Making the most of an inoperable situation.

Today started with cats screaming to wake us up. Chip wanted to get up at 6am. Baby boy, it’s Sunday, we’re trying to sleep just a bit longer. Pancake was banging on our door to come in around 7am. Come on boys, let us sleep. Not happening. They’re so spoiled. I got up and brushed my teeth. Got my breakfast ready and they just left us alone. Not even a cool morning hang. Thanks guys, I appreciate you just wanting us awake. Next time, let us sleep.

Scanxiety had my mind going all night. I was honestly surprised I got any sleep period. My mind was racing with thoughts of the tumor growing or migrating to my spine. Well guess what!??! No change in size, extent or appearance! It’s stable once again. Unremarkable findings. Woo hoo! I’m so happy! I was nervous as can be opening up my patient portal and checking my radiology results this morning. I was grinning ear to ear reading it. I know I’m still super early on this journey but no change in size etc is just what I needed to see.

We made more bacon and gouda egg bites today. This time we used the ninja multicooker on a steam function. This is the key to the texture we have been looking for. Slow steam about 11-15 minutes. Silky, spongey and soft. I can’t wait to try them. It’s not that the other ways we tried were wrong, they were also delicious. This is the way we were expecting them to come out.

Tomorrow, my mom is coming up to hang out a bit. My chemo meds should deliver tomorrow. Tuesday, I have pre chemo/radiation bloodwork and a CT Simulation and possible mask fitting.

Happy Mother’s Day ladies! Enjoy today, it is yours. We all appreciate our wives and mothers. We know how hard you work to take care of us and love us.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

Today started out great. Got to sleep in a bit. The cats woke us up crying and knocking on doors. You can’t sleep too late with these two. I prepared my breakfast and ate. Relaxed until it was time to go for the MRI of my brain.

The Cancer Center told us to go to a certain valet area for the scan. There was no one there and no wheelchairs available. We parked at a different valet area with some help. Got the wheelchair because it’s a big campus and proceeded to check in. We were a couple minutes late at this point because of the valet situation. The staff didn’t seem to mind. Got checked in and waited for my contrast IV. Got that done and changed to my MRI gown and pants. Then waited for the tech to come collect me. It was somewhat of a ghost town there on Saturdays. I didn’t mind it one bit. It seemed busy in the MRI waiting area but we really didn’t have to wait too long. The staff here has been wonderful. I think in the future I’d like to have the scans done on the weekend like this. Much easier and closer to home.

So the tech gets me and brings me to the back. Get this, they actually played the music for me through the headphones this time. Score! I close my eyes and drift off to sounds of the MRI clanging, banging and Stevie Nicks. AC/DC woke me up and the tech started the contrast. At this point I know the scan is almost over but I still close my eyes and drift off again. It’s a wonder where you can sleep when you’re so tired.

We finished that and I got redressed to leave. We stopped off at McDonald’s for a happy meal. Not the best idea but it was yummy. Cheeseburger and fries, yummy. I skipped the drink. My wife surprised me with some cookies while I was in the scan.

On the way to the MRI appointment, I called my local Pharmacy today because I hadn’t received a text notifying me of my RX refill request for steroids. I’m glad I called because they said they didn’t have enough to fill it and it wouldn’t be available til well after I was out. I asked them if there was another location we could use and he said he could partially fill it but insurance wouldn’t cover til Friday. Well, I’m gonna run out tomorrow. We gotta figure this out. I can’t just stop the steroids without a taper off them. Luckily they had a partial to fill so I will have enough for tonight and hopefully pick it up tomorrow after lunch.

Florida has been in a drought lately. We are getting some much needed rain as we speak. I’m glad we made it home before the rain started. I have been having a terrible time the past couple days walking. Just tired and weak. I couldn’t imagine walking in while it was raining. I’m glad the heavens didn’t open up until we were home.

The boys have been good today. Pancake is hanging out with me in the room. Maybe it’s the rain keeping them calm today. Who knows with them sometimes. They can be so active then just bumps on a log. Depends on the day I guess.

