Riding Out The Storm

Good Evening!

I have realized that when there is an irregularity in journal updates many of you become worried and fear that something serious has happened and I'm so sorry. I want you all to know that Chad is doing the best that he can and the reason for not posting more frequently is simply because I have a lot of balls in the air, not because of any change in prognosis. We do appreciate your concern, you are all wonderful and the fact that you all care so deeply means so much. I returned to work last week after 5 months away and while I am truly happy to be back with my colleagues and students, as you might imagine I had to do a lot of prep work over the last couple of weeks to feel comfortable leaving Chad. (I had to miss my first appointment since Chad's health problems began and while I was strong on the outside I was a mess on the inside!) In short, I've been emotionally preoccupied with this transition and it's been hard for me to sit down and write but you will continue to hear from us at least every couple of weeks or so unless we have a new development to share. We love you all and are thankful that you are on this journey with us.

Chad had a pretty straight-forward infusion last week. His port is still clogging on one side but it hasn't stopped him from getting his lab work or infusions so we are still not overly concerned about it. His lab results continue to be favorable and even though he lost weight again he is doing okay. Thank you for all of your suggestions for proteins, fats and tricks to help maintain his weight, we are trying to do any and everything that we can. After my last journal entry we received the exact product that I was looking for, a protein powder that can be added to anything and have started using it when he is able to eat and I hope that it helps. I find it remarkable that so many friends and family members take the time to read my very wordy posts and offer so many possible solutions for Chad. We are very grateful for all of your help.

The honeymoon is definitely over when it comes to Chad's side effects. We were warned that his symptoms would be cumulative and become more and more problematic and that truth is upon us. This round of chemo has been quite an arduous task for Chad and put on display just how harsh chemotherapy is on the body. Chad has completed 9 infusions which adds up to 432 hours of chemotherapy so it's no wonder it has taken such a toll on him. It's very difficult to watch what he has to go through but somehow he's still smiling. Chad is SO excited for football season and is still planning to go to every home game and one away game. Please continue to send your prayers, good vibes and positive juju that he can find the stamina to be present and enjoy doing his favorite thing, cheering on The Browns!! 

Before I sign off I want to mention that I purposely try not to mention many of you by name because it's extremely important to Chad and I that you all know that we appreciate each and every one of you for the many, many ways that you support us. It would be impossible in each post to thank you individually for all that you do without unintentional omissions because every day one of you does something amazing to show us how much you care. I'm sure that my record-keeping is not error-free & Chad and I would be heartbroken if any of you felt like we didn't appreciate you because we genuinely do. Tonight I am going to briefly stray from my norm to say thank you to Al Knowles for having Chad on your mind, in your heart and written on your body as you rode in this year's Pelotonia. We were all very touched by this gesture. 

**100% of every dollar raised during the 3 day cycling event goes directly to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute. (Also Known As-The hospital trying to save my husband's life.) https://pelotonia.org  

We love you all!!