Met New Doctor - MRI Results - Hospice Delivers - Visit from Sis and Hubby -Florida House Sold

 Shiloh, IL  (Hi 85  Lo 65)

This was a busy week with lots of updates. In case you haven't been following  our blog, my hubby, Jim, has Glioblastoma stage 4 cancer. I'm writing in detail for those that have the same cancer what we're going thru. 

On Monday I had my own physical. I'm pre-diabetic and wanted to get my A1C checked. I also need blood work done for other things. I passed the diabetic but not so good on the cholesterol, she told me not to eat fatty food or fast food. She didn't say anything about bags of potato chips which right now is my comfort food. Bummer, I'll do better once this nightmare is over. I don't go back for six months, so that's all done. 

Tuesday was the MRI. I didn't have to go to St. Louis to Barnes but had it done right here in town at the hospital. It took almost an hour to get Jim in to the car and wheelchair and find where the MRI was located. We made it on time and after 40 minutes it was all over. We stopped for big Hardee's burger for him and I had chicken. We don't get out much, so that was something special for both of us. He slept the rest of the day. 

Wednesday was a very long day waiting for the MRI results. We had one more OT come out to close out the therapy. Late afternoon the oncologist called.  He was in a quiet mood and told us the tumor had almost doubled in size. I did a recording of the conversation to be sure I heard right. Jim has weeks. The radiation and chemo didn't do anything to decrease the size.  The oncologist usually tries to talk you into doing trials, experiments of sorts, this one didn't even bring it up. I had a couple questions on what we're in for and asked him to call hospice. When he hung up from me that's what he did because hospice called just minutes later. He also said it's a bad one. The size of the tumor was 2.3cm,on May 25,  now it's 3.5cm

Thursday hospice nurse and social worker came in to explain what we get, what we need to do and what will happen in the next few weeks. By evening, I had gloves, pull ups, bed pads, a hospital bed, oxygen and a generator for the oxygen. I'm set. The meds will come to the door and tomorrow we'll get assigned people for showers, chaplain, social worker and nurse. I can now call anytime with questions and help if needed. I'm not alone in calling for assistance with medical problems. Our son is also on call, but I'm not pulling him from family things and work. (Click on the pictures to enlarge).  

Our bedroom setup. 

Jim watching the baseball game in his favorite chair. He's looking good and eating well. Just can't talk or use his right side hand and leg. 

Every morning he seems to be having more problems with the right side, especially the right leg. Sometimes he can't use the walker so using a wheelchair to transport to the living room. 

My sister and hubby, Doris and Herm, came for a visit Friday afternoon. Doris helped with rearranging the bedroom with the hospital bed. The nurse from hospice also came out and took vitals and see what else we may need. We're getting set schedules with everyone. It will be hectic till we get schedules settled. 

I keep forgetting to show something. The apartment complex has an Amazon HUB for all packages so no stealing. When you get an order it goes in a box (sizes are different) they send a code to your phone.  You put the code in a display screen and the box opens. It's really neat. 

The biggest news is the house closed today and the realtor has sent the check. I shut down the water and electric and now there's no more rent from there going out. I'm so happy. That's one more stress that's off of me.  My next big item to conquer, is the drivers license for Illinois (again). They have different rules when you're over 70.