Looking at my schedule, there is now an appointment on every (week)day for the next 10+ days. Doctor appointments, moving appointments, etc.
As for moving... In Theory, the movers will be packing us and unpacking us.
In Theory.
So, we're trying to pack, here and there... prune... throw out... not bring more in... this is going to be a challenge, because house is "lived-in" right up to the moment of moving and has to be "liveable" immediately upon un-packing.
Yay.
30 November 2005
Update - Day 1 of Treatment
Today was our first chemo day.
It was also the day after her surgery implanting the fantastic IV device.
She was incredibly sore and hurt to move her arms. So, I dived right in and started with my new role. I felt so much like Mr. Mom...
And while I'm thinking about it - how about a medal of some sort for Army wives? (Or spouses as I do know some husbands who are the non-Army type.) They've earned it. If you are a spouse (with or without children, not sure if it matters, but definitely with home-age children), and you do X amount of time while spouse is continuously away (school, deployment, whatever), you get recognition. Ceremony and all. Why not? The military is starting (finally) to recognize that the Family is just as integral to its planning as the Soldier. Let's get everyone in a nice ceremonial formation, call the spouses up and give them the recognition they deserve (hint: provide free childcare for the event).
Anyway, today was chemo day. She got a double dose to start off with. Pre-chemo drugs, post-chemo drugs, 6 IV bags, and hours of injections... She's a trooper. She has been sacked out the whole day, severe migraines, tummy aches starting... but, she's holding up ok.
Received more info from the doc. Her (breast) cancer is stage T3. According to the American Cancer Society website about stages of breast cancer, that means her tumor is large. And it is. It's a 10 cm tumor. For the metrically challenged, that's 3.93 inches at its largest dimension. The thing is a solid rock. Ladies (and men with ladies who'll let them - hahaha), check your breast. Soft, squishy... (for men without willing ladies, imagine a wrist support on a mousepad). Now, for comparison, her breast has the consistency of a concrete block. It is solid rock.
Ellicia has been approaching this with a wonderful good humor and a great attitude. We ARE going to beat this.
It was also the day after her surgery implanting the fantastic IV device.
She was incredibly sore and hurt to move her arms. So, I dived right in and started with my new role. I felt so much like Mr. Mom...
And while I'm thinking about it - how about a medal of some sort for Army wives? (Or spouses as I do know some husbands who are the non-Army type.) They've earned it. If you are a spouse (with or without children, not sure if it matters, but definitely with home-age children), and you do X amount of time while spouse is continuously away (school, deployment, whatever), you get recognition. Ceremony and all. Why not? The military is starting (finally) to recognize that the Family is just as integral to its planning as the Soldier. Let's get everyone in a nice ceremonial formation, call the spouses up and give them the recognition they deserve (hint: provide free childcare for the event).
Anyway, today was chemo day. She got a double dose to start off with. Pre-chemo drugs, post-chemo drugs, 6 IV bags, and hours of injections... She's a trooper. She has been sacked out the whole day, severe migraines, tummy aches starting... but, she's holding up ok.
Received more info from the doc. Her (breast) cancer is stage T3. According to the American Cancer Society website about stages of breast cancer, that means her tumor is large. And it is. It's a 10 cm tumor. For the metrically challenged, that's 3.93 inches at its largest dimension. The thing is a solid rock. Ladies (and men with ladies who'll let them - hahaha), check your breast. Soft, squishy... (for men without willing ladies, imagine a wrist support on a mousepad). Now, for comparison, her breast has the consistency of a concrete block. It is solid rock.
Ellicia has been approaching this with a wonderful good humor and a great attitude. We ARE going to beat this.
29 November 2005
Highly Motivated
Our Housing move has been approved.
Big news?
On its own, no... but, that's not all.
The paperwork was started on Monday... yesterday. By this morning, it was approved. Normally, a process which would take between 2-5 weeks happened in about 24 hours. Went from my base up the chain of command, signed off by personnel at several different bases around Germany, and came back.
So, next week, we move. Pack everything up and move. 8 days from now. Blistering speed.
Or, as the Army says, the system is Highly Motivated.
Had a meeting at the unit today. Present were myself, the First Sergeant, Commander, and various other leaders. Spelled out, again, that I need only ask for whatever I need. Also, they felt that the moving in 8 days was not NEARLY fast enough!
Amazing.
Just amazing.
Tomorrow is start of chemo day - we'll be able to start using the new "Porto-cath" that was installedtoday. Neat device.
Big news?
On its own, no... but, that's not all.
The paperwork was started on Monday... yesterday. By this morning, it was approved. Normally, a process which would take between 2-5 weeks happened in about 24 hours. Went from my base up the chain of command, signed off by personnel at several different bases around Germany, and came back.
