Here we go again (hopefully for the last time)

Tomorrow, Eddie starts his last round of Chemo. We are praying and hoping that after just 7 more treatment sessions, we will find out that we are able to close this chapter of our book. But let's look back over the last week or so since my previous post.

Following Eddie's diagnosis of a blood clot, we were prescribed blood thinners, which included 10 days of injections. I got to play amateur nurse and administer the shots. Eddie hated every single one, mostly because of the burning that he felt while the drugs settled in (totally normal, just uncomfortable). You can see the joy on his face and how happy he is to have these shots over with.

We also have been dealing with some kind of dermatitis - mostly itchy bumps that had broken out on Eddie's hands and back. He met with Dr. Braik's wife (primary care physician now) and received medicines for that. Its all been a nuisance, but I know the end is in sight and I'm doing my best to keep Eddie's spirits up.

On Tuesday this past week (Feb 19), we went up to Northwestern for a second opinion, just to make sure that we are on the proper course of treatment and find out what to expect beyond what we've been told already. Great news! We are on the right treatment course and things are going as they should. The oncologist we met with in Chicago, Dr. VanderWeele, encouraged us that Eddie's chance of sterility after treatment could be pretty low, considering the location of his cancer and the treatment he is receiving. He explained that testicular cancer patients usually have surgery to remove the cancer, damaging the reproductive system, but since Eddie's cancer is in a different location, there is a good possibility he will have no problems. We will still wait to find out, but that news was a good boost.

While in Chicago, we were treated to a nice meal at one of our family favorites, Grand Lux Cafe. If you ever go, order the Beignets. They're amazing.

This week will be another long week of treatment. On Friday, the rink where Eddie plays roller hockey is hosting a fundraiser event for him. I think we are both looking forward to the evening, and I am praying Eddie's energy will be enough, after a long week of Chemo, to let him enjoy seeing his friends and teammates. 

I'm sorry that this post has been a long time coming and that it is pretty short. This weather gave me the worst migraine I've ever experienced last night, so much so that I worried I was getting something contagious and stayed at my parent's house for the night as precaution. This past week was final exams at my school, so I've been trying to get all my loose ends tied up. Looking forward to the end of the school year, Prom (did I mention I'm sponsoring Prom this year?), and finally planning a honeymoon with a healthy, happy, cured husband. 

In the meantime, we continue to fight, cheer for Eddie, and take each moment as its comes, good or bad. We love you, We're thankful for you. Keep fighting!

Round Two & Eddie's Big Day

Swelling in his left hand.

It's been a crazy week. Last Monday, school was cancelled. Eddie and I decided to take advantage of the day and go out to lunch. Unfortunately, the doctor called us and asked us to come in for an ultrasound, which derailed our date. The day previous, Eddie had called the office because he had noticeable swelling in his left arm and hand. We thought it might be a side effect of the Chemo, but wanted to make sure. Turns out, he has a blood clot. Not uncommon for cancer patients, but it is still causing discomfort and has necessitated another medication in his daily regimen.

I promise the red on the towel is a design, not blood!

The rest of the week passed fairly normally, except for the fact that we experienced inclement weather, e-learning and snow days. It was nice to have a week "off" from chemo, hospital visits, and school. We both got some much needed rest and took care of a few chores around the house we had been avoiding (ie "taking down Christmas"). On Friday, Eddie bit the bullet and went bald voluntarily, rather than waiting while his hair fell out. Much like getting a haircut and not changing your shirt, his hair had begun to fall out and itch him. So to avoid the constant discomfort, we got rid of it entirely. This weekend we had a bit more normalcy and had some friends and family over Saturday and Sunday for low-key birthday parties. It was nice to catch up with people I feel like we haven't seen in a while. 

Baloo loves to cuddle!

Keeping warm at Chemo

Today, Eddie began his second round of Chemotherapy. It was a long day of lab work, a meeting with the oncologist, and three different drugs being infused. The rest of this week will be shorter treatments. Also, Eddie turns the BIG 3-0 tomorrow (the 5th). Not the way we intended to spend his birthday, but he is looking forward to seeing the therapy dog tomorrow while at treatment. We won't tell Baloo, because we don't want to make him jealous. But Baloo has been pretty awesome with all our crazy schedules. He's a top-notch cuddler and tends to be on or nearby one of us at all times.

Out for a family birthday dinner

I want to say another huge thank you to everyone who has reached out. Everyone's cancer journey is different and I can't imagine going through this without each and every one of you that has given us support. We met our GoFundMe goal this week which will continue helping with bills and my lack of weekend income from judging gymnastics. I finished the first round of 80 shirts people have ordered in support of Eddie's Fight. We are also a few weeks closer to the end (God willing) of this chapter and finally looking forward to celebrating our first year as newlyweds and taking a long-awaited honeymoon. Our celebration will be that much sweeter knowing we've grown closer and stronger as a couple through this journey.

Happy 30th Birthday Eddie!