Ex's Brain Radiation, Day 6 of 15

We lucked out this morning and were able to bump up radiation to a time right after a visit to the oncology doc. She's cut back Decadron (steroid to prevent brain swelling) from four 6 mg doses a day to 3x/day. And next week, she says we'll go down to three 4mg doses.

I guess steriods are good for this purpose, but over time, docs say they contribute to irritability and weakness. We don't need any more of that!



Today, we got an Rx for a cane at The Ex's request. It seems the walker is a little clumsy for the obstacle course that is our house, but we did not get the cane today.

His 46 seconds of radiation goes quickly. I barely have time to check my email on my phone! He walks slowly and carefully, and he has trouble standing without fighting with his balance.

In the evenings, this is much worse. I'm always jumping up to catch him every time he stands. If he's said it once, he's said it a million times... "I'm alright."

"I'm alright. I'm alright. I'm alright. I'm alright." Like a broken record, or at least the voice of willful denial in the face of SCLC.

The Ex had visitors again from his job; they arrived with buffalo wings, barbequed wings, french fries and onion rings -- you know, health food. ;-)

I served the wings on a plate on the coffee table with paper plates and paper towels for all, but it was too late for the soggy takeout fries and rings. (We later refried these in our own deep fryer, and they were quite a tasty snack!)

Ex also had an optometrist appointment today, ordered new lenses and frames, and made an appointment to get his eyes checked again in three months. (He has glaucoma, too; controlled with medications). I sure hope he is with us to make that appointment, but I just don't know.

He seemed terribly frail tonight. I'm glad he isn't trying to work anymore. He claims he is bored, but I don't think he's thinking clearly enough to be productive. Visiting and TV watching are good activities for those having their brains radiated.

So far, still no complaints of headaches or pain. Just dizziness, fatigue and cloudy thinking.

Six down, nine to go. Thanksgiving will be the 3rd day after his last brain radiation. I do hope he will be able to enjoy the day.

To all veterans out there -- much love, many thanks, and God Bless.