So, next week, we move. Pack everything up and move. 8 days from now. Blistering speed.
Or, as the Army says, the system is Highly Motivated.
Had a meeting at the unit today. Present were myself, the First Sergeant, Commander, and various other leaders. Spelled out, again, that I need only ask for whatever I need. Also, they felt that the moving in 8 days was not NEARLY fast enough!
Amazing.
Just amazing.
Tomorrow is start of chemo day - we'll be able to start using the new "Porto-cath" that was installedtoday. Neat device.
27 November 2005
"Thank you, Cancer"
This is a new phrase about the house.
Why?
Well, from time to time, there comes these moments... you know the ones, a special time with the kids, a shared laugh with your spouse... time that needs no words, really. Or even, something like Thanksgiving with the whole family.
And at times like that, lately, we look at each other, smile, and say... "Thank you, Cancer." For without the Cancer, I'd still be in Afghanistan (and so many still are)and would miss all of these moments.
Thank you, Cancer...
Why?
Well, from time to time, there comes these moments... you know the ones, a special time with the kids, a shared laugh with your spouse... time that needs no words, really. Or even, something like Thanksgiving with the whole family.
And at times like that, lately, we look at each other, smile, and say... "Thank you, Cancer." For without the Cancer, I'd still be in Afghanistan (and so many still are)and would miss all of these moments.
Thank you, Cancer...
Junior Enlisted but Center of Attention
This is going to take some getting used to. Those of you who've served, especially with low rank, will understand this.
It is going to take some time to get used to my phone ringing and Captains and Majors being on the other end of the line. Company commanders, clinic commanders, head nurses, battalion commanders... these are all people who are not in the habit of calling junior Soldiers. I certainly am not used to being on their call lists.
This is different...
It is going to take some time to get used to my phone ringing and Captains and Majors being on the other end of the line. Company commanders, clinic commanders, head nurses, battalion commanders... these are all people who are not in the habit of calling junior Soldiers. I certainly am not used to being on their call lists.
This is different...
Blog News
Ok, it seems the blog stays. I was worried it was no longer relevant, but... judging by the comments and personal e-mails, the blog is worth keeping. Not just for the family... and as a way for me to log what's going on in my life... but Y'ALL seem to like it (have you nothing else to do? :) )
In other interesting piece of news,Milblogging.com has my blog ranked number 2 for Afghanistan blogs. Very flattering. I would be remiss if I didn't encourage y'all to go vote (signup is required), but not just for mine... vote for anyone's blogs you like so others will find them, as well.
I'm going to try to do some touching up to the blog soon. Time permitting.
For those of you who use feeds (if I just lost you, skip on by), I've set up a feed through Feedburner. Tell your friends, convert your enemies...
Thank you, again, for all your support and interest. I am really amazed by the site counter for one, and for even ranking at all.
In other interesting piece of news,Milblogging.com has my blog ranked number 2 for Afghanistan blogs. Very flattering. I would be remiss if I didn't encourage y'all to go vote (signup is required), but not just for mine... vote for anyone's blogs you like so others will find them, as well.
I'm going to try to do some touching up to the blog soon. Time permitting.
For those of you who use feeds (if I just lost you, skip on by), I've set up a feed through Feedburner. Tell your friends, convert your enemies...
Thank you, again, for all your support and interest. I am really amazed by the site counter for one, and for even ranking at all.
26 November 2005
Drug Update
Ok, here are the drugs that are going to be involved initially...
Sounds like a fun cocktail.
The weekly drug will be Herceptin.
The three week drug cocktail will be:
Taxotere
Adriamycin
Cytoxan - cyclophosphamide
In addition, there will be other drugs (not specified) to counter the delightful effects of the primary drugs.
Yippee.
Sounds like a fun cocktail.
The weekly drug will be Herceptin.
The three week drug cocktail will be:
Taxotere
Adriamycin
Cytoxan - cyclophosphamide
In addition, there will be other drugs (not specified) to counter the delightful effects of the primary drugs.
Yippee.
25 November 2005
The Blog
What to do with this blog?
I originally started this blog as both my own diary and an easy way to communicate with the entire extended family in one fell swoop.
It has, obviously, become so much more than that - however, the original purposes are still there.
The idea was that this was for my duration of my time in Afghanistan. As it seems that that has come to an abrupt end... what now?
Should the blog continue? Perhaps a renaming?
I am welcoming and open to suggestions. Please.
I originally started this blog as both my own diary and an easy way to communicate with the entire extended family in one fell swoop.
It has, obviously, become so much more than that - however, the original purposes are still there.
