All set for the next leg to begin...

He had the official surgery follow up this morning, and he's recovered quite well. The doctor has no concerns on that part of the plan.

So, he will have the first radiation treatment Tuesday, Jan. 3. And first chemotherapy the next day. So, the next leg of this journey begins in earnest on Tuesday. 

The original cyst he discovered on his neck is looking worse - which indicates to them that the sooner the radiation treatment gets started, the better. 

The doctor really stressed the importance of not missing ANY radiation treatments, even when he feels bad. Which may very well be the case as we go along.

He's starting to get more and more anxious. He was a nervous wreck this morning. Couldn't eat, felt weak. We've gotten him a cane to use, just to help him feel more secure on stairs and longer treks. 

Now that we're back home, he's eaten and has relaxed a lot (watching some college football). But I imagine next week is going to be rough, although they don't expect side effects will start immediately. 

Certainly scary for me, so I can only imagine how he feels. I am grateful I can be with him. ❤

In the meantime, we'll be making sure he eats well and does his swallowing exercises to strengthen that function to help combat the radiation impact.

So far, I've managed to be a calm rock at the hospital, at the various appointments. I get wobbly at other times, but we do our best not to dwell in the dark feelings. Just try to acknowledge it's hard, take some deep breaths, and distract ourselves. Our anxiety shows up much more when faced with random life problems, like getting the laundry done. "Annoying" can just be too much at times.

This cancer thing sucks up so much of our focus and energy, every single day. And nights, which have been their own adventure, although no more walking sleep fugues the last couple of nights. Which is a great relief.

Hardest stuff is still to come, but he's determined, as am I. Expectation for a successful outcome is high. 

And he just got news that the film he shot with Jake Johnson is going to be included in some film festival, one we've never heard of, and we don't know when exactly - but, considering it isn't really done yet, sounds good!

2023 is sure gonna be a crazy adventure.