We're learning a lot this year - mostly, that "normal" does not exist anymore. Cancer doesn't just focus on pain and fatigue; it also controls how you spend your time. Plans made for tomorrow are no longer a sure thing.
A Day In Our Life: 8/30/16
We went to bed on Monday night with plans to go to Skyline the next morning for Denny's third Chemo treatment. We were glad we'd made an early appointment because we both were tired, and we were glad we'd be able to come home afterwards and use the afternoon to relax, recover and maybe take a nap. We both needed some down time.
As we got ready the next morning, I glanced at Denny as he came out of the shower, and stopped in my tracks as I realized that he was yellow. It was mostly just his chest and torso, but by the time we arrived for the 9:15 appointment, it had spread over his entire body including his eyes. Dr. Barnes suspected that the stent in his bile duct had become clogged and cancelled the chemo session. The stent had to be replaced immediately. He contacted our gastroenterologist and they scheduled Denny for an emergency stent replacement - now we had to be at Centennial at 1:30 for a 3pm procedure. The doctor was running late so the procedure didn't actually begin until about 4:15. Dr. Barne's suspicion was correct - the stent was completely blocked. (Which was kinda a good thing because if it had not been, it would've meant something else was causing the jaundice.) We finally got back home around 7:30pm. (Very tired.)
There is no normal life, there's just life. You just live it. - V.Kilmer
That day was nothing at all like we planned - Cancer was in control. Sometimes the circumstances are such that we just have to go along and give in. Other times though, (especially if golf is involved) Denny refuses to give in. At this point, we're learning to make whatever adjustments are needed, go with the flow, and try to not let it rule our lives.
P.S. - Denny's not yellow anymore :-)