Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully it's not a train bearing down on us.

Well, assuming there are no car accidents or sewer line breakages or road rage incidents or nuclear power plant episodes to keep Blaine from getting to radiation tomorrow .... assuming none of that happens, then tomorrow he will complete his final (of 32) radiation treatments. Final, hopefully, as in his whole life, never again, knock wood wish on a shooting star pull the wishbone pluck a four leaf clover throw salt over your shoulder carry a lucky rabbits foot whatever the hell you want to do.

Several people have mentioned, that *I* haven't mentioned him enough during this treatment time of his. Ummmm ..... well .... I'm not quite sure what to say about that. I guess I'm just not sure *what* to say: Hey, my husband's having radiation --- AGAIN -- for his third go-round with sinus cancer, two thumbs up!! And then we only have to wait three months for the next scan to see if it worked -- woo freaking hoo! (no, no sarcasm here, why do you ask?)

In a glass half empty scenario, this last week or so has definitely been tough. The pain has caught up to him and he spends a large amount of time sitting in his recliner, covered with a blanket, eyes closed, holding a heating pad to the side of his face. Then, his pain meds kick in, the glass becomes half full, and he's actually able to interact with his kids for a brief while. And in a glass half-even-fuller scenario, the pain is much less than it was the last time he had radiation, which is certainly something to feel glad about. Also Milk Duds. I unabashedly feel glad for Milk Duds.

Here's a funny story: When preparing to receive each radiation treatment, he gets on the table and lies on his back. They place his mask over his head and face and then bolt it to the table so he absolutely cannot move during the treatment. The mask is sort of like a fencing mask, made to fit his head perfectly, only with small holes in it. Think "Hannibal Lecter", but made out of mesh, and it covers his entire head, face, and part of his shoulders. Apparently the other day he was a little past due for a haircut and the top of his hair was sticking out the holes in the mesh, so the nurses took turns rubbing his head like a chia pet for good luck while he was bolted to the table.

OK, maybe not so funny. But when you're 28 sessions into radiation treatment, I guess you take luck and humor wherever you think you can find it.

So, anyway, good to know it's almost done. Good for me because I'm about tired of being all solicitous and kind (Seriously! Being nice to a sick guy for this long is exhausting! And I swear if I have to watch one more episode of the Military Channel I will slit my wrists.) and I know it's good for him too because he's definitely feeling Just. About. Done. With. The. Whole. Thing.

Oh and hey, here's another piece of good news: We received notice today that the pharmacy we've been using for the last year, the one that has every prescription for every member of our family, including all of Blaine's -- which is no mean feat, is no longer accepting our insurance ---- TOTAL AWESOMENESS!!!

23 comments:

Pam D said...

Well of course they aren't. Why the heck should they accept the insurance of a military family when there's a whole base in the area? I hope they at least said Happy Veterans Day! (and if they didn't, I'm saying it now for real; thank you many times over for the sacrifices your family has made for mine!). Praying for Blaine to never have to deal with any of this crap again.

Cook My Book said...

32 treatments - done and out.

No more cancer - no more doubt.

I hope that part of your journey in life is FINALLY over.

Screw cancer.

Happy Vets day Blaine - may your pain meds work as well as we are all sure that you have throughout your service.

And also - may the beuracracy that is the insurance world open up like a vast sea of kindness. For once in the world, that would be nice.

Natalie said...

YAY that it's the last radiation! Happy Veteran's Day, Blaine!

Boo hiss to the pharmacy.

As I type this, Eamonn is trying to fill out an application for new insurance for us (and there is a LOT of profanity coming from that corner of the room). . .because our old insurance doesn't seem to want us anymore. Can't imagine why not! I'm going to burn a little pharmacist doll and an insurance executive doll in effigy on the front lawn tonight in your honor.

Eloise said...

I'm so happy to hear that Blaine's radiation is almost over. 32 treatments - egad.

Please thank him for his service in our military for me. This probably should also be Veterans Wives Day because I know you've made sacrifices for the good of our country as well. So thank you, too.

Sorry about the pharmacy. When you're dealing with a lot of medication, it's nice to go to a familiar place. I hope they'll either reconsider or you'll find a place closer and cheaper that delivers.

Amy said...

I might have to eat some Milk Duds in honor of Blaine tomorrow. Prayers that 3rd time's the charm for kicking this cancer to the curb.

