. They are also working with the plastic surgeons to get the reconstruction done ASAP so that they can do MRI's on her again. That is the broad stroke plan for now that they will refine and get more details to as they put all the pieces together.

The wonderful news of a room change out of ICU is always a good thing. Anytime our cancer journey heads that way instead of the other way we need to be thankful. I love this thread, but it sure stirs up emotions for me. Its just so scary how everything can change so quickly. Stay strong buddy.

Yea.... after this.... I think I may never go back to the 'ah, we beat it... we are in the clear mode' now like I was before. For my wife, I wasn't worried for her but I told my doctor that I could feel and was trying to not to turn into a hypochondriac. The good thing is that my primary DR is a cancer beater (I don't like survivor... I think you beat it) too so he understands and is very sensitive to my now "uh, I felt this pain in my leg.... it couldn't be cancer, could it?" nonsense that I am stuck in now.

 

[FarFromHome]

She has the clearance to get moved out of ICU, Waiting for a room and was told by the Doctor team that they hope to release her tomorrow.

Pathology came back so it was confirmed cancer that escaped from the boobs.... which is actually good news as it opens up a lot of effective medications that can be used. They are still working on an exact treatment plan but she will get radiation first which then would be followed up by some concoction of meds that the Oncologist is figuring out. They are also working with the plastic surgeons to get the reconstruction done ASAP so that they can do MRI's on her again. That is the broad stroke plan for now that they will refine and get more details to as they put all the pieces together.

The wonderful news of a room change out of ICU is always a good thing. Anytime our cancer journey heads that way instead of the other way we need to be thankful. I love this thread, but it sure stirs up emotions for me. Its just so scary how everything can change so quickly. Stay strong buddy.

Yea.... after this.... I think I may never go back to the 'ah, we beat it... we are in the clear mode' now like I was before. For my wife, I wasn't worried for her but I told my doctor that I could feel and was trying to not to turn into a hypochondriac. The good thing is that my primary DR is a cancer beater (I don't like survivor... I think you beat it) too so he understands and is very sensitive to my now "uh, I felt this pain in my leg.... it couldn't be cancer, could it?" nonsense that I am stuck in now.

I feel ya. 3 months after my wife's mastectomy we had another scare of a weird lump. It took us back hard to the earlier nightmare. We stayed at that nightmare for days until the CT scan cleared us. Any oncology apt she has I get triggered. Heck, this thread triggers me, but also in a weird way gives me comfort exposing me to others stories. Its weird.

 

[culdeus]

Read thru this and just so sorry but optimistic you can turn corner here. You've helped me out a ton in the past and idk how I could help you at all here but if you think of anything please reach out.

Obv I got hookups on the credit card game. If ever need help on that I'm the guy.

 

[Chadstroma]

She was discharged today. Staying at my in laws place because 1) That is where we have Thanksgiving and 2) Her sister, an RN, who flew in to help out plus my FIL, a Doctor, can take care of her for a few days and do stuff like change her bandages which I am ill equipped for

So she will be able to be with Family tomorrow which was obviously a big goal.

 

[FarFromHome]

She was discharged today. Staying at my in laws place because 1) That is where we have Thanksgiving and 2) Her sister, an RN, who flew in to help out plus my FIL, a Doctor, can take care of her for a few days and do stuff like change her bandages which I am ill equipped for

So she will be able to be with Family tomorrow which was obviously a big goal.

Absolutely wonderful news buddy. Having relatives with that skill set is super nice.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

 

[Chadstroma]

She was discharged today. Staying at my in laws place because 1) That is where we have Thanksgiving and 2) Her sister, an RN, who flew in to help out plus my FIL, a Doctor, can take care of her for a few days and do stuff like change her bandages which I am ill equipped for

So she will be able to be with Family tomorrow which was obviously a big goal.

Absolutely wonderful news buddy. Having relatives with that skill set is super nice.

Love having my FIL as a Doc. A mini Urgent Care, instant second opinion, a no waiting/appointments for minor things that he can do at home. He is getting old (retired) and his body is falling apart but he is still extremely sharp. He does not really trust most Doctors too so he is always willing to be involved and isn't shy to say "go to someone else" if I tell him something a Dr told me, prescribed, etc that he doesn't agree with.

When I told my older kids about my wife's surgery somehow it came up how great it was that Lolo was a Doctor and I said how we always need a Doctor in the family... immediately without missing a best, in a matter of fact way, my older son said "Well, that means either me or (youngest son)" and my daughter didn't even flinch.

Right now... my nephew (oldest cousin) wants to be a Dr, my sons and another one of their cousin. My FIL said he would pay for any of the grandchildrens college if they became Dr's.... dude is about to spend a lot of his money in college bills in the next decade or so.

 

[Chadstroma]

She has been at my in laws since Wed. My SIL fly back home yesterday. She is improving a little each day. The tumor was by the area that controls walking, balance, coordination, etc. So in a way she is relearning how to walk. Needs someone with her when she gets up. Has to take long pauses before standing up. Long pause before walking.

