We have had quite a busy few weeks. Most of you know by now that we had good news earlier this month - the 2 brain lesions have shrunk and nothing new is showing up. So far it seems the disease is stabilized - all due to the perseverance and commitment to Callum. He is still feeling some fatigue from treatment and doesn't recover quite so quick from chemo but he is doing pretty well. He had been lucky to keep away from mouth sores for so long but he is now on his second outbreak of them. they aren't as bad as he has had them in the past, but they are still quite annoying!
The last week has had a couple of "downers". We found out that Callum is pretty much out of his short term disability time and is now dealing with the paperwork to go on long term disability. It breaks my heart to see how disappointed he is at having to take a step back from his job. He has worked so hard for over 27 years to get to here - and he just loves it. Then we had a call from his oncologist last week to let him know that he shouldn't be driving since he has brain tumours. It is illegal and he really shouldn't have been driving since June. It will certainly make a change to our lives and I can't imagine what it is like to lose that independence. He never says much so I don't really know what he thinks about it. I think it is quite depressing to him - yet another thing he has to rely on me to do. Not that I mind, but I am sure he doesn't like to have to depend on me. If he was really, really sick then it would likely be easier to deal with. But he is usually quite well at least 1/2 the time so it really sucks right now! But, better to not drive than hurt someone if he should have a seizure - even though it is unlikely.
I have taken a medical leave from work until the end of January. I find that I lack the ability to concentrate for any length of time and get easily overwhelmed and fatigued. I think I just need some rest to recharge!
We are headed to Mexico this weekend to visit my sister for a week. We are so lucky to have family living in Mexico in the winter! Then off to Scotland in January to see our wonderful 90 year old Nana and all the other relatives! We are taking Jamie, Vanessa and Stuart so we are all excited for this wonder family holiday! It will be so much fun.
We are going to be in Saskatoon for Christmas. The chemo schedule has changed somewhat due to the Mexico trip. Callum will have chemo on Dec 3 and 17 so should be feeling better by Christmas, and in good shape for Scotland. Both kids will be here along with Callum's brother and his family. We haven't spent Christmas with them for many years so are looking forward to spending this holiday season with them.
Callum should be having a CT scan in Dec to check his lungs, abdomen and pelvis, and likely an MRI again at the end of January or early February. Sometime in February he will likely have an ultrasound on his arm to check the blood clot. He hasn't had any issues with it lately so we hope all is well enough to stop taking the blood thinner shots.
Well, that is likely enough for now. We continue to stay positive and look forward to hearing that there is no more cancer in Callum's body.
Til next time...Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.” Mary Anne Radmache
TTFN.......
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