Things just got a “bit more” real

OK, so the past 2-3 weeks went from a period of “waiting” to now, starting radiation on Monday (tomorrow). My team has been debating the last few weeks on SRS (targeted radiation) vs. overall radiation. Well, decision has been made. Overall radiation starting tomorrow. My case was presented to the Tumor Board on Friday. Yep, add Tumor Board to my resumé. So I have that going for me. There are plus’ and minus’ with both options of radiation. I am just happy to get this started. I will do radiation for 2 weeks, then after radiation, start a new Targeted Therapy. Basically it is similar to 22 months ago. Back in Nov. 2107, I had 10 sessions of radiation on my spine, then started Afatinib (my targeted therapy). This time around, 10 days of brain radiation followed by Tagrisso (my new targeted therapy). Yes, brain radiation does sound scary, but my Nurse Practitioner assures me it is NOT Scary. When the cancer spreads to the brain, they tell me that they KNOW what to do. So all good there. Sounds scary to the average person … but all is good for my team, so they tell me. And we do have a relationship where they do NOT blow smoke up my you know where. Also, much like 22 months ago, I am not to be driving. So that is a bit of a bummer. Driving = Freedom. And I feel my freedom has been stripped from me a little bit. But in no time … I will be back driving. I do have so much more to say. But Las night was Logan’s homecoming, so we took him and his friends to La Costa Resort for dinner / took pictures. Today is Devon’s baseball game, my ass’t coach is picking me up since I cannot drive. And then after the game, Oktoberfest here in San Elijo Hills (walking distance from my casa, which is nice) … so just trying to get some normalcy in for the weekend before my radiation tomorrow. Main side effect, I will be a bit tired / wiped out. Hopefully not too much — my radiation last time had minimal side effects … a boy can dream for minimal side effects this time around as well.

And to my amigos in Falcon Nation … sorry I had to miss camping this weekend. I truly missed it. Crazy when I left my house at 3:30pm on Friday, all was fine and by 4:00pm, everything changed for the weekend plus the following 2 weeks … “Pivoting” is something I am definitely striving to improve on!

SMHS HoCo 2019 – Logan and his group of friends
(Logan in black & red with sunglasses)

22 thoughts on “Things just got a “bit more” real”

  1. Baby steps, one day at a time. Hugs your loved extra tight each day cause none of us know when the sand has run out. Hang in there sending positive vibes you have minimal side effects this go round.

  4. Sending you SO MANY good vibes, prayers & unicorn dust!! You’ve got this Joel!! Enjoy being ubered around for a bit too. Driving Mr Joel! ❤️🙌🏻💪🏻🚕

  7. Go get em, JG. Kick C’s Ass!! We’ll touch base with Mo this week and see what we can do and when we should do it. Dinner and other? Prayers brother!!

  8. Continued well wishes and prayers for you to fight C’s ass! We (and so many others!) are here to support and help your family in any way necessary. Mo knows she can reach out at any time and we will come running! Be it meals, rides, shopping, and HUGS. You got this, Joel! 🙏🏼❤️

  9. You will beat cancer into submission. Also, I’ll be your personal Uber when you need/want. I know my way to all of the local hospitals… Love you Brother,
    Boda

  10. We definitely missed you on the beach this weekend! But you should be proud of The Tribe who brought home the Falcon Head with their Tug-o-Lobos (yeah, we tried to call it the Tug-o-Soar but we got out first round). Thinking best thoughts for you, Joel!

  11. You’ve got this Joel! 💪🏽 Stay stron my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  12. Will be thinking of you bud and sending positive vibes your way – you are gonna beat this again.

  13. Good luck tomorrow Joel. Praying for total success and no side effects. Missed you guys yesterday.

  14. Joel,
    Praying for successful treatment, swift healing, strength and peace for you and your family. The Schulze’s

  17. Good luck with treatment today and over the coming weeks.

    P.S. I had a pair of snippers with me in my tent…just in case 🙂

    See ya soon buddy!

  19. You got this! Stay strong💪! Praying for you. We love you guys!❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

  21. Joel….We think about you every day….hoping you beat it and live a long, long life. There’s nobody I know like you. You are unique. We love you.
    Harry and Margo

  22. Somehow I just saw this post. Hope you are actively kicking cancer’s @ss and not feeling too worn out from it. You got this!!

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