The idea was that this was for my duration of my time in Afghanistan. As it seems that that has come to an abrupt end... what now?
Should the blog continue? Perhaps a renaming?
I am welcoming and open to suggestions. Please.
Level of Support
In case I didn't TRULY believe my unit supported me...
Today, while at the doctor, the Company Commander and his wife babysat our three kids.
That's support. (Though, I'm not used to calling the babysitter "Sir".)
Today, while at the doctor, the Company Commander and his wife babysat our three kids.
That's support. (Though, I'm not used to calling the babysitter "Sir".)
Treatment
Ok, here are the latest updates.
There is nothing in the bones. That is Good.
There IS cancer in the breast and lungs. That is Bad.
The tumor in the breast is the treatable kind. That is Good.
It's still going to take a lot of treatment to get the lung cancer out. That is Bad.
For the breast, we're treating with Herceptin - an antibiotic once every week.
For the rest, we're using what's called "T-A-C" treatment, once every three weeks.
Radiation may come later.
On Monday, we'll have a special shunt installed in her chest that will make injections easier instead of perforating every vein she has. Neat trick.
Wednesday, first treatment. Yippee.
There is nothing in the bones. That is Good.
There IS cancer in the breast and lungs. That is Bad.
The tumor in the breast is the treatable kind. That is Good.
It's still going to take a lot of treatment to get the lung cancer out. That is Bad.
For the breast, we're treating with Herceptin - an antibiotic once every week.
For the rest, we're using what's called "T-A-C" treatment, once every three weeks.
Radiation may come later.
On Monday, we'll have a special shunt installed in her chest that will make injections easier instead of perforating every vein she has. Neat trick.
Wednesday, first treatment. Yippee.
Travel... Not for a Bit.
Well, it looks like we won't be traveling for awhile. While it seems to be a good idea all around, the doc did bring up a good point.
We're going to want to see how well she reacts to the treatment then we send her to the states for a few days...
So, maybe after New Year's Day.
We're going to want to see how well she reacts to the treatment then we send her to the states for a few days...
So, maybe after New Year's Day.
24 November 2005
Happy Thanksgiving
To all of those of you still downrange...
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Missing being there. Wish I was there with y'all.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Missing being there. Wish I was there with y'all.
23 November 2005
Opinions?
Mulling the idea of bringing Ellicia to the states briefly... maybe just 4-5 days... just me and her. Chance to see people before the treatments get too rough, etc.
Opinions?
Opinions?
22 November 2005
The Swirl of the Whirlwind
Well, let's discuss the last couple of days...
First, the trip home. It was mixed with both a sense of speed and molasses. Speed as I had the military version of the "Golden Ticket". Priority 1, Emergency Leave. Translated: No one left Kandahar before I did. Wherever I went, I was first in line. Even had a personal escort through the system in Qatar. The downside? Germany is it's own version of "You can't get there from here."
Strangely enough, even after watching plane after plane after plane fly through Kandahar daily... I couldn't get out. I had several options. Option 1 was to go to Manas, Kyrghystan (I'm sure it's spelled wrong, but since this country has several different spellings, I'm either using one or adding another one.) If I went there, I'd have been stuck until 1 December. No go. Option 2 was to Ali Al Saleem Air Base (remember Camp Holding Pen?) in Kuwait. GREAT option. Could almost immediately get another flight. BUT - the C-130 was nearly full with reserved mission pax, leaving only 4 seats. Of course, I was first in line for those 4 seats, but if they added last minute cargo, I'd have been stuck.
Option 3 was for Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This is the hub of the war. Sounds great, right? Well... turns out to be the best option, even though I faced a potentially long wait there.
Grabbed a C-17 to Qatar and off I go... 36 hours after receiving the Red Cross message (and this WAS the first flight offered I could get on.)
I landed in Qatar after an enjoyable C-17 flight - love the "Whale". It was full of cargo, but I staked out a seat and was comfy and happy and.... it was a C-17, so was pleased with life.
Anyway, landed and felt like I was at Middle-East Charleston. I counted no fewer than 7 Charleston C-17 tails, and several more from other bases... All packed tightly in. There was also another ramp for the tankers, some JSTARS, and every now and then, fighters were doing full-afterburner takeoffs... my tail was wagging.
They asked if anyone was on emergency leave, and... my hand shot up. I was culled from the herd, given a personal escort, and moved briskly through the in-process. Within 5 minutes, I was discussing my next flight (the others were still outside where they'd be for quite a bit longer).
The next military flight wasn't until 130 the next day (21 hours away), so... since I had a Golden Ticket, I was going to go check out the civilian side. Only had to wait a few hours until they opened, so wandered the base a bit until then.
