A Journey Home

In all of the "what if" scenarios I've played in my head over the last year, I don't think I ever imagined Eric getting treatment in Wisconsin. Or, for that matter, he and J moving in with Mom and Dad for a couple of months. But, if I've learned one thing on this journey, it's to expect the unexpected. So, I journeyed home to Wisconsin this past weekend to see what kind of fun and trouble (i.e., shit) I could stir up.  

Eric and J have been in La Crosse for two weeks working hard to establish their care with a new medical oncologist and radiation oncologist. Plus, there have been more scans, blood work, and many phone calls to get everything ready for this new course of treatment. 

I arrived in time to tag along with Eric and J for his Avastin infusion. He and J are old hats at the infusion process, so I got to be a fly on the wall during all of it. I marveled at how J championed for Eric and how Eric's signature dry humor shined through even after a heavy dose of Benadryl. As he said at one point (with a sly smile)..."I'm not to be trusted." I was glad to be there. Even if I was just mainly in the way. I was also their ride home, so they couldn't exactly get rid of me. 

As Eric's disease continues to progress, we were all relieved to get his initial radiation appointments scheduled. He began regular radiation treatments, 5-days per week, this week. At least we knew that the waiting game was coming to an end. None of us do a good job waiting! 

So in an effort to distract us from the waiting I dragged everyone on several small adventures. We enjoyed a number of neighborhood walks with Aspen and Treka (Mom and Dad's dog). We were a slow moving bunch, but it was nice to enjoy the beautiful weather. I put my life into J's hands and piled into the jeep for a trail ride through a friend's field. You'll be happy to know that we all survived! But, Dad was disappointed that the stream we went through didn't make a bigger splash saying (and I quote) "aww shucks" when we made it through without mud splashing the windows. The beautiful field at the top of the ride was well worth the drive! We also snuck in a 'kids' dinner with Doug, Wendy, and their kids. And, of course, an adventure with me wouldn't be complete without a pedicure. Eric especially enjoyed the massage chair!

There were also naps! We all love a good nap!

After seeing how much has changed for Eric since I saw him in February, it was hard to get back in the car to head home. Hard to leave knowing how much might change before I see him again. And how little it feels that I can do from far away. But, I'm also glad that Eric and J can find support from having Mom, Dad, and Doug (and his family) close by for this next round of treatment. 

A quote has been rattling around in my brain and I feel like it applies to exactly how we're all feeling as Eric tackles this next treatment option...none of us have blind denial, but we all have rebellious hope!

Julie