As promised in past posts we want to start with the good in life. I will admit this is a little challenging this week, not so much going on by way rainbows and butterflies. I will say that these past weeks have been wonderful for us as a couple. We are deeply bonded and the moments together are sweet and tender. We are still finding time to play and tease. There are lots of "I love yous" and lots of singing. Yup singing. I sing to Ginny at some point everyday. The quality is debatable as often is it sheer silliness, but those silly songs are part of the cheer we are seeking in the moment to moment.
Gin is still her active self. She is driving. She is getting herself to her favorite weekly events. She is taking the dogs to the park. She is writing. All of these things just take a little more time and planning. Life is happening!
Before I get to the medical info, we wanted to share that I have decided to adjust my working schedule. For the past two years I have been working almost two full time jobs. I have been teaching for Riverland and St. Cloud Technical and Community College as well as working days at Austin High School with the REACH program. REACH is a program I started with a colleague 3 years ago.
I truly love my work but I am tired. With all that has been happening with Gin, I can no longer keep up with the responsibility and pace of teaching and REACH. Last week I resigned my position in REACH. This has been a very difficult decision. I have grieved this decision but know that it is what is best for me and Gin but more importantly for my kids in REACH. They need consistent support and the unknowns of Gin's health and increased medical appointments made this difficult. So, my last day is January 27th. I will volunteer some time in the REACH classroom as I have made commitments to kids that I want to keep and I have applied for a sub license so I can help the team out when they need.
Now for the update.
1) The tumor has grown. It is slow growth but it is growth. So the "chemo pill" is not doing what we need it to do.
2) Ginny's pain pump has been adjusted so fingered crossed.
3) Gin is experiencing more and more complications with her urinary system. There are a couple explanations. It could be stent related, with infection or it may be that the tumor is penetrating into the bladder. Gin is having a new stent placed on January 23rd and at that time they will look at the lining of the bladder to confirm this. The radiologist felt like this was a likely scenario given the placement of the tumor. So we will see. In the meantime, Gin will start antibiotics to address possible infection.
4) After all the info was presented, we began to look at the options. There are two types of Chemo. One that Gin has used before (not likely to do much) and one that is more aggressive (she turned this down before). This is the Rocky Balboa part. Gin has chosen the more aggressive chemo. There are likely more side-effects and will be harder on her but it is something this bastard tumor has not seen before and maybe it will catch it off guard. She is not willing to give up yet! She will begin after the new stent is placed. I expect Jan 25 or 26th.
Will update once we know more.
So as part of our LIVING we have started planning a 80th Birthday Party for Gin. Gin is enjoying the planning of this and looks forward to visiting with friends and family.
March 11th (1-4 pm)
Open House
Toasting at 2 pm
Austin ArtWorks Center
300 North Main Street
Austin, MN
No gifts please. Donations can be made to the ArtWorks Center OR the Mower County Humane Society if desired.
Peace.
Kir
Love my ladies so hard!
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