Life IS Good

Can't believe how much time has gone by since my last update. Three years ago, Justin was nearing the end of his chemo treatments. I think this picture [taken in April of 2011] sums up how he [well and us] are doing! I'd say it doesn't get much better than this, but we are expecting Baby #3 in August! We truly feel blessed every single day.

A Little Update

I had originally planned to update in February which would mark two years since Justin's diagnosis. We have some very exciting news that just can't wait! We are expecting our second child in May 2010. No words can accurately describe just how excited we are. I know that fertility is a big concern for many Hodgkin's patients, especially since many that are diagnosed are a young age. If this is a concern, I hope our story can offer inspiration that it can happen.

Besides Justin's checkups every three months, life really has moved on for us. In some ways it is the same and others it is very different. We are just continually thankful for Justin's good health and have an endless list of things we feel grateful for.

Check Ups Lookin' Good

First off, we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving was already here and Christmas is right around the corner!

Justin had a variety of checkups within the last week and I wanted to wait until he got through them all before I updated our blog. Sometimes it seems that there is an endless amount of appointments, but when they all deliver good news, the time spent worrying and waiting is worth it. His latest CT scan was "stable" as well as his MRI of his brain. Funny these words radiologists use, or don't use. But in the medical field, stable is a very good word. Takes some time getting use to. Justin bloodwork also looks excellent. His thyroid is still functioning, but it is a 100% guarantee that sometime soon it will putter out. Nothing that can't be fixed by medicine.

I have decided it is time to end this blog, well kind of. I want to keep it here for those that are looking for answers/experiences since that is what got me through the first few months of Justin's treatment. I plan on coming back once in a while to post updates on Justin's health so that people may see what life is like after treatment as well.

Thank you to all our family and friends that have followed this blog and supported us! Maybe after the holiday season is over, I will start a new blog that focuses on our family!!!

And, He's Done!

Tomorrow is Justin's last radiation treatment. Yay! As far as side effects go, he did pretty well. He did mention a sore throat and heart-burn like symptoms this week. Once he had some sorbet it seemed to help. So overall, uneventful.

Dr. Ezz told Justin that his next scans will be three months from his last radiation treatment. We thought it was three months out from chemotherapy and were mentally preparing for a CT/PET scan beginning next week. There is, once again, a chance that the radiation will light up, leading us down that road of "false" positive. Let me just say this...no more uncertainties! We are going to double check with Dr. Fata and see when he recommends his scans being done. If he agrees with Dr. Ezz, Justin won't have CT/PET scans until late January.

There are check-ups in between, a port to be flushed, and our favorite doctor to visit at U of M [Dr. Junck].

Justin, Jackson and I are going to celebrate at The Whistle Stop! I will use any excuse to go there for breakfast!!!

Six to Go!

As of today, Justin has 6 radiation treatments left. He was able to make up his missed appointment last Saturday so that he will finish on schedule. Justin has noticed some discomfort in his throat, but not enough to keep him from eating regular foods. The tiredness is there, but again, we are not sure if it is from radiation or the lack of sleep. Going to bed late and getting up early is probably not the best combination! On top of that, Justin has been fighting a cold for the last week. So many of his symptoms could be from that!

Overall, Justin is really looking forward to radiation being done. Me too!

We Have Lift Off!

Yay! Justin was able to start radiation last Wednesday, as most of you probably know already. Yeah, yeah, I have been a slacker. But it just means that our life is moving on. We aren't consumed with Justin and his health at the moment. So I am sure I am forgiven!

Justin finally remembered to ask about his radiation treatment plan. 20 times in all. So 3 down, 17 to go. I would've been able to say 16 to go, but the MIRO lost their power this morning so he wasn't able to get treatment. Weird. Unless they call him sometime today, he will be behind one day. Not a big deal. Justin said the only hard part about radiation is the early time slot. He seems a bit tired, but I think it is because the appointment is so early. And Justin still puts in a full day of work afterwards!

Today we are taking Jackson to a Retirement Residence so he can pass out candy to the people living there. This will certainly be a hoot. He is going to be a lion this year, and will probably hog all the candy for himself today!!!

Still on Hold

Radiation hasn't started yet. Justin went for his appointment this morning and they realized that things weren't lining up the way they should. He was sent to a new facility in Farmington for another CT mapping session. Hopefully it will be correct. He is set to start on Wednesday morning. I think we are just anxious for them to get it right, then when Justin actually begins.

Justin's radiation appointments are Monday through Friday at 7:00 am. Yes, in the morning! Justin actually wanted this appointment so that his work day wouldn't be interrupted. For all of us that know Justin, getting up early in the morning isn't the easy thing for him to do! But hopefully this early time will work for him.

I promise to keep everyone posted once radiation begins.