I posted about starting a help registry on https://wegotthis.org/registries/bruce-mclarty If you are so inclined to help a guy like me it is very much appreciated. Just go to that site and search my last name McLarty and Florida. It really helps me not worry about groceries. Thank you so much

Scanxiety is a real thing. Not knowing what will be seen or unseen. Having a looming feeling it can all go to shi+.
I am hoping for more good news with this MRI. I will keep you all updated as to these results. Hopefully no growth or migration. Fingers crossed. I pray each day, for good news and easy times ahead. I have chemo and radiation bloodwork Tuesday along with a CT simulation and mask fitting the same day. My chemo meds will deliver Monday according to tracking. I’m kinda nervous to get started but at the same time I want to get started with treatment.

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my days. I really appreciate all of you keeping up with me. Much love to you and yours. I stay positive through faith, love and family.

~Bruce

Today I got up, had breakfast and started my day. Like most other days. I spoke with my assistant this morning. Processed a couple invoices and placed a phone order with another vendor. Easy right?

Lunch came and I heated up my meal, sat at the table and ate. I got a small Instacart order delivered in, put that away. Normal new way of life.

The cat’s only came around when I was walking around the kitchen. I wish they were more needy. Chip climbed on me this morning. I love that. I grab him and he gives me a loving look somewhere between I want to kill you and you’re the light of my life.

I spoke with one of my nurses about the Proton radiation therapy and how the only place offering it was in downtown Orlando. That’s not going to happen. She said she understood my reservations about going there 5x/week for 6 weeks. That’s too dang far. 2 hours each way plus the time itself for the treatment. No thanks. The local place is 15-20 mins for Photon Radiation. I’m good. All the proton places don’t open up til 2026 around here. Oh well. I discussed increasing my steroid back to a higher dosage. She told Dr P and that is approved. I will start the same dose as last week tomorrow. Hopefully that will give some relief to these symptoms, unsteadiness and slight headache. Nothing too bad, but definitely noticeable.

I have another MRI Brain scheduled tomorrow, Saturday at 11am. I did my pre-registration for it. All set to go. Tuesday afternoon, I have a CT simulation for the radiation. This will likely have the mask fitting as well. It’s all going to be starting soon. My chemo meds will deliver from a specialty Pharmacy Tuesday as well. I requested a refill on my steroid as I’m getting low. That should be available tomorrow for pick up through my local Pharmacy.

I saw an ad on social media for a site for helping cancer patients. wegotthis.org I made a registry. If you search for my registry you can help out easily. Search McLarty and Florida and I come right up. You can purchase Instacart giftcards or Uber giftcards. This helps me out so much and to the few that have helped I want to extend a huge thank you. It means so much to me. It takes my mind off the financial aspect. I’m not asking for money, just help with groceries. Thank you again to those who have helped with it.

I didn’t have any appointments today. Easy day. I did some chair exercises and ocular exercises. Chip, where are you? Come hang with Daddy. HE IS SO ANNOYING LEAVING ME ALONE! But I love that short king. He recently started what we call twerking/dominance. He’s been going after this giant stuffed cat in his room. It’s gross, but I know it is natural for them. He’s still my baby, even at 4 years old. Innocence lost, I suppose. Why!? Don’t be that guy.

Thank you for stopping by
~Bruce

This week I have been tapering down my steroid dex. It’s been ok til this afternoon. I had some more wobbliness and weakness. I don’t like this feeling. I canceled my PT today as I didn’t think it would be too wise to do in this state. I can get around I just don’t think I can exert myself like before.

This morning I was fine getting around. It hit me after lunch. Just increased tiredness. I took a small nap this afternoon. I got cleaned up. I messaged my care team through my patient portal app. Hoping to hear back soon about increasing my dosage back to at least last weeks dose. I hate not being able to move freely.

