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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Just before New Years, my father-in-law (Fred McCarthy) passed away. He was just shy of 95 years old. Fred and Susie’s mom (Leora) married almost twenty years ago. Our children have known him as their grandfather. Fred and Leora have … Read More »
In November, Susie had a cancer appointment at MD Anderson. The short synopsis is her tumor region is stable (no disease progression) and her pons brain stem stroke is resolving. She now moves to a 4 month interval for cancer follow-ups. … Read More »
Susie and I returned from her Neuro-Oncologist appointment today. It has been quite a whirlwind last four months. After three months of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment, Susie had a brainstem stroke in April. She met with many doctors and has completed around three … Read More »
Susie and I had an Administrative Law Judge Hearing on the 19th of July. She applied back in 2008 for Social Security Disability. After chasing her claim for three years, we learned in 2011 that her claim was denied. The … Read More »