Thankful... Every Day.

Let's start off by saying we hope you had a very blessed Thanksgiving!  

Brother Stu, Rob, Sister Holly

Michael and Benjamin

Nicole, Izzy, and Ally

Benjamin

Jason, a very tired sinking-down-into-the-couch Rob, and Stu

Not enough words to say how Izzy and Ally ADORE Miss Holly!

We were honored to be able to celebrate with family from both sides all in one home, and it was a nice time for all.  Rob joined us for dinner and a little conversation, then went back home, as we are trying to keep him away from people and out of the public as much as possible as he continues with his chemo treatments.  Besides, he still tires pretty easily, and wears down fast.

Yesterday morning, Rob called to me as he finished his shower.  I went in and he set a handful of hair in my hand.  The exchanged glance we shared said it all.  It has started, though we both hoped it wouldn't.  He wanted me to name today's blog, "Hello Darkness My Old Friend..." for lots of reasons.  But a thankful reminder just sounded better.

Yesterday was Day 3 of chemo since the cancer returned.  Rob has one more treatment next Monday, then a week of rest, then another 3 weeks of treatment before doing another CT scan to see what effects the chemo has had on the cancer.  

Rob's blood work, all the red counts, remain below normal.  His platelets remain near the low level of normal, as does his white blood cell count, making him very susceptible to infection.  This is why we continue to ask people to stay away for now, especially if there is any inkling of sickness in your circle of people.  Thank you for respecting that. 

Day 3 started out pretty good...  IV went in with one try, and we were expecting smooth sailing.  However, Rob was having pain, and they re-started a new IV in the other hand.  He gets a total of four drugs, with the actual chemo being the last given.  Once the actual chemo IV bag went up, the pain that Rob was in was very apparent, and they had to stop the infusion, re-start the IV between his wrist and elbow area, and from that point on, it was good.  A port may be in the future if he has to continue with chemo long term, and depending on how his veins hold up.  As of now, he does not want one.

 

So he left with lots of bandages again... not the first time.  Not anybody's fault, just the way his veins are reacting again.  The nursing staff in the short-stay unit is superb, and it's so nice to be greeted with smiles from familiar faces when we arrive each time.  They make the situation better for us, and we are thankful for that, too.

Today we saw Rob's oncologist, Dr. B.  She said Rob is doing well, and she was able to give him some tougher drugs to handle the head pain and headaches he has been experiencing.  She wanted to do a brain scan and lumbar puncture, as she was concerned about the cancer spreading to his brain, and the area around the brain, which she said is common.  (Another thing we knew nothing about.)  However, Rob put his foot down and asked, since he didn't start having the pain real bad until beginning chemo, if we could just slow down and monitor it for awhile before jumping into more tests.  

He's getting tired of all of it.  And angry.  I completely understand, though it's hard being on the receiving end when I'm trying so hard, too.  
Let it go, right?  

Let it go.

I missed a couple of days of work last week because Rob wasn't feeling the best, so my FMLA countdown has begun.  I start my regular work week tomorrow, so we'll see how he's doing.  He seems okay tonight, but we've learned that things can change hour by hour.

This pic is right-side-up everywhere but my blog compose!

All of the families are doing well, including our little Riley, who is now 20 weeks old and filling out well!  There's still some concern with a health issue, but we're monitoring him for a month.  He's a big boy!  We really have to work on "off" and "come," but other than that, he is doing really well.  I need to socialize him LOTS, as he gets too excited when he sees ANYTHING that moves!  LOL!




Count your blessings, love the ones you're with, help those around you in need, and be open to being used by God.  Sometimes it's hard, but always, it's worth it as we grow into who He created us to be.  So much better than anything we can do on our own.  Believe me.  I know this.

In love and in peace,

Cheri  ♥