My mom came by today. We hung out and watched some old shows. We chatted and had lunch. Pancake, the big one, got a kiss from her. Chip stayed away until she left. He can be antisocial at times. Pancake is very social. He even does this social flop in front of me as I walk. It makes me nervous getting around with him swarming me. Both boys swarm me when I’m up and walking. They like to go for my cane and pat it and knock it over when I go in the kitchen. Sometimes I wake up to Pancake messing with my cane bedside. Bengal Brats.

This afternoon I wanted something sweet so I went in the kitchen, got some water and grabbed a bag of Russell Stovers sugar free candies. I had a peanut butter cup and a minty one like a York Patty. It was good.

I can actually see to type without the patch at the moment. What a nice thing to see, single vision. Let’s hope this comes back sooner than later. This morning I wore the patch while I did some ordering etc. This afternoon seems to be a bit different, not as bad with the eyes. Like I said yesterday, as long as I’m not too tired and what I’m looking at is within 18″ of my face I can see just fine.

I have been using Instacart as I have posted before. I’ve racked up some restaurant credits using it. I had my mom show me how to use the credits. I preordered some meals for tomorrow and Saturday because these credits will expire soon. Tomorrow is Chick Fila like usual. My wife texted me she wanted some spaghetti. I thought we’d get Olive Garden but that’s not offered through the app or uber eats credits. So we are going to have Carrabba’s spaghetti Saturday. I can’t wait.

I got a call today from a specialty pharmacy. They ordered my chemo meds for delivery. They’ll be here Tuesday. I didn’t realize it would have to be a specialty pharmacy. No cost for the meds, thank God. I was thinking it may be ordered through my regular pharmacy. I’m still waiting on a coordinator to call me back in regards to Proton Radiation therapy rather than Photon Radiation therapy. Proton is more targeted to the tumor itself. Photon is more xray style and would not be as targeted. I’m calling them now to find out if I can get in with them. I had a referral to one but it was in downtown Orlando. Too far to drive.

So light day today, but still a good day even with the lesser steroid dose. My eyes are starting to go wonky again so I will end this post.

Thank you for stopping by.
~Bruce

Ugh, I hate fasting. I woke up starving today. I normally get up around 5-5:30am. Luckily I didn’t have to wait too long for the bloodwork. The appointment was at 8am. They paged me in around 8:30am. Quick and easy. Then off to pick up some breakfast. We treated ourselves today to some Chicken biscuits, you know the place with the minis. The vanilla iced coffee was blah. Not impressed. I’d rather have my home cup of coffee and hazelnut cream. Bleh. We also picked up more rx’s from the pharmacy. Pre chemo antibiotics and something else. I’m not quite sure what it is, I’ll have to look soon. Then I got an appointment moved to Saturday. No more far drives hopefully. I’ll take it as easy as I can.

The morning also consisted of some light work, order processing and ordering from our central warehouse. I then prepared my lunch around 1 as I had to take my steroid med. I was still not too hungry from having that breakfast sandwich and hashbrown coins. I had a meal my wife prepped for me. I heated it up myself, carried it to the table myself, got some condiments myself and washed my dish myself. All of this I could not do earlier in this process. It made me feel good to do these things for myself. Self sufficiency is something a lot of people over look when you take it for granted. I don’t want to burden others with my stuff so being somewhat self sufficient really matters to me. It may not sound like much to a normal human but this is huge to me.

Occupational Therapy finally came today. They ghosted me last week, no call no show for the appointed date and time. Annoying. She then said next week would be her last visit which is fine by me, but my insurance covered 4 visits. She came 3x. I don’t care. I’m getting around better now anyway. She showed me a few more exercises. I told her how the PT guy never cleaned his stethoscope and I have some kind of irritation on the crook of the elbow from taking my blood pressure. Only on those two spots one on each of my arms. I’m a clean person, I never get a rash or skin irritation like this. This isn’t normal for me. She said it could be a side effect from medication, but I’m not buying that. It’s centrally located on the crook of the inside of the elbow. Don’t come at me with that nonsense. I bet it’s from a dirty stethoscope. Gross. I will continue to ask them to either clean it prior to my skin contact or I will have them use my own electric bp cuff. Probably the latter.

