You Can't Always Get What You Want . . . (a word from our sponsor - Mr. Bob himself!)

Greetings to all!

We're giving Jen the night off in order to rest her working/blogging hand: she is the main bread winner right now - in fact, the only bread winner - and we need those hands working! This will have to be a bit brief - compared to Jen's wonderful way with the pen - as I am only able to stand for short periods of time to type on my home computer, and sitting is not an option. I will try to throw in some emotion angle and flowery prose to all this in the near future, but right now I wanted to fill everyone in on what we know and how we are proceeding.

Yesterday, January 6th, we met with an orthopaedic oncologist at the the U of MN. We expected to know a bit more than we found out, as my biopsy and scans had been forwarded a few days earlier. We're finding out that medicine just doesn't seem to work this way. Yes, they 'need just another day or two' in order to clarify things: to us, it's an eternity. To them, it's being thorough. Measure twice, cut once. This 'cut' may be important, so I guesss they are entitled to a few more days. What I learned was that different types of Sarcoma need to be treated differently, and the course of treatment varies wildly - some respond well to surgery but not to radiation, and vice versa. As always, I told the doc he could start cutting that moment if he found a butter knife in the corner. I am ready, and try to reiterate that thought to all doctors, etc. in a nice, forward manner. So, we hope to have some news today or by Friday. That's all I can really relate right now. My dream is one surgery and it's all done. Sometimes I need to dream a bit.

We're still trying to figure out the 'good cop, bad cop' thing with the doctors. My current state has left me tired and unfocused at times, and Jen doesn't know just how far she should be pushing these people during these meetings. She said it was easy when I was in the induced 'coma' for 4-5 days with my heart attack - she just took charge. Now, I'm actually part of the discussions, (albeit not all there), and she doesn't want to overstep boundaries, get too overly emotional with the docs or try to speak for me if I'm able to myself. She felt rather frustrated and anxious after yesterday's appointment, wondering if she should have turned on the Crazy Wife act again . . . once again, I realize how hard this is on family.

My main issue recently has been dealing with pain and lack of sleep that goes along with this. It's a day-to-day thing. I know it's all wrapped in one, but I feel that I'd be better able to handle the rest of this issue if I had a clear mind (which would come with relief from the pain).

I have lost weight and not much food seems too appetizing to me.

I am - for all purposes - unemployed. I was swiching jobs when this all came about. Just kind of more insult to the injury. (YES, I did purchase health insurance through my previous employer!)

Yes, as Jen has stated many times (and I guess really isn't a secret) - I am a bit more 'private' than most people. But, I did want to offer the following...

*I have asked that phone calls to me be kept to a minumum right now: they still kind of wear me out, and they always come at the wrong time. I found myself getting crabby on the phone with people, and I didn't like it. My phone is 651.336.6625; feel free to call, but please don't be offended if I don't answer, or if I keep it short. . .

*Text messages are great for short notes! I really like them! Please leave an e-mail address if I don't already have yours.
*And, I may have scared some away regarding my personal e-mail. PLEASE use it! This is rjandrzejek@comcast.net

I will answer e-mails on my home computer (a bit tough at times) or on my Blackberry at my convenience. This little device has been very handy lately. Reply e-mails will normally be short on the old Crackberry, but it works surprisingly well. Jen has handled many phone calls and e-mails, and I just don't want her to get overloaded. Now, if I could only teach Rocco how to reply to e-mails...

Also, all the offers of help!!!!! THANKS!!!!! We probably wouldn't have to cook for the rest of the year (and Jen says if she plays her cards right, she won't have to do much of anything for a year . . .) We will let you know if there's anything you can do. The food, the treats, the rides have all been great, and I greatly appreciate all of it, and you!

We'll try to keep everyone updated with the Blog and e-mails. I think you can sign up (on the Blog page) to be notified when additions have been posted to the Blogspot.
Wish we had more to report, but we did think we were a bit overdue for an update.

To your health!
Peace and Love and Good Happiness Stuff!
Bob and Jen