Another Day

Layne is at Huntsman again today. He'll be there ALL day - 7AM to 10:30PM. No biggie. He's a trooper for sure. The upside is that he's not getting the chemo, so at least he's coherent. The downside is that someone with a great mind and a need to be busy goes a bit stir crazy when sitting all day in a hospital. I'll be going up later to keep him company.

Youth Conference

Layne is attending Youth Conference with the boys this week. I'm hoping it has all gone well. We've texted a bit while he's been gone. He seems to be alright. He's had some pain and he's been a bit tired. But, as far as I know - there's been nothing dramatic to cause major concern. He did mention that he wished he could help out a bit more - he's typically the guy who tries to find solutions and be helpful. So, hard for him to sit by and watch others do so much.
I hope they've had fun. I'm glad he had a chance to go. He hasn't been able to go to any of the camping and hiking events the boys have been doing for scouts. It's been nice that this was something he could do. Although, I'm a bit worried that they're spending most of their time outside...with no shade. We'll see how that works out.:}

New Computer

Words cannot express how thrilling it is to click on a link and have it come up - right then. It's like a modern day miracle. I know, for most that's not really a miracle - it's just the way it works. Well, when you have a family of six using the same computer for six or seven years, it doesn't always work that way. It's been a multitasking adventure. Truly, in the time it's taken me to write this, I 'normally' would have fixed dinner and done a load of laundry. Well, as long as no one else wanted a turn with the computer in that time. It's a new kind of rush to spend a few minutes and actually get something done. Maybe, just maybe I'll be able to write more. That makes me happy.

Long Story Short

From 5/14/15
Layne was in the hospital from Monday to Wednesday (May 11-13). On Sunday he had some pain and wondered if he should go into the ER. The decision was made to contact the on call oncologist. He made it through the night and then on Monday realized he needed to go in. The oncologist's assistant (Cami) arranged for him to go to the Acute Care Clinic there at Huntsman. As soon as we got to the room they started working with him on pain management. They did some tests and decided that he needed to stay the night. Apparently, the tumors were blocking the the proper function of the organs in the abdominal area. The next day they did a procedure to place a stent between his right kidney and the bladder. They also used several strategies to help empty the intestines. On Wednesday, he was given two units of blood and was able to come home.

More To Come

I have about one hundred posts that have been started and not published yet. Then there's all the new topics/updates (like the ones from earlier today that I did on my phone). So, I need to get with it. I also know that there are comments I need to read and respond to sometime soon. I haven't forgotten you.:} It's been awhile, but there really will be more to come.

All Part of the Equation

I went to the dentist in pain yesterday. Today I had a root canal. At least I went away the first time knowing I wasn't just making it up or being completely wimpy. (It's the first time I've called and gone in because of pain.)
My pain was very real. I was also working through some frustration and worry about the whole thing. I feel like I'm supposed to stay well. If I'm 'down for the count', how am going to be capable of taking care of things around here? There's also the very real knowledge of our finances. Dental work is not cheap. I didn't want to be adding to the total.
Another detail that didn't escape me was the fact that Layne was taking me to an appointment instead of the other way around. I'm in the habit of being in the driver's seat.
Life seems to be more than just one detail at a time. We're doing our best to manage all the variables.

More Waiting

We had been waiting for news regarding a clinical trial. He doesn't qualify. So, now we are waiting again for a different clinical trial and Layne's qualification to move forward. I don't know what the anticipated time frame will be - possibly two or three weeks just like last time. It would also allow him to stay here at Huntsman. Oh how we love the waiting game.