Try to remember you never know what someone else is going through in their life. Be kind to others. Know what you’re saying and how you say it. It means a lot to those going through their hardest time. I try to keep this mantra in life.

Tomorrow should be fairly easy, no appointments scheduled. I think my next Physical Therapy is set for Thursday. Light work in the am and that should be it for Wednesday. I’m charging some external batteries for extra phone use days. I have battery anxiety when my iPhone gets below 48% Idk why but that number makes me nervous.

Have a good night friends and family. Just a little slice of my day.
~Bruce

Today was filled with phone calls and Physical Therapy

I had my breakfast first thing like usual. Watched some news and shows then got busy with some remote work. Checked in with my assistant. All good there. I had to cancel a dental cleaning for tomorrow so I called them and left a message. I told them about my diagnosis and they were very compassionate with me. Then the phone starts ringing. I had a nutritionist zoom call at 9 today. That lasted about 30-40 minutes. We discussed meals and things I eat. I asked what I’ve heard about vegan diet and she said don’t do it. Keep your protein high and dairy high but low fat. She said my meal prep for breakfast was great and I have a good system doing that and saving money.

I have bloodwork pre chemo stuff scheduled for tomorrow at 8am. It’s fasting, I’m not looking forward to that. They actually wanted me in around 2-3pm for fasting bloodwork. Are you nuts? I can’t go all day without eating, especially taking my meds that require food. Insanity for even asking for that late appointment.

Last night the PT called with my appointment time of 1:30-3:30pm today. He came around 2:45pm. We started with some seated exercises then moved on to the front door. This joker actually wanted me to leave the front door open and I said no way guy, I have two expensive Bengal cats. You can ask me a million times and I’ll tell you a million and two this ain’t happenin’. We went to the garage door in the laundry room to do the step up and down. You honestly expect me to do in and out up and down steps with the door open? No way Guy. I can’t even walk without a cane, how can you expect me to leave the front door open with these two cats. This guy was nuts.

Occcupational Therapy called after a couple weeks of missed appointments. She wanted to come around 9-10 tomorrow. I explained I had fasting bloodwork at 8 for pre chemo/radiation therapy. So we will meet tomorrow around 4-5pm. I’d rather have it on Thursday but will take it. My next Physical Therapy is Thursday some time in the afternoon.

I then spoke with a social worker from my insurance company who gave me her direct number in case I have any issues on the mental health side. She was nice to talk to. I also scheduled for my Medical Marijuana renewal. I had to do the state fee and the fee to the doctors. I’ve been using Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) to help sleep at night. It’s been wonderful. RSO really helps on that side. I don’t use it for the buzz, this is more medical and sleepytime pain relief. It also allows me to not take an opiate pain pill which I love not being on. I can’t take the chance on constipation with my history of stomach issues. Especially since I just hit a year since my ostomy reversal this past Friday was a year since my surgery to reverse it. I’m so happy I don’t have to deal with the bag and this cancer at the same time. I honestly don’t know how I’d manage that and the wobbliness together.

My Chip, my baby, was so cute today. He was extra needy this morning wanting butt rubs/hind leg scratches I call them butt rubs. Sometimes I call him Papa and he comes to me, climbs on me and kisses me. Then he hops down to my lap and headbutts my legs. He then goes to the side for the butt rubs and flops over. He thinks he’s so cute, which he is and he knows. His first owners were not too cat savvy. He was attacked by a dog had some punctures on his back and shoulders and that’s how we named him Chip. He’s got a chip out of his ear like someone snipped it. I love beauty and the beast as a kid and Chip was one of my fav characters so naturally, it made sense to call him Chip. Sometimes it’s Chippy but mostly Chip. He stays with me most days while I’ve been home. He likes to watchover me. Pancake the big one, he just walks by and looks in to see I’m here and then leaves.

