Our February was filled with recovery from an anxiety filled January and the second run of intense chemotherapy, which apparently did a number on Dave’s health. It also included flirtations with depression for Dave that is anxiety driven as he can’t do as much as he would like to be doing and is struggling to do the basic things that he was doing before related to technology and connecting with friends and family.
As we have worked through dealing with Dave’s cancer and subsequent health issues more frustration has crept into our lives as Dave’s strength has decreased due to extensive time on steroids for brain swelling and the chemotherapy treatment for the cancer. This decrease in strength has decreased his ability to do many physical things, especially a week or so after the chemotherapy week which as you can imagine creates a sense of inadequacy due to inability to do the things you wish to do.
Family Day weekend also didn’t go as planned, which really impacted Dave’s good nature. We had been trying to have a date night or an evening without the children as we hadn’t been able to do this in over two months. However, this again did not happen due to other family illnesses. We have been very cautious to not expose ourselves needlessly to colds, flues and other possible health issues. Self isolation has occurred more than once since September.
At our late February Doctors appointment we requested connection with councilors and a few other support services as I had reached my limit on being able to help with emotional challenges. I have realized that I adapt fairly quickly to changing health issues, but have a limit to my ability to ensure that those around me stay on the positive side of the changes. I have surprised myself with my own ability to stay on the positive side of things during this whole experience.
Also, during the appointment we were told that Dave’s platelet count was low and so the February chemotherapy week was delayed at least a week, which turned into 4. They also reduced the level of the chemotherapy back to the December level as it appeared Dave’s recovery from the higher level chemotherapy took much longer and was harder on his body than the lower levels. Even though he tolerated it at the time, there is more to the toleration of chemo goes beyond the potential sickness that can accompany it.
One very important thing we learned in February was that if you are self employed in Canada find a way to contribute to both CPP and EI as it appears you can’t access any of the supports available unless you have paid into either of these should you need support during a period of critical illness. AISH also becomes challenging to access if you have a spouse making a good income too. While you think you won’t use these resources, you never know when they might be useful.
Again, thank you to everyone for your continued support. We appreciate the check ins, prayers, positive thoughts and all of the other things that you are sending our direction. I’ll try not to go as long between updates; February was a very busy month for me at work and with the extra emotional stuff.
The Adams-Schlag Family 