We went down to Dartmouth
on Tuesday, May 22 for Scott’s CAT scan. (Special thanks to Susan Schill who
drove us because I was too exhausted make the trip myself.) The aggressive
chemotherapy Scott was on did not give the results that the doctors wanted to see. They are doing a more broad spectrum chemotherapy on Scott now.
Fortunately, it does not require an IV and has less side effects than infusion
(IV) therapy. The new therapy is taken in pill form and gets delivered right to
the house. Scott will use it for two weeks and be checked again. We just made
an appointment for June 12, 2012 at Dartmouth. I hope the ride is not too tough
on Scott. He was in a lot of pain Wednesday from Tuesday’s trip.
Scott has not
lost any (more) weight in about two weeks now, so I am really glad that we are
holding it. He is doing a great job eating, whether he feels like it or not.
Today I’m picking up a medication that is supposed to help his appetite a
little bit more.
From today for
the next 9 days at least, we will have visitors in one form or another of
family from both sides of our marriage. We will also see some really good friends.
This is a great boost to all of us.
The weather is
beautiful and fresh breezes blow through the living room where Scott spends his
days. He has a clear view over the mountains and can see any activity outside
and visitors as they arrive.
Scott’s tractor
has not run for a few years. It is an International 460. John Hodgson, another
Waterville legend, came over and finished things on it that Scott was not able
to get out there and do. John worked with two of the boys, one of whom who is
singularly committed to getting the tractor going (Levi). When the tractor
started up, it was like hearing an old friend come to life. Scott could hear it
from his windows and he saw John drive it down the driveway and down the road
at a blazing speed.
When John was back he said that tractor goes really fast for its type. He also says it is a sound piece of equipment. It went to John’s shop to have a roll bar and seatbelt installed before the boys drive it. As if that wasn’t blessing enough, there is a program going out here where 75% of the cost for the roll bar and seat belt and shipping are all reimbursed. To add to that, our nephew John Gilkeson in New Jersey got the roll bar shipped from Michigan to us for a fractional cost. 99% of tractor rollovers are survived when a roll bar and seatbelt are used. Thank you all for keeping our boys safe.
When John was back he said that tractor goes really fast for its type. He also says it is a sound piece of equipment. It went to John’s shop to have a roll bar and seatbelt installed before the boys drive it. As if that wasn’t blessing enough, there is a program going out here where 75% of the cost for the roll bar and seat belt and shipping are all reimbursed. To add to that, our nephew John Gilkeson in New Jersey got the roll bar shipped from Michigan to us for a fractional cost. 99% of tractor rollovers are survived when a roll bar and seatbelt are used. Thank you all for keeping our boys safe.
I just heard
that the Pitre Construction team is going to help us get the finish on the new
dormer Scott put in with the boys some time ago. We’ve let it go, and a bird is
raising children somewhere inside of it. Time to close it in! After the babies
fledge, of course.
So today I sit
here with all this help, remembering all the previous help and visits and
gifts, and knowing about all our visitors coming… if you can go through what we
are going through and feel blessed, than you know you are surrounded by some of
the most wonderful people in the world.
I have had
nights when I go to bed fearful. When I get up in the morning, there is my husband
with more energy, drive, hope and vitality than I have. He is an inspiration. To
see him do this fight is truly humbling. The only word that comes to mind is
admirable. I admire Scott. Saul titled this blog, and I think he and his siblings
are seeing strength in their father that they will always remember, whether
they realize its value right now or not.
I hope you all
have a blessed Memorial Day weekend. This would be my sister’s 49th
birthday today. In all his stress, Scott had the grace to ask
me how I was doing today and to ask me to talk about it. He says my sister was
a beautiful sunshine in all of our lives. He is right. He laughed when I told
him I know she’s got the door on the other side and won’t let him through. My
sister was tiny but she was tough as anything.
God is everywhere
and God is God no matter what, and in any situation, He is with us. From the
intervention I have seen on Scott’s behalf, many people are seriously praying,
and Scott is God’s man. I
Praise Him for each and every prayer and effort. Thank you all.
I asked Scott if he wants a copy of what I wrote today, and he said, "No, I lived it." How's that for an awesome attitude!
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