6 becomes 8

This weekend is some family time. My father in law turns 98 years young on Friday. I really believe David's parents passed on a good gene pool to David and that's one of the reasons he's done so well with various medical issues.
Since some family is flying in from around the states and staying at a hotel near papas assisted living we are going on a stay- cation, staying at the hotel also. This way we should be able to get lots of family time and naps as they are needed. It will be easier than driving back and forth to the house, especially since this family doesn't necessarily plan our schedule like we need these days. Although even with planning David may not be up to partially visit or outing. This will work out quite nicely.
Another preparation for this was canceling this week's chemo. We thought we were delaying it but today the scheduler said no, too rough to do treatments weekly. Even tho that's exactly what we did in June when we went to D.C. for pancreatic cancer advocacy day.
Speaking of miscommunication, last month we thought after 6 seasons David would be able to go on a maintenance pill which had less side effects. Yesterday doctor visit was saying after 8 seasons. It seems to really boil down to what the next ct scan shows. Whatever, it'll be what it'll be.
Ok, time to unpack and enjoy my mini vacation!

August 8th Chemo time

It started out as a routine chemo day; got called right in for vitals and seated to begin the process. This appointment was mid-day so traffic there (and on the way home) was a piece of cake. The chairs were all full. When we have later appointment, the room is quieter and only partially filled and as it gets closer to quitting time, eerily quiet and empty; traffic not so quiet on the drive home.

It’s funny how the appointment times vary, yet we often see the same people. Most we only nod to; chat to a couple.

I was heading out to walk and get a coffee while David was hooked up and dozing in the chair. In the waiting room I saw Ann. She gave me a hug and asked how I was. That was a mistake, for some reason I got a little teary eyed so here I am with a cancer patient comforting me! She totally understood as she had previously been caretaker for her mother and another relative.  She’s been on both sides and said being caretaker was harder. That was sweet of her to say. We chatted a minute more and I headed out to the elevators. Oh boy, there’s Dr Z and he recognizes me and asks how I am and the tears start up again. Elevator arrives and he so kindly says, lets step over here. He is very comforting – without saying much. In fact, as you probably know, David can not give a plain yes or no answer. In office visits, David talks and Dr Z replies, ok, pause, ok pause ok. I figured it was because he couldn’t really get a word in but he was responding to me in exactly the same manner! Later, when I reflect on this, I just think it’s funny.

We have been so happy with all the doctors, nurses, etc. All are very caring and helping. On elevator after directions to email Dr Z; I get in some walking, two loops around the hospital and stop for a Chai Tea and back up to David in the Chemo Suite. I must have been gone longer than I thought because David has finished off his two bags of chemo meds and ready to be unhooked to leave.

We had talked about going to the mall to walk after his treatment but he wasn’t up to it I had suspected that might be the case and that’s why I did the second lap around the hospital. I’d also hoped he’d feel up to dinner out but that was also a no go. I made what I thought was a pretty good dinner, eggs, taters and toast. I’m finally using and enjoying that expensive cook ware I bought a few years ago. We watched a bit of tv and by 9:30 David had had enough and off to bed he went.

I’ll leave out how uncomfortable David was feeling along with the rush to get the “pink bowl”. It’s the ole, something to make you feel better, makes you feel worse…

Next week we plan to stop in at Yuma for a few days; check on the tiny house (not that it needs it) and say hello to friends there. The following week is his Dad’s birthday, 98 years young! We hope to attend as out of town family will be there. Unfortunately, it is the day after next treatment so not really sure how that will work out. We might postpone the treatment on the 21^st.

This wasn’t written for any sympathy or poor me, just to let you know that my wonder woman cape must have been at the cleaners. I so appreciate everyone that supports us in so many ways. We are not alone, many of you have also walked this path. Life is full of ups and downs for all of us. I find this sharing soothing plus I have my cape back from the laundry and I’m ready to tackle another day! Go out enjoy and give someone a hug!

David got me these before chemo day!