With the Golden Ticket, the military will BUY me a ticket on civilian air to get me where I need to go... anywhere. Easy enough. I showed up for the opening of the office, and discovered it was already open (an hour early). I waited in line, and when I told them where I was headed, I was told that the next flight I could get would be the next morning. There WAS a flight earlier, but they'd already booked a team of 6 Spec-Ops guys (including a genuinely wonderful LTC who looked like he was sculpted from a GI Joe doll). The staff at the place tried to get the boss to understand I was Priority 1 Emergency Leave, but she wouldn't budge. I asked about other routings, but... her office had a policy of only booking a certain way.
Now, being slightly familiar with the workings of the travel system and having been given time to surf the net prior to flying from Afghanistan, I knew there were several different flights from Doha International to Germany (pick an airport - any airport). But, her office did have policies.
Well, the LTC (who'd been with me since KAF, and had seen I'd been on Emergency Leave) saw I was running into difficulties while his team had tickets. (This was fun to watch, and immensely helpful... I love watching people use their rank when not directed AT me.)
LTC: "Does this Soldier have a ticket?"
AF MSG: "No, we're all booked out."
LTC: "He's Emergency Leave..."
AF MSG: "Yes, but y'all took our last tickets."
LTC: "Then bump one of my guys."
AF MSG: "We can't, they're already booked."
LTC: "If HE doesn't fly, my team won't fly."
AF MSG: "Sir, your team has booked tickets. You can go ahead and fly."
LTC: "You don't understand, if that Soldier on Emergency Leave doesn't get a ticket, we will not fly and you can find us ANOTHER way."
AF MSG: "Let us check..."
(5 minutes go by)
AF MSG: "Well... if we route him through London, he can be in Germany tonight."
LTC: "That's what I'm talking about... book his ticket."
Me (outside a few minutes later): "Thank you, Sir... for everything."
So, I was booked on a Qatar Airways (the new darling of the military for civilian travel) to London and then Lufthansa to Frankfurt. I would get in late, but... still make it.
Qatar Airways is always pleasant to fly as they are quite luxurious, even in Economy class.
I walked into my home shortly after midnight, Monday morning, after approximately 45 hours of travel. Not bad.
Now what?
Well, I'm not on leave. The unit is helping me with a huge gift. I signed into the unit here immediately upon arrival meaning I'm not burning days of leave. Downside - I'm not on leave, and theoretically subject to formations, etc. However, since I live two floors above the 1SG and the unit is well aware of all that's going on... All I have to do is check in periodically, 1-2 times per day, and... I'm free to take care of business. Nice perk. Let's me save the leave for when I really need it.
Already, the whirlwind is blowing. Part of it is that everyone wants to help, and... we don't know what we need yet. Sort of like this: We KNOW that there's a Big, Bad Enemy out there. But we don't know what kind of enemy or how to fight it yet. We just know the battle is imminent.
Spoke with the base doc, and we're going to coordinate between the American and German systems, staying with the German primarilly for now (as the closest American hospital is four hours away). Doc is also going to get us a medical priority to move our housing so we won't be on the third floor anymore (once chemo starts, Ellicia will not be fond of stairs so much).
We have care givers lined up, in fact, in line waiting for the chance to watch the kids...
So, now we enter "Learning Week". We have two appointments this week where Ellicia will face a battery of tests as we try to recon just what kind of enemy we face.
Thank you, ALL, for your kind thoughts... and especially to my Angels, as my mission now changes to fight a new battle.
First, the trip home. It was mixed with both a sense of speed and molasses. Speed as I had the military version of the "Golden Ticket". Priority 1, Emergency Leave. Translated: No one left Kandahar before I did. Wherever I went, I was first in line. Even had a personal escort through the system in Qatar. The downside? Germany is it's own version of "You can't get there from here."
Strangely enough, even after watching plane after plane after plane fly through Kandahar daily... I couldn't get out. I had several options. Option 1 was to go to Manas, Kyrghystan (I'm sure it's spelled wrong, but since this country has several different spellings, I'm either using one or adding another one.) If I went there, I'd have been stuck until 1 December. No go. Option 2 was to Ali Al Saleem Air Base (remember Camp Holding Pen?) in Kuwait. GREAT option. Could almost immediately get another flight. BUT - the C-130 was nearly full with reserved mission pax, leaving only 4 seats. Of course, I was first in line for those 4 seats, but if they added last minute cargo, I'd have been stuck.
Option 3 was for Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This is the hub of the war. Sounds great, right? Well... turns out to be the best option, even though I faced a potentially long wait there.
