36. C4 - August 31, 2024

Today will be day 4 into Owen’s 5-day chemo round. That $700 pill of wonders is doing exactly that… keeping nausea at bay for him. He gets a second pill today. He is in good spirits and you wouldn’t ever know that he was in the middle of his chemotherapy.

I am 18 hours into post op. Yesterday, I went in for a “Dilation of maxillary sinuses with Turbinoplasty.” Two procedures smashed into one that lasted roughly 15 minutes. But I had to be put out cold. Sounds like a cake walk but I had to fast from 0500 to 1300. But who’s eating and drinking before 0500 on a non-work day? So really, I was fasting from 1800 the night before to 1300 yesterday: 19 hours. Do you know how much coffee I drink? I comfortably drink two to three cups before I start my day. I wasn’t allowed to even drink water. So the withdrawal set in quick. And since the procedure was starting at 1300, I was a tad bit hangry. I was salivating watching Owen drink water in the waiting room 🤣.

Because Owen isn’t allowed to drive, my Battle and his wife came to take us to my procedure in Boerne. So blessed to have them help out because I was really getting ready to postpone this procedure a fourth time. But there won’t ever be a good time so I got it done.

I, like so many, suffer from allergies. But I am allergic to all sorts of trees and grass. I was blessed to start immunotherapy back in Germany so I am sooo much better than I was however, Texas Oak is no joke. And they are everywhere. We even have a massive one in our front yard. So unbeknownst to me, I was filling up my sinus cavity with lotsa fun gunk. They went in to clean it all out and widen my sinus canals and take down a little of the turbinates.

I thought I was ready to go when I got home but what I didn’t realize was that the anesthesia was still keeping any pain away. So by 1600, that lovely withdrawal headache and my face hurt. And I didn’t want to eat. Because I had to move my face and I think they were a little rough with the tube in my throat.

This morning, I started the day out right with a lovely cup of Joe but it was 0300. My nose is still running and bleeding. And rule number one is NO BLOWING YOUR NOSE! Ever have the allergies and you feel stuffy, nose is running, you are breathing through your mouth and it’s just misery? Yea that’s what it is like right now. BUT my face feels a little better.

Navage is amazing. Don’t know why I didn’t get this thing earlier.

Tricare approved Owen to continue care under Dr. B., his neurosurgeon. This is such a blessing!!! Dr. B. Has been there from before the surgery and has walked beside Owen this whole time. So grateful.

Summer is winding down but Texas doesn’t officially let go of it until the end of September so we are almost there! HALLELUJAH!

It is Labor Day on Monday but it’ll be Recovery Day for Owen. His last strong dose of chemo is tomorrow. He gets about 20 days off and then starts another 5 day round. He is doing great thus far.

We are blessed and loved. Owen’s parents are here for another two weeks. Then our good friends who own a pizza joint in Okinawa are coming to spend a few days with us. They want to be here for Owen. After this visit, our cat-sitter and good friend, also from Okinawa, is coming to spend a few days with us.

Thanksgiving will be great in the house because the R Family will be with us (Owen’s bro from another mother and his wonderful family). Owen is blessed to have such love and support from so many good people.