I’m exhausted from the day. I wanted to take a nap but didn’t really get to. The PT today kicked my butt. I broke a sweat just doing minimal exercises. I got a bit dizzy doing it and the PT sent me back in to relax a bit. Gave me some more exercises and told me to do some breath work to help combat the exhaustion from the day. I did all that and then bathed. Still the smelly one from PT. Yuck

My mom came up and brought some collards, snacks and cornbread. She made some lemon bars and a cake. I said goodness mom, that’s a lot of snacks. I love her, she’s an amazing mom. My mother in law was sharing good news with her about our niece on my wife’s side who recently became pregnant. She FaceTimed yesterday and showed us the Ultrasound. How wonderful is that?! Mom and I had lunch and then she had to leave to pick up my little nephew from school. Hi mom.

Tonight we are going to have some leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes from Costco along with some collards from my mom. I can’t wait to have them. I love collards with a little mustard on top. Oh my I almost forgot, my mom got this Reese’s popcorn. It’s so good. I have to share with my wife, hi honey, I know she’d love it. I’ve never even seen this before. I’m all about Reese’s anything. It’s my fav candy of all time. Reese’s peanut butter, chocolate and popcorn? What’s not to love?

My wife is on her way home. I can’t wait to see her. The days seem longer when she’s not here. I’m still battling the vertigo/boozy woozies. The double vision is very slowly going away. I type with one eye open when I don’t feel the patch. I wish I could get back to seeing properly. But I am doing well with navigating this dilopia. Sometimes I can see single vision with both eyes open. Not all the time.

I’m here, doing well. Kinda nervous for the upcoming chemo but it’s my first time with it. I’ll let you know when that all starts. I have a mask fitting next Friday for Radiation therapy. Oh that reminds me, at the Neuro appt this past Friday, they said Proton could be done at a different location. But what they neglected to tell me was it was downtown, ok downtown Tampa, not too bad…NO! it was downtown Orlando. Um no thank you. That’s way too far to go. Especially to be there at 8am on a Friday. I think not. I don’t even want to go back to Riverview which is only 40mins. Orlando would be near double that and more. Y’all nuts.

Thank you for stopping by. Faith, Family and love drive me.
~Bruce

This morning, I slept in til about 7:30am. I got up, brushed my teeth, took my meds and had breakfast. Eggs, cereal, banana and a coffee. I can eat the same items and not get bored of them. I don’t mind at all.

Then we relaxed with the cats and watched a couple of shows. Meal prep time came and we cracked a bunch of eggs, blended some cottage cheese with cornstarch. I chopped an onion, pepper and mushrooms for the wifes egg bites. Mine just consist of bacon crumbles and gouda cheese. Easy. I had a dream last night to soften the veggies in the microwave for 2 minutes then had the wife saute them in a screaming hot pan for half the time. It worked out perfectly. I then blended the eggs and cottage cheese and cornstarch mixture into one sloppy mess. And boy did it make a mess. Eggs got everywhere. I have such a patient wife. She puts up with my mess while I am struggling but it helps me out and makes me feel good that I can still do some things. I ladled the veggie mixture in the egg molds and then topped it with the egg mixture. We prepared a water bath below the molds in an aluminum pan. I placed the eggs in a 300 degree oven for 20 ish minutes. Maybe they need a bit longer because we usually finish them off in the microwave for about 60 seconds. The veggie mix makes it a bit watery but we took care of that with the microwave finish. They came out perfect and fluffy. We placed them in a freezer bag and froze them.

I have a few left from Costco so I will finish those first then move on to the homemade ones. I had 2 pcs of grilled chicken for lunch, zero points on WW. Tonight we had stuffed peppers from Costco, I made a small salad with it. It was wonderful. Easy to prepare and hit the spot. My mom made some collard greens that she will bring up for us to have some veggie side with our meals.

Tonight was also revolution night for the boys. I’m the medicine giver even in this state. I pinched their neck skin and applied the meds no problem. The boys hate it of course but they knew nothing was different, just mommy held them while I applied the meds. Now we’re just chilling in the cat room while the boys are sulking from the meds.

