#40 - Mar. 21, 2024

Hello all, 

First, I just want to say how much I appreciate all of you. Support us through this tough time. 

We can’t thank you all enough. 

I figured morning posts might be better since by the evening I’m usually very tired. 

We saw the Radiation Oncologist on Tuesday and the Oncologist on Wednesday. 

Normally radiation starts 6-8 weeks after surgery. It looks like the R.O. wants to wait the full 8 weeks, due to all the complications, before starting the radiation treatments. He wants as much time as possible for healing and getting my strength back before starting. The very first time we met with him, he explained radiation as such… “ While we are trying to help you, it’s going to feel like we are trying to kill you.” Reassuring, huh? 

That puts us starting radiation somewhere around the 15th of April. He also said that it’s usually a 50/50 chance that I will end up back on a feeding tube at some point during these treatments. If that happens, I’m pushing for the tube just in my stomach. I don’t know that I can handle that tube sticking out of my nose again for that long of a time.

He told me to image a bad sunburn on my throat for about 6 weeks. Sounds fun, huh? 

But I guess it is what it is. Just trying to get a few hours in at work when I can, and when I feel up to it. Lots more dr. Appts. Speech therapy, physical therapy, dentist (exam because radiation can harm teeth) and on and on…

It’s a lot, to be honest. Feeling run down all the time. Mornings are tough to get going. 

Megan has been doing triple time this whole time, being there for me, working, helping others, balancing doctors appts and so much more. She is feeling it too. I wish I could lighten her load.  I’m a very lucky man. 

Today, is another day to feel blessed we get to experience. Please don’t forget that. 

Even on bad days, someone has it harder than you. 

While in the hospital I heard multiple “Code Blue” called one over the intercom. It reminded me that there is someone having a much worse day than I was. 

Megan and I were talking yesterday and she reminded me of the last time I was in the ER with my throat incision bleeding. They rolled the “blue cart” into my room and just left it there. I didn’t remember it at the time, but I guess I knew exactly what that blue cart was for and was not impressed with the fact that it was in my room. 

I’m vertical. I’m breathing. It could be worse. 

Love you all. 

Dave