Grabbed a C-17 to Qatar and off I go... 36 hours after receiving the Red Cross message (and this WAS the first flight offered I could get on.)
I landed in Qatar after an enjoyable C-17 flight - love the "Whale". It was full of cargo, but I staked out a seat and was comfy and happy and.... it was a C-17, so was pleased with life.
Anyway, landed and felt like I was at Middle-East Charleston. I counted no fewer than 7 Charleston C-17 tails, and several more from other bases... All packed tightly in. There was also another ramp for the tankers, some JSTARS, and every now and then, fighters were doing full-afterburner takeoffs... my tail was wagging.
They asked if anyone was on emergency leave, and... my hand shot up. I was culled from the herd, given a personal escort, and moved briskly through the in-process. Within 5 minutes, I was discussing my next flight (the others were still outside where they'd be for quite a bit longer).
The next military flight wasn't until 130 the next day (21 hours away), so... since I had a Golden Ticket, I was going to go check out the civilian side. Only had to wait a few hours until they opened, so wandered the base a bit until then.
With the Golden Ticket, the military will BUY me a ticket on civilian air to get me where I need to go... anywhere. Easy enough. I showed up for the opening of the office, and discovered it was already open (an hour early). I waited in line, and when I told them where I was headed, I was told that the next flight I could get would be the next morning. There WAS a flight earlier, but they'd already booked a team of 6 Spec-Ops guys (including a genuinely wonderful LTC who looked like he was sculpted from a GI Joe doll). The staff at the place tried to get the boss to understand I was Priority 1 Emergency Leave, but she wouldn't budge. I asked about other routings, but... her office had a policy of only booking a certain way.
Now, being slightly familiar with the workings of the travel system and having been given time to surf the net prior to flying from Afghanistan, I knew there were several different flights from Doha International to Germany (pick an airport - any airport). But, her office did have policies.
Well, the LTC (who'd been with me since KAF, and had seen I'd been on Emergency Leave) saw I was running into difficulties while his team had tickets. (This was fun to watch, and immensely helpful... I love watching people use their rank when not directed AT me.)
LTC: "Does this Soldier have a ticket?"
AF MSG: "No, we're all booked out."
LTC: "He's Emergency Leave..."
AF MSG: "Yes, but y'all took our last tickets."
LTC: "Then bump one of my guys."
AF MSG: "We can't, they're already booked."
LTC: "If HE doesn't fly, my team won't fly."
AF MSG: "Sir, your team has booked tickets. You can go ahead and fly."
LTC: "You don't understand, if that Soldier on Emergency Leave doesn't get a ticket, we will not fly and you can find us ANOTHER way."
AF MSG: "Let us check..."
(5 minutes go by)
AF MSG: "Well... if we route him through London, he can be in Germany tonight."
LTC: "That's what I'm talking about... book his ticket."
Me (outside a few minutes later): "Thank you, Sir... for everything."
So, I was booked on a Qatar Airways (the new darling of the military for civilian travel) to London and then Lufthansa to Frankfurt. I would get in late, but... still make it.
Qatar Airways is always pleasant to fly as they are quite luxurious, even in Economy class.
I walked into my home shortly after midnight, Monday morning, after approximately 45 hours of travel. Not bad.
Now what?
Well, I'm not on leave. The unit is helping me with a huge gift. I signed into the unit here immediately upon arrival meaning I'm not burning days of leave. Downside - I'm not on leave, and theoretically subject to formations, etc. However, since I live two floors above the 1SG and the unit is well aware of all that's going on... All I have to do is check in periodically, 1-2 times per day, and... I'm free to take care of business. Nice perk. Let's me save the leave for when I really need it.
Already, the whirlwind is blowing. Part of it is that everyone wants to help, and... we don't know what we need yet. Sort of like this: We KNOW that there's a Big, Bad Enemy out there. But we don't know what kind of enemy or how to fight it yet. We just know the battle is imminent.
Spoke with the base doc, and we're going to coordinate between the American and German systems, staying with the German primarilly for now (as the closest American hospital is four hours away). Doc is also going to get us a medical priority to move our housing so we won't be on the third floor anymore (once chemo starts, Ellicia will not be fond of stairs so much).
We have care givers lined up, in fact, in line waiting for the chance to watch the kids...
So, now we enter "Learning Week". We have two appointments this week where Ellicia will face a battery of tests as we try to recon just what kind of enemy we face.
Thank you, ALL, for your kind thoughts... and especially to my Angels, as my mission now changes to fight a new battle.
19 November 2005
Not Just Another Sign in the Zodiac
It's cancer.
The test results came back Friday.
I'm scheduled for Emergency Leave to go home for 30 days and try to help her through this. The docs want to start chemotherapy immediately.
