R.E.M (Life’s Rich Pageant 1986)

The meaning behind the title of the R.E.M album is “a phrase that encourages acceptance of the unenjoyable things that happen in life”. I’d say that’s quite apropos. And the reason I was thinking about the album was bc of the song, I Am Superman.

I am, I am, I am Superman and I know what’s happening 🎼

I am, I am, I am Superman and I can do anything

Let‘s put aside the fact that it’s actually a song about a semi-delusional narcissist who’s kind of stalking a girl 😂 and apply it to C. As you might recall in the last post, we were to be starting a 3 week re-induction chemo treatment(s). He started the combined (Vyxeos) IV chemo on Monday night and the pill chemo (Venetoclax) on Wednesday. So by last night, he had his 2nd night of the combined (technically night “3” of 1/3/5) and the oral one as well. 3 chemos. A really strong and promising new combination (currently in late phase clinical trials at MDA) that they are able to give him bc he is young, strong, and his organs are in great shape. Even his liver 😏🍺. He didn’t take anything other than vitamins prior to admittance, rarely even ibuprofen! And he is tolerating it extremely well. No wonder “I Am Superman” keeps replaying in my mind. Other than some head bobbing 😴 by the end of the day, he is feeling great. And the 8 straight days of awesome visits/company might also be adding to his fatigue!

We had a funny incident happen this week. For C’s daily shower, I have to go into the bathroom and tape up his PICC lines with clear plastic adhesives. I suppose we could do this in the room except the bathroom is heated, and another small detail yet unmentioned.....the room has cameras!!! As in 24-hour surveillance. 😳 Weird, I know. The first week we did a whole human screen thing to change, and then just decided it was easier to go into the bathroom. Anyway, I had gone in to help him and then left to go down the hall to do something else. When I returned there were two nurses waiting in the room, kind of whispering and huddled together. They died laughing once they saw me bc they were certain that a supply closet scene from Grey’s Anatomy was in the works. One last hurrah before another round of chemo!?!

On a more serious note.....I have had more offers than I can count to bring dinner or help make food. From friends, work friends offering organic food delivery, family.....however, I have generally declined bc I felt like it was A LOT to ask someone to adhere to all the specifications of the meal prep. Why yes, “said person” - please be kind enough to offer to make a meal, and then let me tell you exactly how to make it. Organic, calorie dense (but only healthy calories), mostly dairy free, no added sugar, low salt as chemo makes him sensitive to salt, no precut vegetables in case handled incorrectly at grocery store, lean protein, etc. Seems less than gracious on my part - which I realize is MY issue and no one would mind, but we all have our flaws. 🤷‍♀️ So I have been finding myself a little overwhelmed in the hours outside the hospital when there are so many things to be done, but not nearly enough hours in the day to do them. C’s clothes, hats, throw blankets have to be washed daily (germs), y’all know it takes 20 minutes to get anywhere in this town 🙄, he now eats 3 meals/day vs one, the only diversion to his days IS food variety, and it needs to be shopped for and made, etc. My mother literally helps with ANYTHING I ask, but Babs-kitchen-stove-pan-ladle-dice-chop-grill-boil-measure-saute-grate (you get the picture) don’t go hand in hand. 😂 She will kill me for that! So my brother called on Tuesday and simply said, “one of my best friends is in a hospital bed on chemo, and my other best friend is trying to do everything, so I’m grabbing a flight this evening and coming up”. And that’s what he did. He’s a great cook, and he enlisted our friend Ashley (great cook as well) with a sous chef (AKA awesome cleaner/organizer) in my mom to help stockpile our food supply. They have been cooking since Tuesday and our freezers are full with individually portioned meals!!! I worked out the last two days - which is my place of solace. 🧘‍♀️ Having all that food at the ready has taken a huge weight off so I couldn’t be more grateful. And C will probably like his food choices even better! I also want to thank our friend Alex for making Craig SEVEN loaves of delicious banana bread!!!

Last up on today’s update.......The GrisRawls Family Christmas!!! We figured we had two choices. Mimic more refined home decor, or go Pinterest/kitschy! The latter won! We’ve (ok, mostly my brother) gussied up the room. It’s now befitting of its occupant. 😜

Hope this finds you all well,

C&A