First post:
Oct 25, 2018 Latest post:
Feb 25, 2019
Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
10.14.18 ~
Chad, Anya, and myself (Alyssa) are currently living in Rochester Minnesota while Chad undergoes radiation therapy at the Mayo clinic. He started treatment (+chemo) last Monday. 1 week down, 5 to go! Things started out as well as can be expected. Everyday at 7am Chad takes his chemo pills. Then at 8am (M-F), he gets his radiation. For this he has to wear a mask that was fit for his head and neck and then secured to the table. This prevents any movement and allows the radiation to get to his brainstem. I liken it to his Hannibal Lecter mask :) The radiation only lasts about 10 minutes, so he's in and out really quick. After he's done, we have the rest of the day to ourselves! (except the weekly blood tests and office visits).
On Tuesday last week the nausea set it. We were hoping to keep that at bay for a while longer, but no dice. We are thinking it's from the chemo pills. Chad has anti-nausea medication he takes but sometimes it doesn't do much. He described it as having a hangover all-day. Ginger ale is his new friend.
Last Wednesday after treatment Chad was talking to the clinic concierge and learned about a "world-famous" toy store nearby called Lark Toys. It's located in Kellogg MN, about 45 minutes away. With baby sleeping in the back, we headed that way. Loads of toys and a working carousel with hand-carved animals proved too temping for Anya and Alyssa. Anya rode the giant loon like a champ!
Saturday the family took a road trip to Winona MN to see where Alyssa's grandma was raised. Did some sightseeing and then crossed the bridge to Wisconsin and headed towards Wabasha (of Grumpy Old Men fame!). Beautiful sightseeing and leaf-peeping!
Trying to keep spirits up and create some good memories in the midst of this rotten situation. Now we're just working on getting some our the pups down for a visit. Chad's having withdrawls. Duke, Lulu, Moose - we love you!!!
And before I forget, I want to reach out and say "thank you" to everyone in our lives. The support and prayers have been incredible. We feel truly blessed and so lucky to have you all in our lives. The prayers are helping, so keep it up!!
