The big news is we went on our longest vacation to date and actually traveled across the country to Virginia where we both grew up. We visited with my family and got a chance to revisit both of our old stomping grounds. We got to catch up with our old college friends and were even able to attend one of our friend's 50th birthday bashes. We are indeed getting old. While back in Virginia, Jen wanted to go to the Maryland Renaissance Festival which was taking place while we were visiting. Jen and I had been a few times previously when we lived back there and she wanted to go again. It was a big day with a lot of walking. Unfortunately, while visiting we neglected to take any pictures. I do however have a video of Jen and I riding an elephant at the Ren Faire that one of our friends shot.
The trip took a lot of planning and coordinating in order to make it happen. Nothing is spontaneous with us anymore. Lots of medical supplies and food preparation equipment had to be shipped ahead of time and the first 2 days were spent in the kitchen cooking meals for Jen's Keto diet. We traveled with 5 pieces of luggage and 3 of them were full of nothing but medical supplies/equipment/medication. We fantasize about taking a trip to somewhere we have never been, but money is extremely tight and we realize that this may not be an easy endeavor. In traveling to Virginia, we at least had the benefit of being able to coordinate and ship things, as well as have my Father shop ahead of time for a lot of the things Jen would need while out there. Thanks again to my Mom and Dad who have been a great source of support throughout this ordeal. For those of you unaware, Jen's parents both passed away a while ago, but she does keep in contact with her sister who is planning to visit with us in the very near future.
We even managed to hold up the returning flight for about an hour. When the attendants asked Jen to stow her backpack in the overhead bin, she replied that she couldn't as it was attached to her. This caused much consternation and back and forth with the airline, pilots, and attendants. This occurred even though the device is FAA approved and I had called ahead to inform them of our situation and we had no issues flying back east on the same airline. Eventually they cleared her and fortunately we caught a great tailwind and only arrived about 20 minutes late.
And of course we also took in a couple of concerts. We saw ELO at the Bowl as well as Jim James in Ventura. Jen and I both thought that ELO was perhaps the best visual experience we have ever seen at the Bowl next to Dark Side of the Moon. The concert was really great.
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ELO at the Hollywood Bowl |
And now, the ugly. The sores on Jen's head from the Optune device continue to be a problem. Her skin is breaking down and it looks like we are going to have no choice but to stop using the machine until her skin heals. This will probably take about 2-4 weeks. We are extremely nervous about taking a break from something that may be greatly contributing to Jen's continued stability. She is still on it presently, as we are exploring additional options, but in all likelihood, she will be stopping it's use soon. Obviously, this will cause even greater worry as her next scan approaches. Right now, her next scan is scheduled for Dec 22, just in time for a great Christmas gift.
I'm so sorry your head is still sore Jen. Hopefully the break from the device will heal your head quickly so that you can return to the Optune head piece that seems to be working so well.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a nice trip to Virginia.
Love you and miss you.
Cluckie
How's Jen feeling without the Optune? We were so happy to spend so much time with you on your visit... best birthday gift for Steve, imho! Many hugs...
ReplyDeleteHow's Jen feeling without the Optune? We were so happy to spend so much time with you on your visit... best birthday gift for Steve, imho! Many hugs...
ReplyDelete