Life is getting a little easier. This interlude between the initial chemo/radiation hell and the next round of chemo has been accompanied by the sights and sounds of the ocean and a steroid injection. 

Last week, John received a steroid injection for his leg pain. Although the pain is not gone it is markedly less enabling him to walk more and rely on fewer medications. 

With a little less pain, we canceled one physical therapy session and now are enjoying a few days in the Outer Banks. While he rests I read. The ocean really does awaken the senses and release endorphins! 

Yesterday, he was able to take two, one-mile walks. It had been a month since he had been able to walk any distance at all. We are very hopeful he will be able to manage the pain and upcoming double-strength chemo to preserve our goal of a good summer. 

Clarification: based on outreach from many friends, I realize some may assume memory loss associated with glioblastoma and radiation treatment is similar to dementia. It is not. 

John’s persona is not gone. Albeit fatigued and emotionally down due to his diagnosis, pain and the treatment regimens, he still makes terrible puns and enjoys conversation with friends. Recently, he tried to convince new friends that Cat Ballou is the greatest movie of all time. It is not. 

His short-term memory loss occurs every day but is episodic and related to details around schedule, sequence, time and space. His long-term memory largely is intact although details are confused. His difficulty processing information prevents him from managing finances, medications or other important decisions. However, he has been a great tutor as I take on his prior responsibilities. The cognitive  issues definitely alter our lives and his independence but he still has agency.