May 18, 2026

 These last couple of months have been, well, rough. I feel like I've been living someone else's life or that this has been a terrible made-for-TV movie. Including the loss of one of our beloved dogs. I will try to keep the update as brief as I can but just know that as for me and my cancer-related health, things are still going smoothly. 

The last update touched on the CT scan and unhappy blood work... the CT scan of my brain looked fine, no issues with my pituitary or anything else, so the headaches are likely stress. I went back to redo my labs the following week, and everything was perfectly normal. No rhyme or reason so not exactly sure what was up the previous week. At least there were no issues... I'll take a "fluke" anytime.

2 more infusions then on to reconstruction! My hair is returning quite a bit, but these curls... ugh! I feel like a Chia Pet.... and I can't stand having hair on the back of my neck and that's right where it's residing... and I can't put it up or move it... I know it's part of the process, but with all things considered, I feel like I'm allowed to complain just a little. I know it won't take long to get past this stage...but in the meantime.... 

Nathan was officially discharged from VCU on April 3. Good Friday! As we were heading home, about 20-30 min from the hospital, my truck decides to revolt. We were off the main road and trying to get to the mechanic shop nearby to check out the noise that it was making when the nastiest sound came from the rear... my rear driver side breaks exploded. Pads, rotor, all in pieces scattered on the ground. And of course it's 4pm on the Friday before Easter. Long story short, had it towed home. A 3-hour ride in the front of the tow truck that had no ac and we were driving directly into the sun. I thought I was gonna sweat to death. The driver was nice and friendly, but I guess I would be too if I was making $1000 to drive 6 hours... lol. 

Then the following week, the front driver hub bearing goes out... because why not.... Luckily, I have great folks in my corner because my "brother" (not technically related but we grew up together and the closest thing to a brother I could have) drove up both times from North Carolina (about a 3-hour trip each way for him) just to come fix my truck. Bless him!

Nathan has had various labs and doctor visits since his discharge and he seems to be making slow progress, on paper. That's a great thing! In reality, he gets tired easy, feels exhausted, and has some issues staying asleep. I'd assume his body and brain are not being stimulated enough and his body naps and then is ready to do the next thing... but I don't know. Could be his ammonia levels are elevated. Not sure. We'll get him straight one way or another. Keep praying for God to heal his body and spirit. 

        Philippians 4:13 states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

This has always been one of my favorite versus in the Bible. Granted, I've done an excessive amount of praying over the last few months and called on several different versus to get me thru as well as a number of songs on K-Love, but this one has stayed in my head constantly. 

I did get a new job and started the first of the month. Same type of work I was doing, just a different company and industry. A local electrical company. This seems like it will be a good fit. Everyone is nice and friendly, and I was up front with them during my interview and let them know of the medical stuff and they are willing to work with me on things so that's a huge blessing!

I have rebuilt my garden space this year and am working on a nice flower garden down by our willow tree so I'm trying to get back to doing things that help my mental health after the way this year has gone. Say a prayer for my counselor because I've kept her busy! 

Stay safe as we head into Memorial Day weekend! Thanks for reading!