Sandy Beardsley
Living with a Brain Tumor
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11/14/05
Day Twenty-Six
Filed under: General
Posted by: Dan @ 10:01 pm

Monday, 7:00pm…

Yes, still here… haven’t written anything for a week as there hasn’t been much "newsworthy" events until recently. Compared to our intense experience at Stanford, writing about the relatively quiet existence we’ve had since being at home (as wonderful as that is for us) would have not made very exciting reading.
Sandy is doing great, considering what she has been through, but she is fatigued and tires easily. Her parents came up for a great visit last week. We have been for walks (with the dogs of course), short shopping trips, the library for audio books and videos, and today I took her to the dentist in Wenatchee for a cleaning and check-up (where she bumped into a fellow teacher for an emotional reunion). She also made another dentist appointment for 6 months from now — "How’s that for optimism!?" she says. Afterward she even had enough energy to walk around Costco with me to stock up on food supplies. And there she bumped into a couple of her students and their father. It made her really happy to see the kids again (they looked thrilled at seeing Sandy too). Also this past week, Christmas came early to our house - Sandy wanted to put up all the Christmas decorations, a little tree, the lights, everything - it all looks great. So we get to enjoy it for two months instead of one.
So our life being back home has almost been normal… but not exactly of course… it has been just three weeks since her surgery.
Sandy still has pain and numbness around the incision area on the back of her head. She started taking the chemo pills on Saturday. She takes them right before going to bed, to minimize any nauseousness. [And thank goodness for good health insurance… the chemo pills cost $500 each (so the 5-day round costs about $2,500) but she just has to pay the $15 co-pay.] So far, after just two nights, she hasn’t had any nauseous feelings or other side effects except fatigue. This may be partly due to just starting and/or the anti-nausea pills she takes an hour before the chemo (the anti-nausea pills cost a mere $35 for each pill). So three more nights of the chemo pills, then a 23-day break before the next round, to give her body a chance to recover. The theory behind the chemo drug (called Temodar) is that it actually breaks up the DNA of the fast growing cancer cells. It’s apparently one of the best drugs out there right now for the type of cancer she has.
She will get blood tests every 2 weeks to monitor blood markers and any change that may weaken her immune system dangerously. In two months (late December - early January) she will get an MRI scan to check on any change in the tumor area and effectiveness of the chemo drug. And she will continue to get an MRI at least every two months for the foreseeable future. Her MRI’s and blood tests are being done through a Wenatchee oncologist’s office, with all test results and scans being sent to her doctors at Stanford for evaluation.
Sandy hopes to get back to work at least part-time after Thanksgiving (I’ll be getting back to work part-time sooner). We’ve had a great first week back home and are enjoying these beautiful fall days, with that taste of snow in the air.
Something new that we have been doing since Sandy’s surgery, as she is still having difficulty reading, is that I read to her every night. The book I am reading to her right now is the one we purchased at the Stanford hospital - "I’ve Had Brain Surgery, What’s Your Excuse?" - a very funny, touching, too-true story by a writer/artist who captures a lot of the intense, crazy and bizarre things that we have experienced as well. So I have to go… time to read…
Good night,
Dan

7 Responses to “Day Twenty-Six”

  1. Susan Craig Says:
    Thank you so much for the update - many of us at work have been wondering how you both are doing since your return, but didn’t want to bother you. I’m glad to hear that Sandy will have a break from the chemo for a little while - you both deserve a bit of “normalcy” after this siege. I suspect those Christmas lights will glow all the brighter this year through the love you’ve devoted to each other, and the courage you’ve shared with us all. My prayers remain with you. Susan Carter Craig
  2. Anonymous Says:
    Hi there - been awhile but rest assured we have been thinking about you daily. And, every night at dinner we toast to your health and happiness. We are also talking barn reunion bash so stay tuned on that one. It would be a scream for sure. All for now. Take good care and continue to enjoy the magnificent autumn season. Love, D2
  3. clover murphy, rufous & prunie too Says:
    Barky bark-bark! Meaow. Pur-meaow!
  4. r. alex martinez Says:
    Sandy and Dan, you are forever etched in our heart and mind and we are better for that. Thinking of you… Love, Jo and Alex
  5. Catherine O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Connor Says:
    Love and sweet dreams to you both. Aunt Cathy
  6. Susie Archuleta Says:
    Sandy and Dan, Wow, you really do have angels on earth living amongst you. What a nice homecoming. Thank you for sharing this unwelcome journey with all of us. As I have read “Living With A Brain Tumor” and now day 26 of chapter 18, I have come to the realization that I have been reading the most romantic love story between a husband and his wife in the history of mankind. Ok, that might sound a bit dramatic, but sometimes I find myself rereading specific entries or chapters for faith, hope and yes…joy! Our prayers for a happy ending to this love story are sent with our other angels above. Feel our arms around you both. Love, your Cousin Susie, Wally, Rylee and Hailey
  7. Anonymous Says:
    Dear Friends, S.M. was estatic to share the news that they had seen you in Costco. Millie continues to share when she has news. Would you know anyone who would be attending the ski swap on Nov19?? We still need more (Grade 4 and 5) kid shoes and skiis. The 3 point bindings are increasingly difficult to purchase and with Drug Free $, we have about $50. available to spend. We’re looking forward to your return. Love to all,Sheri

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