14 months and counting!

Eric just passed the 14 month mark of this fight! 

A lot has happened since the last updates. In the meanwhile, Eric has continued to fight this battle with humor, exercise, and everything that modern medicine will allow us to throw at these annoying, irritating, frustrating microscopic cells. 

Unfortunately, recent MRI shows continued growth of the surgically ressected tumor sites as well as new sites. While disappointed and frustrated, Eric and I considered all of our options looking into several non-FDA approved treatments and treatments at other facilities. During our search, we found a very viable treatment option in Wisconsin. A few people joined in on our search and helped us find a care team that would carry out the potential treatment option. Luckily, we found an option for treatment at Gundersen Cancer Center in LaCrosse, WI. 

Eric and I loaded up the car, tied up loose ends in Helena, and drove to WI. We approached it as just another adventure. After his last treatment in Montana, we drove to Devil's Tower in WY where we camped, relaxed, and enjoyed the magnificent scenery created by Devil's Tower. We then proceeded to drive through South Dakota stopping briefly in the Black Hills, and the Badlands....no offense to anyone who loves South Dakota, but there is not a lot out there! We ended up in a KOA Kabin in the middle of South Dakota watching some fantastic storm systems followed by a glorious rainbow. The third day we pushed and arrived in LaCrosse very tired, but in one piece. 

As travel magic would have it, we were able to spend some bonus time with a friend who was passing through LaCrosse on her long road trip back to MT. What fun travel magic it was. It was fun to hang out with family and introduce our friend, Patricia, to Eric's family. 

Since arriving we have stayed busy with appointments, more appointments, walking the doggies, hanging out with family, and getting to know LaCrosse. Eric and I have returned to the pool for some much needed water therapy. As former swimmers, we always feel at home in the pool. There is just something soothing about swimming laps. 

We are stuck in the holding process otherwise known as waiting.....again. While neither of us are particularly good at waiting, at least we are doing it with each other and are surrounded by family who are doing their best to support us and distract us. We don't have a start date for radiation treatment yet, but in the meantime, we continue to walk, hike, swim, play cribbage, take naps, and enjoy every moment that we can.