Part of their concern is to reduce the size of the lump before excising it; part is also the spots on both lungs that were found when conducting further tests.
I am impressed with the speed with which the unit moved. From the time the Red Cross message came to the time that I was cut loose was under two hours. I have emergency leave paperwork (which makes me Priority One to leave Kandahar), my release from the Task Force - thank you, LTC, and the Red Cross Message.
The rear seems to be swinging into gear for support, as well; especially considering that it will still be days before I am home.
More later...
The test results came back Friday.
I'm scheduled for Emergency Leave to go home for 30 days and try to help her through this. The docs want to start chemotherapy immediately.
Part of their concern is to reduce the size of the lump before excising it; part is also the spots on both lungs that were found when conducting further tests.
I am impressed with the speed with which the unit moved. From the time the Red Cross message came to the time that I was cut loose was under two hours. I have emergency leave paperwork (which makes me Priority One to leave Kandahar), my release from the Task Force - thank you, LTC, and the Red Cross Message.
The rear seems to be swinging into gear for support, as well; especially considering that it will still be days before I am home.
More later...
14 November 2005
The Situation Continues
Today was doctor day.
We've endured the weekend. And I do mean endure. Between our minds giving us every possible scenarion (none good), surfing the web for education, and Ellicia... God bless her... truly enduring. She's bandaged and stitched, so can't bathe... but has 3 young-uns including baby boy who's learning the fast way how to drink from a bottle... often spitting up. Could NOT get clean this weekend, poor dear.
We had girded ourselves for several possibilities... Even beginning wrap our minds around the propsect that Ellicia is going to lose a breast (remember, that's our best case).
This was to find out if there was a worse case.
Maybe there is? Maybe there isn't. Doc did say that he'd never seen anything like it. Also said the results were delayed until Friday (Riss' 3 year birthday... what timing.)
So, back to waiting.
We've endured the weekend. And I do mean endure. Between our minds giving us every possible scenarion (none good), surfing the web for education, and Ellicia... God bless her... truly enduring. She's bandaged and stitched, so can't bathe... but has 3 young-uns including baby boy who's learning the fast way how to drink from a bottle... often spitting up. Could NOT get clean this weekend, poor dear.
We had girded ourselves for several possibilities... Even beginning wrap our minds around the propsect that Ellicia is going to lose a breast (remember, that's our best case).
This was to find out if there was a worse case.
Maybe there is? Maybe there isn't. Doc did say that he'd never seen anything like it. Also said the results were delayed until Friday (Riss' 3 year birthday... what timing.)
So, back to waiting.
12 November 2005
The Situation
So. What's going on? What has us so disturbed?
Well, Ellicia and I have discussed it. This blog is, essentially, my diary. Additionally, it's an easy way to communicate with family. Factoring in that essentially both posts (home and Kandahar) know what's going on... there's no reason not to post.
For those with purient interests, there will be no pictures.
Background
It's our belief to breastfeed our kids, as long as we can. The same has been true with Thomas.
Thomas has been gulping down milk, but apparently not as much as Leesh was putting out. Anyway, four months ago, a lump showed up in the right breast.
It didn't go away, and Ellicia went to the base clinic. Thinking it's milk, Doc #1 tells her to soak in hot water and massage, and it'll clear up.
Fast forward a bit.
Lump is there and bigger.
Leesh goes to clinic again, Doc #2 (who has issues with Thomas even being at the appointment with Ellicia) gives same treatment.
Lump is now size of tennis ball, and she's in pain.
Treatment doesn't work.
When I get home on R&R, the lump is visibly deforming the breast and is a hard, solid mass.
After I leave, she sees clinic Doc #3. This doc, also unfamilliar with the concept that lump in breast = bad, said he didn't know what to do or seen anything like it. Referred her to a German doc.
German doc: She goes to the doc who delivered Thomas. Anyway, after yelling at Ellicia for breastfeeding Thomas still, he examined her and determined that she needed immediate surgery.
With this news in hand, I felt that we needed a second opinion.
My wife's health at stake, I figured screw the chain of command and protocols. I called the clinic hoping to get the XO (who acts as the patient representative). He's elsewhere. I got a nurse/officer. Went through the detailed history and how we were on month 4 of a tennis ball lump in my wife's breast and asked for a) a doc different from one we'd already seen and b) someone to take this seriously and examine or refer her to a specialist who would. Was given an appointment with the clinic commander for the next day (Tuesday, this week).
Tuesday
She goes in. Doc examines her and determines that yes, she needs surgery. Now. Well, can't just leave 3 kids abandoned. So, surgery scheduled for Thursday.