Tomorrow I have some work to do and I have to call and cancel a dental appointment I have scheduled for Tuesday morning. Definitely not gonna make that. I need to hear from my scheduling team in regards to bloodwork prior to my chemo and radiation appointment. They tell me it will be weekly bloodwork to monitor my levels. I have some chemo meds and zofran ready to pick up at my local pharmacy. We will get those tomorrow. This week I’m a bit nervous. I’m going to be starting chemo soon and I don’t know how my body will react. I’m staying positive and focused. I may not know what the future will hold but I know I’m going in fighting.

All in all another good day. Meal prep tired me out. Making dinner exhausted me. I took my nightly steroid and the wife is finishing her nails. Self care for your caregiver is very important to their mental state as well. If you are in my position and your caregiver needs time, give it to them. They need their comforts too. It’s not all about me even when they want it to be.

Thank you for stopping by
~Bruce

Sometimes one just won’t do. This morning, I had a second cup of coffee. It was yummy and hit the spot. The simplest things that can make you smile are worth a lifetime. This was today. That second cup brought on some warmth, happiness and a smile. A second cup can wash away your cares, concerns and calm your nerves. My wife went for a self care hair appointment today, so she made me a second cup before she left. I was so grateful for it. I mentioned maybe I wanted one to have with her and she brought it in to surprise me before she ventured out.

Simplicity, good coffee and good company. I don’t need too much right now. Just love and compassion. Typing it out may seem like a lot but it’s really not in the scope of this disease. I try to make life less stressful for myself. My wife does this for me as well. My family does this too. They really have been there for me more so than I ever thought anyone could. I am so grateful for these and other things.

My main stressors right now are my cats. Chip is a brat when it’s dinner time. It’s like he knows we are locked in to dinner and he tries to push buttons like only he could. His newest venture is jumping up on the tv hanging on the wall. He knows it upsets us and he does it every night now. I don’t know why he feels the need to do this, maybe just to get a rise out of us. We clap and yell and it doesn’t effect him period. This is how it goes in my mind, Homer strangling Bart. I’d never but this is where my head goes.

After dinner I like to floss and brush my teeth, then retire to the room with said brat boy, Chip. Once in here he is fine. He doesn’t cry or brat-period. It’s like he’s a perma-toddler and he knows how to get you upset.

Today I watched Formula 1. It was nice to see Redbull on top for quali. Max can really squeeze out the times in a tractor of a car. Seeing the McLaren boys push in a much faster car but not get close is amazing. He can really extract so much out of a slower car. Those papayas are so fast/rocket ships. It can be frustrating seeing them top the time sheets but I am really impressed this season. Sure Redbull hasn’t run away with it like 2 years ago. But that can make for a boring season. There’s a real fight up front between multiple constructors and it’s nice to see. I wish Ferrari was closer but they’ve fallen off quite a bit. It’s nice to see Lewis in Red, odd but nice. Mercedes has come a long way in the past couple years. They have a heck of a driver in young Kimi Antonelli.

We got some prepared foods today at Costco. I “made” (heated up) some meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I also made a nice spring salad with tomatoes and some blue cheese crumbles. That dinner hit the spot. The potatoes gave a twice baked potato vibe. We have been really impressed with the convenience factor and taste of the Costco ready to eat meals. It only took about 45 mins in a convection oven. I use my airfryer oven for everything. This should give us a couple of nights worth of meals. I also got more of their stuffed peppers and a Chicken alfredo baked pasta. Tomorrow I need to make more egg bites for the week for breakfast meal prep. I will be sure to add the cornstarch this time to the mixture. I think it will make them more fluffy and give a more silky custardy texture.

Food is a happy place for me. Probably why I was over 362lbs back in the day. I love cooking and preparing meals. I love seeing the faces of the ones I love enjoying a home prepared meal. It hurts not being able to use my creative cooking mind. It’s a lot to even cut a tomato for a salad anymore. Takes a lot of concentration and closing one eye to focus on the cut of the tomato. One of the first things I did for my wife when we started dating was cook for her. She knew she had a good one at that time. I’ve been cooking since I was about 10 maybe younger. I learned a lot from my Granny and mom. Maybe nutrition wasn’t always top priority back then, but I learned flavor. How to season with authority and how to make great meals. I learned how to put a smile on the face of those who tried my foods. And it felt great! I still enjoy this to this day. The smile and feeback you receive on a home cooked meal can make up for a really bad day.

