Here are some updates since his last chemo treatment: His CEA number (the number that measures his liver tumor activity) has risen a bit in the last few months. The lowest it's ever been was 47; at the last doctor's visit it was in the 70s. The doctor isn't too concerned about it, if it were in the 100s, maybe. It's an easy way to measure the vitality of the tumor instead of doing a scan every month. We talk to him again on October 16th, two days after Scott's next scan.
He finished all the Vitamin C infusions; the naturopath doctor wants him to continue doing them until after the next scan, if not even longer. We sent in the receipt to our medical insurance company for a possible reimbursement. They wouldn't cover it initially, (surprise, surprise!) so we're hoping if we submit the paperwork correctly they will. It was close to $1000 for all the supplies and the medicine. Have I mentioned how much I wish we could just be covered for all of our medical expenses? Insurance premiums are through the roof and it only covers some things?! It's the dumbest thing ever.
We found out a little over a week ago that our daughter has an ovarian cyst! She was in so much pain during and after her menstrual cycle and was throwing up about every other day for two weeks! I finally took her the doctor to see what was going on. He was very thorough and asked a gazillion questions (which I'm grateful for) and ordered an ultrasound and blood work. So last Friday night was fun! Instead of going to a friend's son's wedding reception, we were getting tests done at the hospital. All the blood work came back normal and the only thing they found was a super small cyst on her left ovary. We followed up with an OB the next week and she suggested birth control or an IUD to help lessen the cramping. We're also going to Scott's naturopath doc to see if he has other suggestions on how to prevent them in the first place, or control the symptoms.
She felt well enough to go to the homecoming dance last Saturday, eight days after her hospital adventure. She went with a boy whom she befriended on the first day of school; he was sitting all alone at lunch and she invited him to come eat lunch with her group. This is his first year at the school so he doesn't know any of the kids. He has been homeschooled for most of his life due to health problems. Asking her out was a big deal for him; it was his first date. She was hesitant to say yes at first because of his social awkwardness, but I am proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone and seeing the best in him. They had a wonderful time and she said he was the perfect gentleman.
We enjoyed a dance concert tonight for my nephew. As we were driving to his high school, a song came on the radio that our whole family enjoys and our daughter and 11-year-old son began to sing the words together. If I hadn't been driving, I would have recorded it. Their voices blended really well together and they kept looking at each other and smiling as they belted it out in parts. Cherish these precious moments, I reminded myself.
The kiddos are now all asleep; I'm fighting to stay awake myself. So my departing thoughts are these:
- Earlier this week I watched Wonder Woman with my boys and it reminded me yet again that love can change the world and through it we can find our strength.
- Today Kelly Clarkson sang on the radio "I'm Broken and it's Beautiful." It was very empowering. We're all just a bunch of broken people doing the best we can. Embrace your "brokenness" and use it to help uplift others.
Peace out, good night! :)
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