I've been going to Houston with Layne for his treatments every other week. I'm continually amazed what a great job Layne does in keeping track of what medication/drug he needs to take when and the details that go along with them (food/no food, what kind of food, how many hours apart). He also keeps track of what's happening with the different steps of the treatment process. He's been fabulous about keeping on top of the finances and what needs to happen with all of the bills/expenses that go along with what is happening these days (and the last couple of years). Oh...he's also the one that schedules our flights and takes care of some of our travel details.
Layne is good with names and is on a first name basis (when titles aren't used) with several of those that work at both Huntsman and MD Anderson. He also does things like make sure he goes in to work for a few hours a week, serves the youth in our ward, and attempts to spend time with the kids.
I'm not sure I do much to have a Care Giver title. He does most everything on his own. Well, except when he's just had chemo - he actually lets me help. I get to do things like drive him home and take care of whatever random side affects are making an appearance that day. I do a few other things - just not as much as some other care givers do. Layne likes to be independent. I'll take it for now. I know when I'm doing everything he's going to be in pain, exhausted, and fading all at once.
His Blog
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Background Needed
So...long time no write. I feel like there are so many things to write that I'm not sure where to start. It also seems like there is background needed for some things since our lives are just one long saga of one thing after another. I have started a few posts just to be sure I got some of the facts down before I forgot them. I still need to 'publish' quite a few.
We are heading to Houston again this week-end for Layne to have another treatment. At least we think there will be another one. He has to go anyway because if they're going to continue the trial with him he has to get the trial drug this time around. He was supposed to get it last time, but they thought there might be some skin cancer that needed to be taken care of first. (Apparently, that can be one of the side affects for the trial drug.) He went to the dermatologist here and he showed no concern. I guess just the 'run of the mill' bumps all over the head for Layne. Having that happen threw us off schedule. He was told to stop taking the study drug until the skin cancer issue was managed. So, we're glad he was able to get the chemo - but, now he has to still go back for the drug.
We were previously hoping to have a chance to just do the chemo at Huntsman this time. We were looking forward to staying home. It's just a bit easier. There are things going on this week-end that we'll miss out on...and, we would have actually had a chance to spend time with the kids. So, now we have to go back - it throws us off schedule. It was planned so Layne could get a new set (30 days) of the drugs and have all his scans/lab work at the same time...leaving every other visit open to sticking around here for the chemo.
We are heading to Houston again this week-end for Layne to have another treatment. At least we think there will be another one. He has to go anyway because if they're going to continue the trial with him he has to get the trial drug this time around. He was supposed to get it last time, but they thought there might be some skin cancer that needed to be taken care of first. (Apparently, that can be one of the side affects for the trial drug.) He went to the dermatologist here and he showed no concern. I guess just the 'run of the mill' bumps all over the head for Layne. Having that happen threw us off schedule. He was told to stop taking the study drug until the skin cancer issue was managed. So, we're glad he was able to get the chemo - but, now he has to still go back for the drug.
We were previously hoping to have a chance to just do the chemo at Huntsman this time. We were looking forward to staying home. It's just a bit easier. There are things going on this week-end that we'll miss out on...and, we would have actually had a chance to spend time with the kids. So, now we have to go back - it throws us off schedule. It was planned so Layne could get a new set (30 days) of the drugs and have all his scans/lab work at the same time...leaving every other visit open to sticking around here for the chemo.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Today
Today Layne was up making breakfast when I got back from picking up the boys at seminary. He doesn't usually make breakfast these days. Yesterday at the same time he was still in bed. This morning he got up to say good-bye to his parents that left after helping with the kids this past weekend. After breakfast, I went to my class and then saw him drive into the parking lot of the Rec. Center as I was driving out. After working out it was time to come home and get ready for work. He goes in a couple of times a week for just a few hours. (He'll do 8-10 hours a week total.) After work he stopped to get the oil changed and then came home. I asked how he was doing. The response was - "I'm tired, I'm tired, I'm really tired...and hungry.". It was strung out a bit...maybe for emphasis. We proceeded with our evening, which included him making the sauce for our spaghetti. He stayed home instead of joining the Young Men in their event this evening. He was tired (see above) and wasn't up for doing something that might take physical exertion in the cold.
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