Thursday
Ellicia goes in for surgery. I'm losing my mind worrying about her.
Friday
I make contact with Ellicia. Doc had just been in.
.
.
.
.
It wasn't milk.
Doc said that he'd been expecting an abscess to flush out. Instead, she has a solid lump. It's "highly organized" and well connected to the tissues. Said that if he'd taken it out then, she'd have lost most of her breast. Did a biopsy.
Where We Are Now
Waiting for results on Monday.
Best case? It's benign. Still has to come out. Most of breast will need to be cut.
Worst case? You've seen the commercials.
My command is aware.... however, I've been appraised that unless it's immediately life-threatening, the Colonel will most likely not let me leave to go home.
So right now, we're just waiting for the results... so we know what we're facing.
I want to go home. Need to take care of my wife. She is such an angel. Actually told me that she understood how I felt and that what I was doing here was important. Sigh. Love her.
But she needs my help. She's got this minor detail... plus three young-uns demanding attention.
More when we know more.
Well, Ellicia and I have discussed it. This blog is, essentially, my diary. Additionally, it's an easy way to communicate with family. Factoring in that essentially both posts (home and Kandahar) know what's going on... there's no reason not to post.
For those with purient interests, there will be no pictures.
Background
It's our belief to breastfeed our kids, as long as we can. The same has been true with Thomas.
Thomas has been gulping down milk, but apparently not as much as Leesh was putting out. Anyway, four months ago, a lump showed up in the right breast.
It didn't go away, and Ellicia went to the base clinic. Thinking it's milk, Doc #1 tells her to soak in hot water and massage, and it'll clear up.
Fast forward a bit.
Lump is there and bigger.
Leesh goes to clinic again, Doc #2 (who has issues with Thomas even being at the appointment with Ellicia) gives same treatment.
Lump is now size of tennis ball, and she's in pain.
Treatment doesn't work.
When I get home on R&R, the lump is visibly deforming the breast and is a hard, solid mass.
After I leave, she sees clinic Doc #3. This doc, also unfamilliar with the concept that lump in breast = bad, said he didn't know what to do or seen anything like it. Referred her to a German doc.
German doc: She goes to the doc who delivered Thomas. Anyway, after yelling at Ellicia for breastfeeding Thomas still, he examined her and determined that she needed immediate surgery.
With this news in hand, I felt that we needed a second opinion.
My wife's health at stake, I figured screw the chain of command and protocols. I called the clinic hoping to get the XO (who acts as the patient representative). He's elsewhere. I got a nurse/officer. Went through the detailed history and how we were on month 4 of a tennis ball lump in my wife's breast and asked for a) a doc different from one we'd already seen and b) someone to take this seriously and examine or refer her to a specialist who would. Was given an appointment with the clinic commander for the next day (Tuesday, this week).
Tuesday
She goes in. Doc examines her and determines that yes, she needs surgery. Now. Well, can't just leave 3 kids abandoned. So, surgery scheduled for Thursday.
Thursday
Ellicia goes in for surgery. I'm losing my mind worrying about her.
Friday
I make contact with Ellicia. Doc had just been in.
.
.
.
.
It wasn't milk.
Doc said that he'd been expecting an abscess to flush out. Instead, she has a solid lump. It's "highly organized" and well connected to the tissues. Said that if he'd taken it out then, she'd have lost most of her breast. Did a biopsy.
Where We Are Now
Waiting for results on Monday.
Best case? It's benign. Still has to come out. Most of breast will need to be cut.
Worst case? You've seen the commercials.
My command is aware.... however, I've been appraised that unless it's immediately life-threatening, the Colonel will most likely not let me leave to go home.
So right now, we're just waiting for the results... so we know what we're facing.
I want to go home. Need to take care of my wife. She is such an angel. Actually told me that she understood how I felt and that what I was doing here was important. Sigh. Love her.
But she needs my help. She's got this minor detail... plus three young-uns demanding attention.
More when we know more.
Follow-Up to "What to Do"
Well, talked with re-enlistment... going to hold off on that. I'm bound to be deployed again before my six years are up, and if I wait, I can get more $$$. $8000 now, or... $22,000 later. Tax-free if I do it while deployed.
Still looking into officer options, though.
Still looking into officer options, though.
11 November 2005
09 November 2005
It Comes From Above
A startling development tonight...
There were unusual noises coming from the roof. A rapid, pitter-patter... too early for Santa's reindeer...
What might it be?
It could be...
Nah...
Couldn't be.
Could it?
Peeked outside.
It was!
It was raining.
Wow.
So, the rainy season has begun. I'm looking forward to cold mud now. Yay.
Oh, and shortly afterward, there was a rocket attack. LOUD. Shook the building. Very close. I'll find out soon.
