Done.
I'm officially done with radiation
In all honesty it seems so surreal; like the more things change, the more they stay the same (moe. anyone?). Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked that I'm done...but the reality is I still have a long road ahead of me and this is just a stop along the way, albeit an important one...
Celebrated the milestone at IHOP (I know...FANCY) and met most of the family there. I have a confession...I thought this would be a nightmare!! You see....first time restaurant-goers for the twins. But they were so good...and they ate VERY well (very picky!)! Timmers had at least 4 good sized pancakes with syrup; B had 3 and a half pancakes and 3 pieces of bacon! It was comforting for me to be with those I care about most; your support through this has given me strength and I hope you know how much it means to me.
Funny story about Tim...the kids were off running around outside on the sidewalk when Tim stops, and points to a sweeeeet Dodge Viper and said, "I want to ride in that!" Hilarious
On the afternoon of May 12th, I will have my first three month check-up with Dr. Aizenberg and The Team; but first in the morning (gotta get my Zio's for lunch
) I will have a moment of truth, the first MRI since they wheeled me into the tube the evening after my surgery. It will serve as a baseline for how my brain looks now. Keep your fingers crossed... I will continue to go to Omaha every three months for an MRI and a check-up for the next 2-3 yrs.
My brother-in-law asked me tonight "what's next?"...appears that is the million dollar question as I have no solid answer. So I guess that's the next step...figuring out my next step. I have been so focused on the here and now I haven't allowed much thought for the future. Fatigue caused by the radiation will continue, probably through sometime next week before I notice any change; that + the steroids = still no sleep. They are aggressively tapering me off the steroids and I am SO thankful for that. I can't tell a difference so far with how I feel, but I'm hoping that as I get down to 1mg a day and then I'm done with steroids on Monday that my health will quickly return.
Oh yeah....to top it off...I have walking pneumonia (just means it was caught early). Got a real nice 'hack' that fits right in well with all the other side effects I've encountered.
Oh well....it is what it is, right? Another obstacle down, and time to rest and get healthy before I tackle the next one.
I hope you all are well....TB


April 16th, 2010 - 12:48
Great news on being done with your treatments! I can’t even imagine how that must feel!!! Way to plow through this – you have amazing strength & positivity! Continuing to keep you in our prayers…
April 16th, 2010 - 11:06
Travis,congratulations on all of your endeavors keep walking that golden road,there is a pot of gold at the end ,and if anyone deserves it ,it is you and your family .You and Karla Jean and the boys have came a long way,so proud of you both ,Cant wait to see you next month.
April 15th, 2010 - 18:31
Congrats on finishing radiation, can’t wait to celebrate with you and Karla next month!
April 15th, 2010 - 17:39
Travis, I am so proud of you and your strength! I admire the strength that you and Karla have had through all of this. You two are truely an inspiration. We will continue sending positive waves your direction. Can’t wait for May to celebrate!
April 15th, 2010 - 12:40
maybe your next step should be to purchase a dodge viper & let tim ride in it! all kidding aside, like mike said & i’ve said many times – we are all so proud of you & of karla. you guys have been so positive and have just done what needed to be done without hesitation. we love you guys:)
April 15th, 2010 - 12:19
Glad the radiation is over, Travis! I love that you took your family to IHOP to celebrate. IHOP is the perfect place to introduce your boys to the wonderful world of restaurants. Congrats on getting through that first meal out with them!
April 15th, 2010 - 11:47
Congrats on the big step, Travis. We are so excited to see you guys! I’m looking for a leash for French…
April 15th, 2010 - 11:36
Great news Travis! Congratulations on the end of radiation and the trip to IHOP…dining out with kids can be a nightmare….nothing you can’t handle though!!!! Looking forward to seeing you in a month!
April 15th, 2010 - 11:22
Travis – that’s awesome news! I couldn’t be happier for you and your loved ones! I think your next step is just to live – that alone will be an inspiration to us all.
As for your MRI – I will be thinking of you and praying that all goes well. The first one after something like this is scary, but if anyone can get through it you can!
April 15th, 2010 - 10:59
Great news! I agree, enjoy every day as it comes. Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans, right? Wisdom of The Beatles!
April 15th, 2010 - 10:52
Travis, I knew you would make it through this, and your story is remarkable. You and your wife are two very strong people. I’m proud to know both of you.
As far as whats next, you just gotta live your life now. You kicked cancer’s ass and took names. Enjoy what you have, and don’t sweat the small stuff.