Eleven down

Can you believe Justin is already in week three of treatment?

He has been a busy guy though! As much as I told him to take it easy, to use this time for healing and recovery, to enjoy … Houston (lol!), that’s just not his style. Most of his appointments, for the time being anyway, have been early morning, like 7:30 early. One would think “oh, well he has the rest of the day to do such-and-such.” Not so fast. Once MD Anderson gets you into its web, you’re part of the machine, the machine of never-ending appointments. He meets with a care team, the dental oncologist, his weekly clinic visit with the radiation oncologist, the GI oncology team, bloodwork, and so forth. Luckily he’s staying very close to the medical district, so booking it back-and-forth hasn’t been much of a hassle. Of course he keeps up with his work responsibilities, too. <smh>

After being two weeks in, Justin is starting to feel the effects of the radiation. His throat is tender and the skin of his neck feels sunburned. He hasn’t really complained, just mentions it when eating certain foods. He knows this will only get worse as treatments progress and has started taking a supplement to aid healing. The doctor anticipates at about the halfway mark he’ll need to start taking some lidocaine before eating. Granted he is on the most powerful machine MD Anderson has, but the “good” news is, his treatment protocol has him moving a step down power-wise at the halfway mark. Hopefully this will help limit the discomfort.

Not sure where Justin is emotionally. It’s difficult being apart for this journey and only short weekends to reconnect. I picked him up from the airport this past Friday, we had a quick dinner, turned on Frasier and boom, he was sacked out! I don’t think he moved all night, the most sound I’ve ever seen him sleep. Musn’t be sleeping too well at the condo in Houston (I think it’s because he doesn’t have my sound machine pumping the white noise. Ha!).

Carter was able to go back with him this past Sunday for fall break. When I heard from Carter today he was telling me how “nice” Houston is and how he wouldn’t “mind” going to Rice. Yeah, me either. LOL! Plus, the area had a nice cool down last week so he isn’t suffering the 100+ degree heat with 80% humidity. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

The dogs are extra needy. Holy cow! They’re like glue to me. Tucker would probably curl up under my shirt if I’d let him, Kylie is constantly pawing my face for pets, and Chester will even jump on the bed (old man can only do this on rare occasions anymore. boo).

The plan is to get the family all back together for Parents’ Weekend at TTU. Although it’s becoming a logistical nightmare, I think we would all benefit from the time together.

Love from the Yarbroughs!

Christina