Leece said...

Well it's so good to know that the latest in Blaine's treatments is almost over. I hope he will feel well enough to enjoy a great family Thanksgiving and Christmas with you all. Love and Prayers.

Anonymous said...

WTF?!! they totally suck! Blaine and your Fam are in my prayers especially today during the last go around!

cakeburnette said...

Glad to hear that Blaine is at the end of this treatment road. We're praying like mad that this is the end of the cancer road for y'all altogether!

Egad...pharmacies can dump Tricare?

Anonymous said...

Three times... I cannot even imagine. Please tell Blaine that this stranger said a special prayer for him yesterday.. and thank you for his service to our country. My brother just retired after 25 years in the Navy, and I know what a sacrifice being in the military is for the WHOLE FAMILY. So, thank you all for your service, too.

Thanks for the update on Blaine. He is in my thoughts and prayers, and I pray that he has beaten this cancer for all time.

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine Blaine with hair long enough to stick out. Hang in there guys. Should I send you Milk Duds?

Anonymous said...

Happy Veterans Day, Blaine and gang. Glad radiation is O-V-E-R and hope you are out of the recliner and feeling better soon! Hugs all around (except for Kristie).

Anonymous said...

well holy crap, that is just insane. i hope you had something real nice to say to them (the pharmacy)... unreal. i agree with pam d. thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! military men and women are some of the most courageous people... thank you blaine and happy veteran's day to you! and may this be your last bout with cancer EVER! thinking of you and your family...

The Traveling Yogi said...

I'm glad that Blaine is about done with the radiation, but that sucks that the pharmacy no longer accepts your insurance. Praying that it all works out.

Anonymous said...

Mega Dittos on saying HAPPY VETERANS DAY to Blaine!
Hoping and praying this radiation zaps every single, minicule, itty bitty, atom sized freakin cancer cell in Blaine with the least amount of pain. Cheers to YOU for being so nice for so long!!!

Anonymous said...

Kick cancer's butt today!

Diane in Cincinnati

Marge said...

Thank Blaine for me for his service to our country. My husband was a 20 year AF man, so we know the life of a military family.

I hope this last radiation is THE LAST FOREVER. And I hope you find pharmacy services with a compassionate caring place.....and boo hiss on your current one. Nothing like kicking you when you're already down. As the comment from cakeburnette says: A pharmacy can dump Tricare????

Blessings to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Blaine - knocking on wood for you here (hey, and praying as well)!! Here's to your NEVER having to endure even one more radiation treatment ever in your whole life - and NOT because you've maxed out on it!! And Kristie - yes, I know, it IS exhausting - and I only had to handle 2-3 weeks of post-double hernia surgery recuperation. You've accomplished quite a feat!

Anonymous said...

So glad this is the end of the radiation road for you Blaine! Bye-bye cancer once and for all!! Happy Veteran's Day too. You all dont get near enough thanks for all you do and the sacrifices that you and your families make. I/we appreciate you so very much. As for the pharmacy situation....well crap. Hope that gets straightened out QUICKLY!!

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

That totally sucks about the pharmacy.
I am praying that the cancer is GONE and that Blaine's pain subsides soon. And of course, that you don't have to watch the military channel anymore!

Anonymous said...

I have no idea how my silly little mind forgot to come here yesterday and give a GREAT, BIG, HUGE, GIGANTIC THANK YOU TO BLAINE FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY--- PLEASE TELL HIM THAT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART,I APPRECIATE HIM!

I will be saying extra prayers today that this battle with the "c" will be over once and for all for Blaine and your whole family. I will pray that the stress that must come as he ends treatment be tempered with peace and happiness beyond understanding.

P.S.-- To think that the pharmacy will no longer accept your insurance makes me furious. In my opinion, those who protect our country should get totally free healthcare/medication from any facility in the country. It's the least we can do.

Anonymous said...

Kristie,
Coming out of hiding long enough to say that I am so happy for your family right now and I pray that this is the last you will have to deal with the word cancer again.

Your family has been through so much and I have been inspired by seeing the grace of God through your struggles.

Audra, Keegan's mom

Anonymous said...

You're awesome. I don't care what you blog about. You even turn the depressing crap into something special...you have a gift.

Missy said...

Yay for Blaine!! Boo for insurance! No more trains!!!