What a great adventure!
When Susie was first diagnosed with brain cancer, back in January of 1999, I felt it was important to keep a journal and take notes with each doctor visit. I would read these notes a week before neuro-oncology appointments. Also … Read More »
We had a lovely two weeks traveling to see friends and family between Austin and Minneapolis. Our first part of our vacation was in Oklahoma visiting our niece’s family, followed by lakefront cabins with a childhood friend of mine from … Read More »
Before we went on vacation, Susie had a brain cancer follow-up. She had recently been diagnosed with osteopenia, where we upped her impact related exercise and added a calcium supplement. Over the last month to two, I noticed some negative … Read More »
I was looking back at my notes on experiences during Susie’s initial and recurrent brain cancer diagnosis/ treatment. My thoughts centered around what we might be able to do in preparation for another recurrence/ progression. The most challenging experiences IMHO were surviving … Read More »
After last Sunday’s #BTSMChat, I happened to come across a tweet inquiring if anyone was reaching a tumorversary or other milestone. This tweet obviously had me think back to when our life with brain cancer began and some of the milestones we celebrated along … Read More »
As the year comes to a close, I often reflect on past events and activities. Sometimes my reflections are purely going down memory lane. Other times they are around what could be improved. I do find it funny how our perspectives … Read More »
As a care partner to someone with brain cancer, I try to keep our day to day routine predictable. I’ve arranged tasks and expectations so our life is smooth flowing and is easy to manage. Most important to me is that … Read More »
This summer was quite the whirlwind. We watched our first child walk the stage for his masters degree and celebrated our second child’s summer job at Lin Asian Bar and Dim Sum. So much so, we had quite a few family meals there. Our … Read More »
We just returned from a great trip in California. The motivation was our eldest child’s graduation from Cal Poly. He recently completed a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering. My parents joined us for the week, just north of San Luis Obispo, … Read More »
The month of May has been quite busy for us. We’ve had lots of visitors in town. First our nephew (with his sweet daughter) stayed with us for a few nights. They joined us at the YMCA for one of our swimming … Read More »
I recently learned the university our son attends, California Polytechnic State University, is experiencing a myriad of clashes related to identity politics. An excellent summary of recent events, responses and an analysis can be found on the Times of Israel website: BSU … Read More »
This last month has been a sea of changes. Susie officially finished her therapy sessions at St. David’s Neuro Rehab. She had started physical, speech and occupational therapy around 9 months ago, after experiencing a pontine stroke. Her St. David’s therapists … Read More »
As I look back on last year, I think about the obstacles Susie overcame and the ones we are still trying to get over/ around. The neurological obstacles associated with brain cancer and stroke have been very real. Core capabilities all of us tend … Read More »