She is on steroids (for inflammation) and roid rage is real. She asked me to bring her depository Duclalax from home. I searched forever and finally found it. Brought it to her and I didn't realize they also make oral and what I brought was the oral. Man... did I get yelled at for that. So, I went to the store, got it and gave it to her and said "here, stick it up your @ $ $" she said she knew I was going to say that but at least she wasn't tearing me a new one.

I guess the entire treatment plan is still being decided. She previously told me (missed the talk with the Doctors) that radiation first. Apparently, not, and then she told me it wasn't decided on she told me again that it wasn't. I said that is what you told me and she admonished me for listening to anything the brain surgery patient said.... which is fair. She will have another week or two before she heals and begins whatever treatment.

The kids have stayed at my in laws since Wed night. They will be coming home and I believe my wife wants to come home tonight as well.

Things are moving in the right direction so far.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Wow I just saw this thread. Glad to hear things seem to be going well. Cancer sucks. Prayers sent.

 

[Atomic Punk]

Woke up at 3:00 a.m. and your wife was the first thing I thought of (sorry, I didn’t mean that in the creepy way it sounds). Said a prayer for your family and went back to sleep … hope you are all doing well Chad.

 

[Chadstroma]

Thursday and Friday were full of Doctor's appointments and tests.

We met with the brain surgeon team. It is funny because the head Dr is a very even keeled, monotone, low speaking voice and easy delivery and then he has another Dr and Practicing Nurse that are extremely bubbly, goofy, fun, etc. I have no idea how they work so well together. They took out her staples (gross) said it all looked good and were very happy with her progression. She is still unsteady (walks with a walker), texts me gibberish, gets confused easily, and has some headaches but they said she is doing much better than most having the same kind of procedure.

We met with with the radiation Dr. They will start that soon. She has to get some weird mask thing to wear which she is anxious about because she gets claustrophobic at times (like the MRI's). So, he prescribed her some sort of Valium type drug to take before getting the mask made and the treatments.

The appointments with the brain and radiation Dr's were the same hospital but several hours apart so we just chilled and had lunch in the cafeteria (which they do much better with the food there than other hospitals) and then went to the next one. But I was walking with her as she shuffled along with the walker. Of course, I made a ton of jokes.

At lunch we obviously talked a lot which we really haven't done since the surgery as she has been out of it or sleeping or I am running around keeping life going with the kids. Basically she does not remember anything for the last couple of weeks. Even her ripping me a new one for bringing the wrong Ducalax. I told her, it was the maddest you have ever been with me. It was total roid rage. She didn't remember me getting it and coming back then handing to her and saying "here, stick it up your @##". She didn't remember seeing people in her ICU room at first but then started to remember. I told her, you were pretty jacked up on meds because if you saw the girl from the Ring and weren't drugged up, you would have been screaming and running out instead of laughing about it.


She had a call with the plastic surgeon later in the afternoon but I haven't talked to her about how that went. They need to take the spacers out completely or replace it with some gel thing until she can get the reconstruction done since the spacers have magnets in them (why?).

Monday is the appointment with the Oncologist which we will get an idea of what drug treatments she will get.

She remains at my inlaws since it is easier for my BIL and SIL to help out there plus my FIL is a Dr so it just works. It is a 12-14 min drive from our home so after whatever kids stuff and I collect them up we usually go over there. The kids are spending the nights there on the weekends.

I am somewhat keeping things up with the kids. Swim season and BJJ for the little one has been mostly sacrificed as I HC both my boys bball teams and have little choice in getting them to more than the bball. The school set up a meal tree which is a life saver at this point. If not, the best I would be able to do would be to alternate from McDs, Taco Bell and the occasional Chipotle, Jimmy Johns and Pizza thrown in or whatever fast food. I took up the HC for both teams which I knew would be a lot but had no clue we would be fighting cancer again. It is a lot but I also enjoy it and it does give me a mental break as I focus on the kids and basketball. My daughter should hopefully get fully cleared for sports on the 18th so that means school and club vball. I have no idea how I am going to swing that. It will likely be a lot of pawning her off to a teammate (Hoping the club team has one of her friends on it) and then missing a lot of her games.

My wife asked to text her boss to give him updates and her direction to me is "tell him I am doing good but not too good" because she wants to "extend" not working to Christmas. I am like you just had brain surgery, can't walk and can't communicate clearly (written at least) as well as being easily confused... I don't think you have to worry.

Overall, progressing. Kids are well. I am surviving. Rock n roll.

Thank you for the prayers even if you are creepily thinking of her in the middle of the night (just kidding @Atomic Punk I am truly touched that she is on your mind like that and your are praying like that.... damn it.... is it dusty in here?) Continued prayers would be good. Like her boss said "Lizette Strong" which is so dang on the nose. Her strength is amazing.