Caring Bridge - February 2020

Caring Bridge Journal Entry by Darby — February 28, 2020

Going with the flow.

We are doing one or two appointments a week last week and the next which is better than four days a week.

Michael started physical therapy to help back issues he is having due to lack of energy and movement the last several months and from the cancer just zapping all of his body strength. He needed restorative physical therapy. As always the staff is amazing. She is a really good physical therapy. She also went to the same college as Michael so there has been bonding over that.
We also had an appointment with an ENT doctor this week due to Michael’s hearing going down since cancer diagnosis. That appointment left me with tears. Long story short Dr. B can restore Michael’s hearing in his bad ear. It would be a process to get to the surgery, but it is an outpatient 20 minute operation. We just don’t know if 1) insurance will pay for it for someone with stage 4 cancer and 2) Michael can handle the surgery right now with cancer and symptoms with it. First step is talking to the oncologist to see if it is possible. But even if it is an option down the road it is a miracle that hearing is possible in that ear. It would be life changing for Michael.

The reason the hearing has went down in the good ear is oddly due to weight loss. There isn’t much the doctor can do for that. They are making a compound prescription to help some of the other symptoms caused by the issue. Which of course insurance doesn’t cover, but we will at least give it a try to see if it works for some of the symptoms.

In a nice surprise this week Michael got a care package from our good friends in Texas, Travis and Kaylee. The photo has the hat Kaylee hand made. It is from the softest yarn. Thank you so much for all the goodies in it. Perfect gift for Michael’s symptoms. Thank you Travis and Kaylee! You guys are so amazing!

Next week only has 2 appointments too. Just follow ups with PT and social worker. So shouldn’t be too tiring.