Prologue to Chapter Two

There is a rhythm of sorts settling in around here and it sounds like, dare I say it, a "routine".  I hesitate to say it out loud or to write it down because even mentioning the concept could jinx what we've got going on.  See, we've only established our "routine" this week so it is fragile and could collapse at any moment.  Is it even right to call it a "routine" after only a week, you say?  Hey people, when you've been living as tenuously as I have, you'll call doing anything that happens three days in a row a routine.  We've got school, homework, baseball, self defense, art projects, walking Nero, riding the bike with Olivia and before we know it -- it's Friday. Whew! Time flies when it's scheduled.

I thought we were in a routine before Christmas break but I was woefully mistaken.  We were in a rut.  That is a common misconception I bet.  A rut looks a lot like a routine but it is hardly the same thing.  A routine is organized and predictable, while a rut is monotonous and life-sucking.  OK, a routine can easily become life-sucking too, I'll give you that, but at least when you are organized you have some semblance of being in control of the life being sucked out of you.  Am I right?  Anyway, all sarcasm and snark aside, we are enjoying some regularity and patterning in our lives and I for one find it highly satisfying.  

Having achieved this level of satisfaction, we are now on the cusp of what I call Chapter Two, that being the next stage in chemotherapy.  This week has been all about following up with the medical minds to review the latest MRI and plan out the phase ahead.  From that aspect, things continue to look great.  Dr. Ghosh pronounced Phil's MRI to look 95% resolved meaning there is still a small amount of edema/mucor in the deep brain but the process in the frontal area on which he operated has completed resolved.  Dr. Mayer continues to express serious concerns for the mucor in the deep brain once chemotherapy resumes but understands Phil's desire to get on with it.  


Today's visit with Dr. Kossman was where the real show was.  While the other guys definitely have something to contribute to the symphony, each sitting first chair at their respective instruments, Kossman ultimately conducts this orchestra.  After examining Phil and congratulating him on a fine MRI and even teasing him about needing a haircut, we moved on to picking out a date to begin Chapter 2.  Since his 49th birthday is coming up on the 27th of this month, Phil elected to begin his chemo after sobering up from what is sure to be some mad-capped revelry (lol), on Monday the 31st.   


As before he'll be going inpatient for 4 days on the Hyper-CVAD regimen although this time it will not include the dexamethasone, the steroid which suppresses his immune function even more, spikes his blood sugars and essentially feeds the mucor infection.   He will also be receiving his IV Ambisone while on chemotherapy to continue combating the mucor.  In addition he will be given Neulasta at $2800 dollars a pop to boost his WBC count and keep his immune function working as best it can.  As an aside, Alvarado Hospital has been sold to a less than optimal buyer and we're hopeful that Phil will continue to receive his chemotherapy there - continuing with the excellent group of nurses and medical staff who provided such amazing care for him before.  On the off chance that there is an issue with Phil's admission, he will be treated by Dr. Kossman at Grossmont Hospital -- at the Cancer Center my father helped build just prior to retiring from his career as a radiation therapist. It could be worse.  Again, God in His wisdom has had a plan all along.


Chapter 1 was hard as we didn't know anything about this cancer, chemotherapy, or what the hell to expect.  It hit us like a ton of lead right between the eyes and then some.  I liken it to bringing that first baby home from the hospital; with no instruction manual but all the trepidation and sleep deprivation.  But now we're getting ready for that second baby.  We've got some skills and experience under our belts and we're a little less anxious about what's coming.  

We've got a date set. January 31st.  7 a.m. 

We've got a routine down for the kids.

We've got prayer warriors in place.

We've rested and are ready for Chapter 2.