Prepping

All this prep-work has Gil little overwhelmed. He's been poked and prodded so much this last week it made him really tired yesterday. Although he is feeling good - he did some work at church changing lights, doing musical arrangements - he still tires out easily.

All the testing this week (PET, CAT & Muga scans, about 12 tubes of blood for tests, pulmonary function...), meeting the financial officer (Yikes! This is expensive), social worker (who was out sick, so had a sub), has left us a little worried and confused. We will be applying for financial assistance that may cover our lodging among other things.  Some of the info regarding visitors and giving me (the caregiver) a break was a little confusing so I hope we find out more this week.

I started my leave of absence from work. Getting a note from the Dr.'s office has been more challenging than expected. Thought I had everything settled a week ago, but they haven't sent it yet (that I know of), the dates are all wrong for what I put in for - but I'm his primary caregiver so I can't work the entire time I'm with him, not just for his basic treatment! Frustrating!

And wouldn't you know it, I caught a cold. I'm doing everything I can to get rid of it quickly, but better now than while he's in treatment, right?

I'm guessing that overwhelmed feeling Gil has had this week will hit me soon enough. Maybe I can keep myself distanced enough, but I gotta keep my head on and clear.

This week's schedule:
March 20: Meet with Dr. 10am - 11am

March 21: Class 10 - 11:30am, Psychologist 12:30 - 2:30pm

If you are interested in the gift of giving, please give to your favorite charity! Some that are currently near & dear to us are:
 
American Cancer Society -  they fund Hope Lodge among other things

Leukemia & Lymphoma society - they fund some of the best research and have been a great source of information.
Also, Team in Training is a great fundraising athletic group for the LLS - I am an alumni and if you would like to help support an athlete supporting the LLS, I will happlily give you information.

And of course please support Moffitt Center - the hospital that will be caring for Gil is a non-profit organization itself.

As we find out more we will let you know. As we prepare for our move we may ask for a little help from our friends. And if you want to give the gift of entertainment (who knows what kind of time we'll be spending in our housing) we are fans of iTunes and Amazon gift certificates!! :)

We thank you all for your continued support and hope this blog may help someone else understand their experience - you are not alone.

God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can [minister], we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.  ~ Romans 12:6-8 (CEV)