Saturday, August 27, 2011
Genetic and Weather Forecasting
When the oncologist at MSK recommended at her first visit that Cathy should see the geneticist, we were speculating the reasons for this suggestion. In the area of cancer research, it appears that genetics is the latest forefront and some newer treatments have come about due to this research.
Cathy had a visit with the geneticist and recently got the results from some tests they did. They tested for two genetic mutations: Lynch Disease and MYH Associated Polyposis (MAP). The tests came back negative for both which we consider good news. There would have been more serious implications for Carrigan if they found a definite genetic mutation. Although this doesn’t answer a lot of questions regarding the origin of Cathy’s cancer, it may help researchers as they work on unraveling cancer’s mystery.
Cathy’s latest chemo session this week went well. Although the oncologist said that sometimes they see more side effects with treatment #7, fortunately Cathy didn’t fall into that group.
In the meantime, athough Cathy and Kyle moved away from Florida, it looks like they didn’t get away from hurricanes. It sounds like NY is going to get hit by Hurricane Irene while she stayed away from Florida. We are preparing for high winds and heavy rain but hoping it won’t be as bad as they’re forecasting.
Monday, August 8, 2011
New Routines and Familiar Faces
Cathy’s next chemo session (this Tuesday) will be her third one at Phelps. Besides a calmer and shorter day, another plus for Phelps is that Cathy is seeing familiar faces each session (although it's not quite "Cheers" - where everybody knows your name - yet). We all tend to thrive with a routine.
As for the routine at ‘blue house’, Carrigan has been enrolled full-time at the daycare center for awhile now. Since that was her routine in Florida, the transition has been very smooth. Her teachers have commented that, “It’s like she’s always been there.” She talks about her friends at school and surprisingly also talks about the friends she had in Florida. The full day schedule is not only good for her but also gives Kyle time to take care of other pressing matters and Cathy time to rest. Recently, Carra’s crib was converted to a youth bed. She didn’t leave much choice when she climbed out of her crib for the first time and she’s adjusted quite well to the change.
Cathy and Kyle have to remind themselves that ‘summer’ in NY has a different meaning than in FL. They have to plan activities to take advantage of the weather before we head into the cold winter weather. So far that has included trips to visit family, reunion with Cathy’s college friends, a visit to a local animal farm and playing in the backyard ‘kiddie’ pool. Hopefully, they can squeeze in a few more things before summer ends and before Kyle finds a job. The job search in the northeast is very different from FL as there are no county school districts but many districts within each county. Ideally, he would like to teach social studies in a middle school or high school. Kyle says this is the first time in 13 years that he may miss the opening day of school and it’s making him feel a little melancholy.
Coming up soon is a visit from Nana (Kyle’s mom) who will get to see them in their new digs and especially to spend time with Carra. It’s difficult to give OOO & XXX over Skype!
As for the routine at ‘blue house’, Carrigan has been enrolled full-time at the daycare center for awhile now. Since that was her routine in Florida, the transition has been very smooth. Her teachers have commented that, “It’s like she’s always been there.” She talks about her friends at school and surprisingly also talks about the friends she had in Florida. The full day schedule is not only good for her but also gives Kyle time to take care of other pressing matters and Cathy time to rest. Recently, Carra’s crib was converted to a youth bed. She didn’t leave much choice when she climbed out of her crib for the first time and she’s adjusted quite well to the change.
Cathy and Kyle have to remind themselves that ‘summer’ in NY has a different meaning than in FL. They have to plan activities to take advantage of the weather before we head into the cold winter weather. So far that has included trips to visit family, reunion with Cathy’s college friends, a visit to a local animal farm and playing in the backyard ‘kiddie’ pool. Hopefully, they can squeeze in a few more things before summer ends and before Kyle finds a job. The job search in the northeast is very different from FL as there are no county school districts but many districts within each county. Ideally, he would like to teach social studies in a middle school or high school. Kyle says this is the first time in 13 years that he may miss the opening day of school and it’s making him feel a little melancholy.
Coming up soon is a visit from Nana (Kyle’s mom) who will get to see them in their new digs and especially to spend time with Carra. It’s difficult to give OOO & XXX over Skype!
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