Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Delays, of course!

Some folks have been asking about Chad and I thought I'd best update the blog. We were supposed to go to Paducah on Monday to see Dr. Hall but the appointment ended up getting cancelled because the confirmation number for the VA approval expired in October. It's just governement red tape. They approved him for three appointments but for some reason or another put a 6 month expiration on it. So now we had to go back and request a new confirmation number. We will re-schedule the appointment as soon as we get that.

Chad's neck has been considerably bad lately, which is so depressing. With him still being fairly new at work and the impending move (*knock on wood*) the timing is just really lousy. However, his health has to come first and if his neck is getting worse, he'll have no choice but to have the surgery next month.

Again, we won't know until we get the appointment re-scheduled. So in the mean time, love, and healing prayers are always appreciated! xo

Monday, November 7, 2016

It's That Time Again...

I know it's been awhile since I've updated. Chad has been having the same troubles he has had for awhile. His stomach still hurts to the touch and still swells, he still cramps, he still has what we call a hernia (which is totally crazy because it literally sticks right out of his belly at times) and he still has his neck spasms. With all that said, he also still pushes through and carries on living. He has been trying very, very hard to focus on the positive and each blessing that has come in his life and we're so thankful and grateful for every day given to us. Chad makes effort every day to eliminate negativity from his mind and puts his effort into his family and things that make him happy. It is so refreshing to see him smile more, enjoy life and get excited about things. I know it's a struggle for him, which is why we ask anyone who is a part of our lives, to please keep things positive when you're around us. He has such a difficult battle to begin with, dealing with his own anxiety - he just needs to remain focused (and happy!).

His physical therapy ended awhile ago. It did help him a bit I think and I would like for him to be able to continue. He has his first pain management appointment tomorrow. It's taken almost 6 months to get to this point. He also has a follow-up appointment with his neurosurgeon Dr Hall next week. Big decisions will be made in terms of his neck surgery. The original plan was for him to have surgery in December but I am really not sure where his head is at right now.

Now it's time to talk about the inevitable. It's that time of the year again. His CT Scan is scheduled for December 1st, as well as his appointment with his new oncologist. The blood work he had done a few months ago looked good but it doesn't make me any less nervous. I still check into the Support Group daily and some of the stories make my stomach churn. This cancer, especially the type Chad had - is just scary. It's devastatingly scary. And the best defense we have against is are scans and blood work and they're not even that reliable. That is why is it of utmost importance to cherish every single day given.

I will continue to pray and ask God to watch over Chad and help him remain cancer free. We can take the obstacles given and work to get through the trials and tribulations - I just pray that nasty disease stays gone for good.

I will post again once we meet with Dr Hall and let you all know what the next step will be there.

As always, thank you for your love, support, encouragement and prayers xo