I’m thinking of what to have for a dessert tonight. My mom made some no bake lemon oat bars… I call them lemon oaties. They’re so good. Heck I may even have a third cup tonight with it. Most likely not though. Something to be said about a nice cold glass of milk with a lemon oatie. Definitely a new fav of mine. I did request some lemon squares. They’re so good. My weight is maintaining it’s number, however at the Cancer treatment center, the scale said I’m 8lbs more than my home scale. Mind you, I’m not fully dressed or carrying my phone, wallet, belt, shoes etc. My normal doctors office just takes my word for it but the Cancer Center requires me to step on that awful scale of theirs. It makes me so mad. My bloodpressure spikes after I see the number there. I worked hard on my weight to get to this point. I am stuck on my numbers. I’m 199lbs, not 208lbs. Yeah it upsets me seeing that. I know it’s not bad but it still gets to me. My wife was telling a coworker about it and she chuckled about me getting upset about that number and not the actual cancer.

Today was a good day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bratty cats and a loving wife and family. Find the little things that make you smile. It makes a huge difference in your day to day life. Especially with a life like mine now. Smile and be thankful for everything you have and can still do. I know I am.

Thank you for stopping by
~Bruce

So I met with the Neuro Oncologist today, Dr. P.

She said the preliminary pathology report shows no sign of growth, no migration, no mutation, no necrosis. Low grade 2 glioma. We’ll take it doc! This is good news to me. I was thinking it was worse than what it was. The tumor does not light up with contrast. I suppose that is good also. We are waiting on the rest of the pathology to confirm all this and get treatment scheduled. I’m happy. My Neuro Surgeon wants to see me in 3 months for a recheck. Sutures were removed. I’m gaining strength back slowly. The nurses were all smiles today when doing the strength tests in the office. Dr P was happy as well. May start a headache med soon to combat the pains I get in the morning and night. Tapering the steroid as planned this weekend. I will have another MRI soon to show more. But all in all it was a great day at the cancer center. I picked up my rx’s at the pharmacy today. Had I known one of them was over the counter, I would have ordered it already. Oh well, it’ll be here tomorrow.

So let’s get in to last night. My phone rings at 9:15pm. Normally I wouldn’t answer but I recognized the number as one of my Physical Therapists. I was intrigued as to why they’d be calling so late. I answer and ask what’s going on. He then tells me that my appointment was moved to today, Friday. I said well that would have been nice to know 7 hours ago when the appointment was scheduled. He said oh I must not have called… No guy, you didn’t and I’m not gonna wait around for it. Also, wouldn’t it be nice to let a patient know that they were bumped/cancelled instead of me waiting for a non existent appointment. Rude. Not too happy about being ghosted like that. That’s twice, the Occupational Therapist never called or showed for Wednesday’s appointment. Now you, the PT never called or showed for Thursday’s appointment. I understand we patients may not be as mobile but guess what, we have lives too. Maybe a small courtesy would be to let your patient know you would not be making the scheduled appointment. I sure hope your company isn’t charging my insurance for appointments YOU don’t keep. Now I have an appointment scheduled for PT today between 2pm-4pm. We will see if he shows. I hate waiting and I hate being ghosted.

All in all it was a good day so far. Had lunch, and a snack. Did some work this afternoon, clued in my assistant to the good news. Told the family the good news. I had to come on early and write about the findings. I may write more later after the PT appointment. I may not. Depends on my mood. I’m tired from the long morning.

I’m so happy to share this with you all. It’s been a long few months and I know I’m just at the beginning. But here’s to prayer and positivity. Keep it up! It works. Stay focused, one day at a time. Let go and Let God do his work. Keep that positive mind set. It helps more than you know. It helps all around you stay focused as well. Let’s Go!

Thank you for stopping by,

Bruce