We're Home

Well, our news in Philly wasn't very good. Jimbob had assumed that they would apply the radiation plaque to the back of his eye again and everything would be back to normal. As much as he's wanted to deny it, the doctor told him the first time that he would eventually lose sight because the tumor was so close to the optic nerve. But that wasn't the way things went.

The tumor has nearly doubled since it was first discovered. At least he had another year and a half reprieve after his first treatment. The doctor in Philly recommended that his eye be removed to avoid 1. The possible return of the tumor...again. 2. Spread of the cancer to his brain if the radiation didn't kill all the cells.

My feeling is that there really isn't any choice here. I know it bothers Jimbob to think he'll go through the remainder of his life with an artificial eye, but compared to brain cancer... After discussing our next course of treatment, we decided to have the surgery done in Dallas versus Philly. It would only be day surgery (can you imagine?) and then the next day we'd be on the plane home.

That was Monday, so Tuesday we went sight seeing before coming home on Wednesday. The more I thought about it, it would have been really difficult for him to spend 4 hours on a plane the day after having his eye removed. Not to mention the hassle of me trying to deal with 4 bags by myself.

Tomorrow we see the surgeon who will remove his eyes. The same doctor will also fit him with the artificial eye. Supposedly he's an artist with what he does. Prayers are in order if anyone cares to take the time.

We saw the Liberty Bell

This is the church where John Adams attended.

And this is George Washinton's church.

Philadelphia

Jimbob and I are in Philly this week. The tumor behind his eye has returned and his doctor in Dallas thought it would be a good idea for him to come see the "World's" authority on this type of cancer.

His brother and sister-in-law were nice enough to give us round trip tickets. We're in a hotel in downtown Philly. Living in the city is really different than anything I've ever known.

We had a good flight weather wise. First from Dallas to San Antonio, then on to Philly. I've known for years that the airline seats are not made for even the average sized human and yesterday confirmed my theory.

Jimbob was on my right and he's like a four year old with ADD and a bad case of the hives. When we got to San Antonino, I acquired a guy on my left who was more than average, to say the least. By the time we got to Philly, I felt like I was black and blue from Jimbob bouncing around and me leaning away from our seat partner to avoid an elbow in the nose.

But we're here and safe and that's the most important thing.

California, Here She Comes

Miss Britt called me last night to say that she got her new car and it was wonderful. It was actually dropped at her apartment while she was at work, so she had to wait all day to go see it. I had loaded it with some of her things she'd left behind, a few new kitchen things, a couple of pictures she'd always liked, my old computer and the baby's birthday presents. Jimbob included a giant teddy bear at the last minute, so we strapped it into the passenger seat.

When she called, that's as close to giggly as I've ever heard her. Even as a kid she wasn't into giggling like a lot of little girls. But, it's there and I'm so glad she has something safe to drive.

I took this picture last Friday morning as it was loaded onto the truck. From here, it was consolidated on to an 18 wheeler to California.