It was a busy weekend. The pain is under enough control that the doctors felt comfortable to let us try and manage from home. Almost 20 days this time. Again, have to mention the amazing staff. Way more than just professional, but incredibly kind and caring. It makes such a difference when you leave at night knowing they really care as human beings and will do everything possible to make Kathleen comfortable as possible.
So, what was the cause of the back problems and infection ? They suspect probably mostly an impinged nerve. What was impinging it ? Good question. We had a meeting with the radiation doc and he said generally they need a target to blast. Only once had they done radiation of the spine without seeing an actual tumor– but there were many, many other factors to suggest cancer there. Kath is on some Lance Armstrong strength steroids, and that might have reduced the inflammation enough to help her back pain. She stops taking them tomorrow so we will see how things go.
In the mean time, I am sitting here in my living room next to Kathleen who is sleeping. Her IV meds finished for the night, some saline drip running slowly to keep the line from running dry. Its so good to have her home with me 
—Mike 
in the cancer bubble 
Welcome home my sweet friend! Xxo
Hi Kathleen and Mike,
You are so deserving of home time together! I hope you both sleep well and have sunshine to greet you in the morning.
hugs to you,
Stacee and Isobel
Hi Mike and Kathleen,
HOME! HURRAY! Great to be in your own space not having to negotiate constantly changing roommates in the hospital. Bet the pets are happy to see you and are doubling their efforts to make you feel better.
Love Judy
Kathleen, so glad you are back home! Hope you are feeling better soon. When people ask me what the worst part of my cancer treatment was, I said it was the sciatica pain related to my completely unrelated but poortly timed herniated disc! Far easier to bear that your back pain but it was awful. worse than the chemo itself. However, i do believe that week after week after week of steroids to assist in the chemo are what reduced the swelling and made the pain go away. Hopefully your back pain is being reduced by the steroids and it sticks!
Much love,
Maureen
Glad you are together at home. Welcome home, Kathleen.
It’s great to hear you’re home again, Kathleen. Your roomie will be much more considerate of you. I’m sure Betty will be happy to curl up with you once again.
Welcome Home Kathleen. I know Mike will take care of you. Hopefully you will have some relief from the back pain soon so you can build up your strength to continue this fight.
Sending love, hugs and prayers your way always.
Teresa
Awesome news, great to hear you are home!
That is great news! So happy to hear that Kathleen is home with her family. I pray that the pain in her back does not return and that she can get the rest she needs at home to get stronger.
Hello dearest Kathleen and Mike, I am so delighted to know that you are back in your own space with Orville and Betty. No doubt there will be lots of cuddles, purring and snuggling in your happy home. Wishing you comfort, peace and much love.
xoxoxo
I think we all breathe a sigh of relief that you are back home. I hope that you have a week of sunshine and healing. I pray that your pains settle down to nothing more than a dull ache. Doze away in the sun for a few days and gather your strength as the pain eases. Here’s a big gentle hug for you.
so good to hear you are home. much love and hugs to you both…
great news Mike. its good to have you both back home. you can now get a home cooked meal, right!
What a relief. I hope Orville doesnt make your return home all about him….he is such an publicity hound. I know for a fact, Betty will be the most relieved. We are all connected, dont you know…..fur creatures and us not-so-furry creatures. There’s no place like home as Dorothy so famously said. May the force be with you…..just thought of that…..I am not the religious type…..though I like to say ….”there’s no atheists in those foxholes”. I think that is from another movie. All my good thoughts are coming out as movie dialogue….that can’t be good. Well, I hope I made you laugh (at me)…..but its pretty easy to make Kathleen laugh as everyone knows….she’s bestowed with not just one funny bone. Welcome home, try & stay put, okay.
Woohoo! That is the best thing I have heard in a long time!!
Thrilled for you both! Let Orville take the proverbial back seat, Mike! Revel in having your beautiful lady home.
Here’s to many, many more nights at home.
With love,
Jennifer xo