There were unusual noises coming from the roof. A rapid, pitter-patter... too early for Santa's reindeer...
What might it be?
It could be...
Nah...
Couldn't be.
Could it?
Peeked outside.
It was!
It was raining.
Wow.
So, the rainy season has begun. I'm looking forward to cold mud now. Yay.
Oh, and shortly afterward, there was a rocket attack. LOUD. Shook the building. Very close. I'll find out soon.
Hospital - and Distance
Tomorrow, Ellicia has to go into the hospital. Supposedly, minor surgery, but... she'll have to be put under and stay a night or two.
The Army doesn't think it's serious (it's not "life-threatening"). The docs at the clinic won't even write a Red Cross message, much less sign or send one.
So.
Luckily, we know some kind souls willing to watch over three young-uns, including one who is about to go through unexpected and complete weaning.
Feel horrible for being unable to be there.
Can't help.
Can't hold hand.
Can't be there for when she comes out.
Sigh.
No way to contact her... have to wait until she contacts me.
(I guess the shoe's on the other foot, in a sense.)
This sucks.
(As they say in the shop, it's a big pile of suck.)
Hoping for the best... nervous, worried... guilty.
The Army doesn't think it's serious (it's not "life-threatening"). The docs at the clinic won't even write a Red Cross message, much less sign or send one.
So.
Luckily, we know some kind souls willing to watch over three young-uns, including one who is about to go through unexpected and complete weaning.
Feel horrible for being unable to be there.
Can't help.
Can't hold hand.
Can't be there for when she comes out.
Sigh.
No way to contact her... have to wait until she contacts me.
(I guess the shoe's on the other foot, in a sense.)
This sucks.
(As they say in the shop, it's a big pile of suck.)
Hoping for the best... nervous, worried... guilty.
What To Do?
Trying to decide... where do I go from here?
I like the military, even now which may be surprising (more 'bout that in a future post). I want to stay in it.
But, what route to take?
There are quite a few options.
I like the military, even now which may be surprising (more 'bout that in a future post). I want to stay in it.
But, what route to take?
There are quite a few options.
- Do nothing. Wait and see.
- Go Warrant Officer. Try to become a pilot (rotary-wing) for the Army. Year training. Relocate family (again). And could end up flying any kind of chopper anywhere in the army. Benefit: Officer. Flying.
- Go Commissioned. Possible, but... could end up in the Infantry or Armor. No thank you.
- Re-Enlist. I can even do this right now, though I have three more years left on my current contract. Do it now, and I'll get $8,000 tax-free right now... and commit through 2012.
- Green to Gold. Return to College, stay on Active Duty (still get paid and housing), but have to pay for tuition on my own. Strict entry requirements.
- Combine 4 & 2. Reenlist, take the money, and then go warrant. Laugh to the bank.
Thoughts?
Not Sure Where to Start
Bear with me... I've got quite a bit rattling around in the noggin and I'm trying to get it down...
05 November 2005
Steady As She Goes...
Ok, not in the Navy. And certainly not on a ship. But, if I were, then that's the thought.
Everything is just going super-smoothly... It's quiet. There's steady work.
With the First Sergeant on R&R, I've stepped up and moved into the Command Post fulltime, until his return. It's keeping me busy, as I assist the (Acting) First Sergeant in running the company.
Quite flattering. Not sure how it's going to affect my plans for skill development, however, as it will be another two full months of no aircraft work - and quite likely, I'll forget a good bit I worked so hard to learn.
It is getting chilly here. But warm and comfy during the day.
Settling back into the routine. Each day brings me closer... just one step closer to being home.
Everything is just going super-smoothly... It's quiet. There's steady work.
With the First Sergeant on R&R, I've stepped up and moved into the Command Post fulltime, until his return. It's keeping me busy, as I assist the (Acting) First Sergeant in running the company.
Quite flattering. Not sure how it's going to affect my plans for skill development, however, as it will be another two full months of no aircraft work - and quite likely, I'll forget a good bit I worked so hard to learn.
It is getting chilly here. But warm and comfy during the day.
Settling back into the routine. Each day brings me closer... just one step closer to being home.
Pictures from Kuwait
Here we go with some more pictures. I took these in Kuwait. The first one shows the Tent City that makes up the Holding Camp. Rows and rows of tents. Each holds about 14 personnel. They come and go, all the time... Like the tides, a constant ebb and flow of personnel moving through, supporting the war... and going Home.
One of the few niceties about the camp were the beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The remaining photos are me trying to capture a sunset.
One of the few niceties about the camp were the beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The remaining photos are me trying to capture a sunset.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)