It's been a few weeks since I've posted, but rest assured all is well with us here in sunny Southern California. We are fortunate that the weather is kind of, sort of, starting to warm up and feel more like Spring. I know for most folks that we know living in colder temps this seems funny to say, but it has been cold here lately for us at least (day highs in the 50's/60's, with lows down to the 30's). Overall this warmer, sunny weather is not only my favorite, but it allows Ben to get outside more (even if out of the sun still) since he runs colder with the chemo meds. 

Speaking of chemo meds, Ben completed Treatment #34 earlier this week. Everything went seamlessly  in clinic as fortunately he had a great team taking care of him/us which allowed him to sleep for a few hours. It does make things a bit easier for both of us when we see a lot of familiar faces at the Moores Cancer Center (MCC) including the nurses, support staff, volunteers & physician assistants. We've been fortunate to meet & build connections with so many friendly & caring people over the past few years having on average been in the clinic anywhere from 1-5 days per week. This past weekend we were surprised by one of the staff members gifting us some cute onsies for our baby boy on the way. As unfortunate everything that Ben has had to go through these past few years, we are fortunate not only that he is at a top medical facility, but a place that cares. 

Ben had labs Saturday afternoon which went well, allowing him to complete treatment this week. He started treatment early Sunday morning and got disconnected mid-day on Tuesday. This treatment went better than #33 as he said he was less nauseous and bounced back quicker, though still has been taking it easy the past few days. He always has some cold sensitivity during & the first few days after treatment due to the Oxalyplatin drug he receives, but he has become quite a master at managing it along with his other side effect of the mild neuropathy in his hands and feet. Fortunately, his face & body rash from the previous Vectibix drug is finally starting to clear up, which is such a relief given the itchy, painful, discomfort he was previously experiencing. We're appreciative for the responsiveness, and attention to care that Ben receives from the UCSD Health Dermatology team which allows for consistent, timely communication to help pivot to get him through some of these rough symptoms. 

Originally, Ben was supposed to have treatment #34 the week of April 15th, however his lab results the day prior came back with a few levels too low out of range. Therefore his treatment was deferred to this week instead to allow his body to get additional rest & recovery to help hopefully bring up his platelet & white blood cell levels, which was successful. A few days before his labs appointment we called up his folks to ask if one of them could come out to visit to help us out for the days of his treatment, which his mom Janice was fortunately able to be here for a few days. We've found it's almost a precursor that when folks come out from WI to help during his chemo he gets deferred haha. However, that's not to say that the visits are a loss as it is always great to reconnect with friends & family and receive the much appreciated help. It's just an ironic trend that we've noticed. 

Janice visited us for 5 days, one of which we were able to help celebrate her birthday which was special! We're appreciative of all the help she provided with everything from treating us to some meals, taking care of & walking Stitch, helping cook meals, continuously helping us keep up with the dishes, and even helping rearrange some stuff around the house for baby prep. Ben & his mom were able to catch up in conversation over the few days while I worked over coffee on our apartment patio, or walks around our apartment complex.  Janice was able to attend one of Ben's medical consult appointments which was great timing wise to hear information first hand. We also got to have a day of 1st time browsing some local stores for baby registry items with Janice which was a lot of fun and watching some fun movies/TV (What to Expect When You're Expecting, Next Goal Wins, How To Be Single, Bluey, etc.). And of course also helping make her trip to help us possible, we can't forget our thanks to Mike, Ben's dad, for holding down the fort in WI. We are so very appreciative of the love, support and help from the Ramaekers and extended family have certainly lifted our spirits even if treatment was postponed.

With Ben's treatment being deferred to early this week we were fortunate that my dad, Steve, wasn't traveling so he was a big help with making us dinner one of the nights, offering to pick up items from the store, being available close by for back up, and even something small but so helpful for me - providing us with bags of fresh ice for drinks. Between his support, and the continued encouragement from family & friends we are able to continue to find the strength and positivity to make it through Ben's treatments and recovery so thank you! 

It helps that Ben is able to bounce back so quickly after treatments. He has been helping walk Stitch for her evening walk, as I get scared of potentially having to fend off the coyotes in our apartment complex 😆 Fortunately he has a great appetite, looks healthy, and has a positive mindset! Even today, just a bit over 48 hours from being disconnected Ben was super active (within reason) between helping with some organizing & repotting of my roses in our container garden and even having a Peloton bike session with his/our friend Mike in WI. As Ben said "He had a garden party!" We are keeping our fingers crossed for some good weather this weekend (please no more rain) to allow us to finish up our apartment patio space planning in preparation for some more outdoor lounging & summer fun!

In terms of next steps, Ben is tentatively scheduled for chemo treatment #35 starting next weekend May 5th assuming his labs on May 4th come back within range. Additionally, as a follow-up to last month's brief mention of Ben potentially receiving proton radiation therapy, we were fortunate to meet with Dr. Macewin last week at California Protons Radiation Cancer Therapy Center. The center is an affiliate of UCSD Health and Dr. Macewin works closely with Ben's oncologist Dr. Botta so they have an established relationship and are working in conjunction to formulate Ben's care plan. The proton therapy center is one of the only ones in the state, and the only one in the Southern California region so folks come from all over to receive treatment. The Cal Proton location is about the same distance drive from our apartment to the Moores Cancer Center, around 15 minutes for which we are very fortunate. We met with Dr. Botta yesterday morning to confirm the plan and for him to check in on Ben's status. The next step in Ben's treatment plan is to complete a PET Scan & CT Simulation on Monday 4/29 and then consult with Dr. Botta & Dr. Macewin to determine a radiation treatment plan. In the meantime Ben will continue on his IV chemo treatments until everything is set in place. 

As we await next steps, Ben plans to continue to be active, helping around the house, getting in walks, reading, playing with Stitch, watching the Stanley Cup playoffs and/or European soccer matches, gardening and continuing his much appreciated helpful baby planning/nesting. :-) 

Thank you for your patience with reading this long update and for your continued support ❤️

P.s. more photos added to "The Gallery".