Thursday, October 29, 2015

Blah - Just Blah

I get so caught up in my head sometimes - it stresses me out. Chad is in a lot of pain today. The VA has severely messed up sending out his prescriptions and he's ran out of everything. Since then, his pain has come back in folds. He's at a 5 today which is about 2 points higher than his normal amount of pain.

He is having bowel movements but his belly is bloated and the pain points that used to bother him have returned. The bloating comes and goes but it also causes a stir of fear. I am sure that the increase in pain has to do with lack of medication. You can't just pour drugs into your body and then stop cold turkey and expect to feel normal. I am hoping and praying they arrive today, otherwise a trip to Marion is in our very near future. Like tomorrow.

Not to wish my life away but I also wish the GI appointment and CT Scan would hurry up and get here. I'd feel so much better knowing a doctor has looked around thoroughly and we can resume living with the little letters NED on our plate. (For those of you who don't know what that means, it's 'No Evidence of Disease') And also, that the GI Doc can find ways to help Chad deal with this never-ending pain. For real, he's always hurting to some extent. Obviously worse when he's working. :( And it seems lately his boss is giving him the worst jobs that cause the most pain. His surgery was almost 8 months ago and he's never had one single day where he's felt 'good'. Well he did have one and he ended up in the ER a few hours later with the mini-stroke. Sigh.

If you're out there and reading this and still praying for Chad. Thank-You.

Thank-You for always thinking of us. Thank you for continuing to pray for improvement as each day passes and of course, the biggest prayer of all is that he is and remains cancer free, forever and ever - Amen. 

Much Love
The Cavitt's.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

November 9, 2015!

Meet Dr. Richard L Williams,

A Gastroenterologist is an Internal Medicine physician who specializes in disorders of the stomach and digestive system. This specialty includes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon), liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Chad has an appointment to see him at 11:20 am November 9, 2015.  He is located in the Henry County Medical Clinic in Paris, TN. Door to door, it will be approximately 35 minutes commute time - which is much better than 2 hours to the VA hospital.  It's not local in our town but it is better than waiting until January and traveling to Illinois. 

I am keeping my expectations low but my hope is that they'll be able to give Chad a colonoscopy or whatever tests required to see if there is anything out of the ordinary causing him these extreme pains and cramping. Or if there's anything they can do to help minimize the discomfort. I'm of two minds - I don't want them to find anything and for this to be perfectly normal. But then Chad is left to suffer. But if they do find something, it concerns me what it will be and what will be involved for treatment. If further surgery is required, that equates more time off from work - right before Christmas.  But really, that would be as good of a time as any since work is touch and go during the holidays as it is. We'd just have a quiet Charlie Brown Christmas and use the time to recuperate.

Of course, the biggest unspoken fear of all is recurrence. In my heart of hearts, I don't think that's it but this will, at bare minimum, be the first step in finding out what (if anything) is going on. Information is power.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

One Small Step

A few people have asked how Chad's been feeling - I wish I had better news. He is still hurting. He can barely eat because when he does, he 'pays' for it. With that said, he still goes to work every day and he still pushes through it. He does is very best to continue living each day for the blessing that it is. Last night after a long day at work, he came home and re-painted the bathroom.  He never stops trying and does his best to live life as normally as possible.

This past weekend he spent in the woods with his father hunting. He got a couple deer too so while I was bored out of my mind, I was so happy he got to spend some time doing something he loves.

We did receive some positive news. I mentioned previously that Chad has been trying to get an appointment to see a GI specialist with the VA to see if they can figure out exactly what is causing these on-going issues. Well they made him an appointment - for January. *Big sigh*

However, with a bit of pushing he got them to approve going to someone local. Once he makes the call and goes through the red tape, it will probably be a couple more weeks until his appointment but we're hopeful he will be able to see someone closer to home (and still reputable) I'll update again once we have a date an/or more news.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Healing Prayers Please

It seems Chad's pain is getting worse. I realize this is all supposed to be part of it. I've spoken to people in the online support group and they are years out and still have pain - but all of this doesn't make it any easier to see someone you love constantly hurting.

His lower abdomen is giving him issues, as is eating. Every time he eats, he cramps really badly. I don't know exactly the type of pain anymore because when I ask, I get snapped at. So in truth, I have no idea what's going on. My heart hurts and my mind worries. I'm praying this is all normal but most of all I am praying that he gets some relief.

He's been trying to reach the VA to get an appointment scheduled with a GI doctor but that's proven to be quite a task. I've been told to tell him to try a few things, including changing his diet but he won't - so I have nothing left to do but PRAY

So if you're out there and have an extra prayer for healing - please send it Chad's way. He could really use some help.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Normal Is Good But Confusing

For someone who seems 'within normal range' for so many things, Chad sure does have a lot of trouble. His B12 and thyroid results came back showing nothing remarkable. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled every time he gets positive news! It's just confusing that someone so 'normal' has so much pain and so many weird symptoms. With that said, his energy level has basically improved. He still has sluggish days but don't we all. 

His stomach pain is still bad, I don't know if it will ever truly heal. The usual sharp pains, cramping and discomfort that he's had ever since surgery. It's common for people to have these aches and pains when they get their stomach all torn inside out so I guess it's just one of those things we (he - who am I kidding) will have to deal with.  We are blessed with another day on this beautiful earth and more positive news! 


While I love you guys and all your support, it's my most sincere hope I don't have to write to you about anything for a long while. Chad has his scan in two months time. I am praying life carries on as normal between now and then. When that day approaches, you better believe I'll be calling on the prayer warriors and asking for as many good vibes as possible.


Thanks Everyone! We Love You!