When Sean got out of his treatment today he had the waffle pattern on his forehead. The new mask is kind of tight, but it worked. Which means treatment number 8 is done and after treatment 9 tomorrow he will be 1/4th of the way done with radiation.
We saw the doctor today, it's a once a week thing unless otherwise needed. Sean has developed thrush so he has yet another medication for that. No worries there though, that happens to everyone going through radiation for head/neck cancer.
After we drove by the bank to deposit the check from my dad so we can pay Aria's college tuition deposit, then went to the store to drop off his new prescription. He is now lying down with the kangaroo pump giving him some food. He is taking about 3 or 4 cans of the nutritional supplement and still trying to eat what he can normally. It's not that he cannot swallow yet, it's just that since most foods taste wrong it is difficult to actually convince your mind that it is something OK to swallow. But, Sean is doing his part and still trying to eat as much as he can while still able to swallow.
Either way, for the moment, the combo of eating and using the feeding tube is working because he has stopped the rapid weight loss he had last week. Which is good. He needs to keep his body strong to help fight the cancer as well as the side effects from the treatments.
Our pastor came to visit yesterday so Sean could have communion since he missed out on church Sunday due to not feeling well. One of the other ladies from church also came by with some more clothes and then brought us dinner last night. We enjoyed her company and Sean even got a few forkfuls of the meal.
Today when Aria gets home my plan is to get her to Wal-Mart. She needs some new bras and we have a couple of gift cards so that should work out well. I called her doctor's office yesterday and have her set up for her college physical on the 27th. They are very excited for her as well, 15 and going to college. I will have to get Callisto in for her check-up sometime when she gets back from her travels.
Emotionally I am hanging in there. I get some breaks by going to work and spending time on the computer. Sean has been a bit more depressed lately. He hasn't been writing (for Gather or for our online role playing game) the past few days not just because of being tired; he cannot seem to motivate himself to do so. Being a person who suffers from depression myself I can relate to that fact and can just be here for him.
He is often telling others not to just worry about and pray for him but to remember myself and the girls. While we appreciate that fact we also want him to realize that right now is an OK time in his life to be selfish. Aria, Callisto, and I are healthy. I will do all I can to ensure we all get time to ourselves and stay that way both physically and mentally. Sean needs to concentrate all his time and efforts on himself and the battle to beat this. Feel free to let him know that. :)
Well, this update has gotten longer than I realized. Thank you to everyone that has been following our journey and all the prayers and other gifts you have given. Know how much it is all appreciated even if we forget to, in the midst of all our current struggles, say thank you. We would not have been able to make it this far without all the help we have received from our various angels and I know are continuing to receive. God has been amazing as He ensures our needs are met as they arise.
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Comments: 28
I think it's pretty normal not to feel like doing much of anything while going through treatment. It just zaps all of your energy, mental and physical. The depression comes in because you are so used to doing and now you can't, so you lose some of that feeling of self worth and accomplishment. It passes as you slowly get back into some sort of routine, even if it isn't doing as much as you once did. I found I had a total lack of interest in anything, even talking was an effort - and I didn't go through anything near as involved as Sean is - so just remember Sean, this too will pass and is normal. I would totally zone out because even thinking was a real effort.
Hugs and prayers to all of you.
and allow us to help as well...he is definitely not alone in this
Glad Sean is still able to eat. That should help.....and i'm sure he's a little depressed. I still think he's taking it better than I would.
Aria just found out how difficult it is to find her size, and how expensive bras are...it was a good experience for her really...and she has 5 new bras and should be set for a while :)
Sean:
It's time for you to only focus on healing and the fact that you're getting food into you, nutrients... is wonderful and it also means you're really trying. Sometimes, in life, you need to let others care for you - this is one of those times. God is working in your lives...let Him.
Katryn, this too willl pass....
She's fifteen and going to college? Wow! I was sixteen when I started college. I bet she is smarter than all the rest of them!
Aria is a pretty smart cookie ;)