First, here’s is an update, written by Sandi, from my appointment with Dr. Peterson yesterday. Some of you already received this via text from Sandi yesterday.
Hi Everyone…
Hoping this finds everyone happy and healthy! 🙏
Scott and I saw his oncologist today and I have an update.
The first thing we did was review his MRI results. I am beyond happy to report that, “the MRI looks good.. nothing has grown!” The images below are (from left to right), most current image (August), June (post-surgery and pre radiation), and pre-surgery (May). The white that you see on the current image is just resection fluid and denotes the maturation of post-surgical changes.
As you all know, being part of Scott’s family, he is experiencing some minor bouts of sadness. His doc was very in tune with this and said it is very expected. He suggested Scott meet with a therapist that works specifically with oncology patients and “gets it” when it comes to the variety of emotions that a cancer patient has to navigate. Scott is open to talking to them and has scheduled some time just for him to process this. He remains healthy and open which is wonderful and a big reason that I love this man! ❤️
Scott also acknowledged that a month of napping from radiation has led to some muscle loss. He will start meeting with a physical therapist to build strength at the new and amazing neuroscience center very soon! You know from his blog posts that all of that hiking on the West got him motivated to get back in top shape! I’m his cheerleader! 📣
Chemo is being delivered to our home this week and Scott will start his regimen of Temozolomide (Temodar) on Monday 9/6. In addition, he will have a medication for nausea that he will take daily along with an antibiotic just because of his eventual compromised immune system to keep him as safe as possible.
His oncologist also advised a COVID booster and flu shot so that is scheduled tomorrow.
Scott and I are entertaining his wonderful daughter Stella tomorrow night, hopefully, Matthew and his wife on Friday night, and his amazing mom on Saturday. Squeezing in the social time while we can.
All good news today. Tonight we celebrate. Next week, we fight like hell. Please keep the posts coming. They mean so much to Scott. This “family” cheering for him all of these months has been amazing. I am really looking forward to meeting all of you at some point in this journey.
PS - Scott and I have been outside all night. Lovely summer evening and he is singing loudly, loving life at this very moment. He amazes me. Cannot ask for better!
Love to you all! Please keep Scott in your prayers and thoughts. Whatever this group is doing, it works! Thank you! 🙏❤️
Since this update, I passed another milestone this morning. Here’s another update from Sandi.
One more quick update from this morning. In Minnesota, a person cannot drive for 3 months post-seizure and must be seizure-free during that time period. Once the 3 months have passed, you have to take a simulated driver’s test through the rehab department to be cleared to drive.
Scott took his test this morning and passed with flying colors!! Another milestone successfully navigated and some newfound freedom! 🚙 😊
Yay Me! Yay Team!
After a very strong recommendation from Dr. Peterson to get a booster Covid vaccine, plus a 2021 Flu Season vaccine, we’ve been fighting with the incredible pharmacy bureaucracy all morning to get this done before my chemo begins. You may not be aware of this, I wasn’t, but getting a vaccine while immunocompromised doesn’t work since the immune system can’t make the necessary antibodies once it’s suppressed. That’s where today’s urgency comes in.
Just hours ago and without explanation, CVS canceled my previously scheduled vaccine. I was on hold with them for 45 minutes and finally got some company bureaucrat that kept repeating the same phrase to me, no matter what I said, “I’m sorry sir, but we have strict policies in place….blah, blah, blah.”
Sandi to the rescue again. She got a Health Partner’s nurse on the line and explained the whole situation, and now I have a new Moderna vaccine appointment later today. In the meantime, I’m running to Walgreen’s now to get a flu vaccine — fingers crossed. Lots and lots to navigate! At least I passed my driving test, and Sandi can actually focus on her day job.
Here’s a photo I took outside the Neuro Center this morning. I call it the many sides of me. Similar to the phrase, “it takes a village”; yes, it certainly does, but I would also add that it takes many sides of me to get through this….
With Deep Gratitude-
BeWonderNow
Hello Scott - you are simply amazing! Thinking of you and cheering you on! Thank you for being so good to our caregivers as well. You make the day of everyone you come in contact with! - sincerely, Megan Remark - Regions Hospital
All good news. Wow! How rare is that? I I understand that Sandi is administering the chemo to you at home, Scott. What a pampered boy you are, my friend. And you deserve it. Best to Sandi.